Trekkers beat a path to Ireland

Donal Hickey on the walking trails around the country

DESPITE all the talk about people not taking enough exercise, walking is becoming increasingly popular with a recent survey showing it to be the preferred outdoor activity of 47% of Irish people.

Walking tourism brought 500,000 overseas visitors here last year, with a further 110,000 coming on cycling holidays, and Fáilte Ireland is continuing to invest in the development of treks and trails of all descriptions.