Recreation

Recreational activities engage public interest, helping people to enjoy and appreciate the countryside and the many aspects of Ireland’s natural and built heritage. Find out more about how you can enjoy Heritage.

Resources & Links

The Beara Breifne Way
www.beara-breifne.ie

Leave No Trace Ireland
www.leavenotraceireland.org

National Trails Office
www.walkireland.ie
The National Trails Office was established under the National Trails Strategy and functions as a unit of the Irish Sports Council. Their website gives advice on how to find National Waymarked Ways in Ireland, on walking events, on how to develop a walking route, and much more.

The Mountaineering Council of Ireland
www.mountaineering.ie.
The MCI is the representative body for walkers and climbers in Ireland. It is recognised as the NGB (National Governing Body) for mountaineering by both the Irish Sports Council (ISC) and Sport Northern Ireland (SNI). Mountaineering includes hill walking, rock climbing, rambling, bouldering and alpinism. The key aims of the MCI are to: represent the interests of walkers and climbers; improve and secure access to the Irish hills and crags; promote mountain training programmes and qualifications; and encourage responsible and sustainable use of the mountain environment .

European Greenways Association (EGWA)
http://www.aevv-egwa.org/
The Heritage Council has been a member of the EGWA since 2001 and is represented on the Steering Committee by Beatrice Kelly who holds the position of vice president. At a recent EGWA meeting, the Heritage Council presented a showcase of European experience on greenways to a wide-ranging audience, thus promoting the concept of greenways more widely in Ireland. Membership of EGWA offers the chance to access European funding, and international representation of Heritage Council policies and projects, along with advice and experiential exchange.

Countryside Recreation Network (CRN)
http://www.countrysiderecreation.org.uk/
The Heritage Council has been a member of this network since 1996 and is represented by Michael Starrett and Beatrice Kelly. It presents the opportunity to access advice and experience exchange with other public agencies in the UK, Northern Ireland, as well as the Republic of Ireland. Opportunities are presented to take part in new research projects, reducing the need to carry out similar research here.