Munster’s first Blueway opens in Cork

A network of water trails has been developed off the south coast to boost marine leisure activity.

Munster’s first Blueway — a series of water trails unveiled around Bantry Harbour in West Cork yesterday — offers canoeists, kayakers, and paddle boarders a choice of a 2km, 6km, or 9km looped route around the harbour.

The network includes launch points, seven stop-offs, camping locations, and several points of interest starting at Abbey Slipway, and taking in Whiddy Island before moving across to Reenbeg Point and back via Railway Pier.

There are exclusion zones around mussel farming operations, wind flags to indicate wind strength and direction, and cautions about tidal flows at the southern and northern tips of Whiddy.

But the trails have been designed to be enjoyed by all ages and abilities, from beginners to experienced water sports enthusiasts.

The network was developed by Bantry Bay Port Company, in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the Irish Sports Council National Trails Office, Canoeing Ireland, BIM, and Fáilte Ireland.

Port company chairman John Mullins said they hope the project will allow locals and visitors to experience the beauty of Bantry Bay.

“With the market for adventure and marine tourism on the rise here in Ireland and internationally, Bantry is in a prime position to benefit from this trend,” he said.

“I am confident that we will see visitors from across Ireland and abroad visiting Bantry to enjoy not only the Blueway but also the many other activities and events that Bantry and the West Cork region has to offer.”

Josephine O’Driscoll, from Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way team, said the Blueway will offer visitors another great experience along the coastal tourism route.

Dr Vera O’Donovan of the South West Fisheries Local Action Group, which supported the project, said she hopes it will serve as a template for similar projects along the south-west coast.

Full details are available on the marine leisure section of bantrybayport.com.