Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces largest ever expansion of Ireland’s National Walks Scheme
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 28 February 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
- 62 new way-marked walking and hiking trails added across 17 counties
- total number of nationally recognised trails now stands at 140, up from just 40 trails in 2019
- department to work with landowners to provide access and create world class walking and hiking amenities
- expression of interest for further new trails opens
- Minister: “I want to make Ireland an international destination for walking and hiking”
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today (28 February 2024) announced the largest ever expansion of Ireland’s National Walks Scheme with 62 new trails announced across 17 counties.
Today’s announcement includes 5 trails on two offshore islands – Inis Meáin and Oileán Chléire. Also for the first time, National Walks Scheme trails will now be located in Counties Monaghan and Wexford.
This is part of a phased expansion that will see the number of trails on the Walks Scheme increase from 80 to 150 over the next two years. The initiative is designed to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism and is a key element of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
Under the Walks Scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landholders to maintain the walking trails that go through their holdings. The Scheme is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with Local Development Companies.
Among the new Walks Scheme trails being announced today are:
- Lúb Dún Fearbhaí, Inis Meáin, Co. na Gaillimhe
- Carrigmeal Woodland Loops, Co Laois
- Strickeen Mountain Walk, Co Kerry
- Cullentra Trail, Co Wexford
- The Devils Chimney, Co Sligo
- Ardmore Cliff Walk, Co Waterford
- Six Fastnet Trails, Co Cork
- The Monaghan Way, Co Monaghan
Over €15 million has been paid to farmers and landholders participating on the Scheme since 2017, with an additional €1.4 million spent on materials for the maintenance of trails. This expansion will see an additional annual investment of over €500,000 to rural areas through the scheme.
Announcing the expansion at the Carrigmeal Woods Loop Trails in Co Laois, Minister Humphreys said:
“I want to make Ireland an international destination of choice for walkers and hikers. We have a unique offering in terms of our natural landscape filled with mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and sea.
“Often these amenities can only be truly appreciated by crossing through fields and land owned by local farmers. The National Walks Scheme is about working in partnership with landowners so we can open up access to local communities and tourists to enjoy these wonderful hidden gems we have all across Ireland.
“I want to acknowledge and thank the work of all the farmers and landowners involved in the Walks Scheme who provide access to their holdings and who help to maintain the trails to a high standard for the benefit of a huge number of locals and visitors. Without the goodwill of farmers we would not have access to many of our favourite tracks and trails. It is incumbent on all of us to use these amenities responsibly, respect local landowners and of course – Leave No Trace.
“Getting out into the fresh air for a walk is good for the body and good for the mind. These trails allow people of all ages and ability the opportunity to enjoy open countryside, riverside walks and mountains hikes. There is something for everyone, just put on your walking shoes and get out there and have a go.”
The department is now inviting expressions of interest from LDCs for new trails and substantial extensions to existing trails. Potential applicants (e.g. trail management committees, community groups, local authorities, and other similar entities) should be advised that expressions of interest must be made through LDCs in respect of trails that are eligible for inclusion in the scheme. The closing date for EOIs is 11 October 2024.
The Minister concluded:
“Due to the phenomenal response to this expansion, I am formally launching a further call for expressions of interest to join the Walks Scheme. I would encourage trail management committees, community groups and other similar bodies to contact their nearest Local Development Company to make an expression of interest for trails they would like to include in the scheme.”
The expansion of the Walks Scheme was also warmly welcomed by Dr. Liam Twomey, the Chairperson of Comhairle na Tuaithe which is representative of the key stakeholders involved in outdoor recreation in the countryside.
Dr. Twomey said:
“I very much welcome the addition of these trails to the Walks Scheme. Comhairle Na Tuaithe has been involved in the sustainable development of the sector since 2004. Following the launch of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, and the strategic development coming from that, the continuing growth of the Walks Scheme is so beneficial, both from an economic and wellbeing point of view."
The list of trails approved in this expansion can be found in Appendix 1 below.
Notes
Our Rural Future
Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025. It represents a new milestone in the approach to rural development policy for Ireland and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas.
The Walks Scheme
The Walks Scheme was launched in 2008 to facilitate the development and maintenance of key walking trails by private landholders. The scheme is administered by 20 Local Development Companies (LDCs) who deliver the scheme in their area on behalf of the department.
The department funds 21 Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) in these LDCs, with a contribution from Fáilte Ireland, to assist with the delivery of the Scheme and support other rural recreation initiatives at a local level.
In 2019 there were 40 trails on the National Walks Scheme. This has been expanded to 80 in recent years and today’s announcement will bring the total number of nationally recognised trails to 140.
Further details of the Walks Scheme can be found at: gov.ie - The Walks Scheme and Rural Recreation Officers (www.gov.ie).
Embracing Ireland's Outdoors: National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors was launched in November 2022. In light of the significant contribution of the Walks Scheme in delivering high quality trails it committed to further expanding the Walks Scheme to 150 trails by end of 2024.
More information on the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027.
Expressions of interest
The department is now inviting expressions of interest from LDCs for new trails and substantial extensions to existing trails. Potential applicants (for example: trail management committees, community groups, local authorities, and other similar entities) should be advised that expressions of interest must be made through LDCs in respect of trails that are eligible for inclusion in the scheme. The closing date for EOIs is 11 October 2024.
It is essential that any expression of interest is developed based on direct engagement with the relevant Trail Management Organisation and landholders.