Hopes ‘world class’ Lough Leane trail will attract overseas visitors

A new walking trail, which will pass through some of Killarney’s most famous scenic attractions has been given the green light.

The 28km Lough Leane Trail will begin and end in Killarney town, circling two of the area’s three renowned lakes, Lough Leane and Muckross Lake.

Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Minister Jimmy Deenihan confirmed that funding had been secured from Fáilte Ireland for the detailed design and planning of the trail.

He said it would be a “high quality, low impact trail” that would meet the needs of visitors and local people.

Local landowners were being consulted and the sensitive nature of the Killarney National Park was also being considered carefully in the planning of the trail, said Mr Deenihan.

A steering group has been set up to oversee plans for the development of the looped trail, most of which will be in the national park. Sections of the trail adjacent to Killarney town will form a multi-use trail, suitable for both walkers and cyclists.

The steering group, chaired by local businessman and Fáilte Kerry member Mike Buckley, includes representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland and the local community.

Mr Buckley said the trail had the potential to become one of Ireland’s most iconic walking attractions, adding research indicated continued growth in activity and walking holidays.

Destinations such as the Lake District in Britain attracted millions of walking holiday tourists every year, he pointed out.

“This new walk around Lough Leane will be world class and will give us something which we can promote strongly to visitors overseas. There is no doubt that Kerry will reap the benefit,” he said.