Bilingual walking app to act as ‘virtual guide’ for valley

The first smartphone walking app in both Irish and English, which will guide visitors around one of the country’s most scenic yet unsung districts, was launched at the weekend.

The app will act as a virtual guide around the Nire Valley area of the Comeragh Mountains in Co Waterford once it becomes available to download later this month. Walkers and visitors can navigate four new scenic Nire Valley Walking Trails and also learn about the history and culture of the region at the same time.

RTÉ presenter and walking enthusiast John Murray officially launched the trails on Saturday at a celebration in Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford. Developed to National Trails Office standards, the walks range in distance from 6km to 9km, taking walkers through stunning lake, mountain and valley scenery.