Events held to mark National Trails Day

Over 180 events were taking place all over the country today to celebrate National Trails Day 2010.

Events taking place include a fairy visit to Coillte’s woods at Fairy Castle, Ticknock in the Dublin Mountains, spectacular coastal walks in Sheeps Head, Cork and Black Head, Clare and for the first time ever, a cycle on the new Great Western Greenway in Co. Mayo.

An estimated 10,000 people hit trails all over the country.

National Trails Day is an all-Ireland event organised by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Coillte, the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and Fáilte Ireland along with the Countryside Access & Activities Network in the North.

The day is aimed at increasing awareness about the fantastic recreation opportunities in the Irish countryside and encourages people to experience a trail in their locality.

This year’s events include a range of exciting outdoor events including canoe and kayaking, mountain biking, trail conservation work, nature and heritage walks, horse-riding on equestrian trails, family orienteering and family cycling.