THERE WAS a time when “townies” who drove into the countryside and walked long distances for pleasure were regarded as being eccentric by their rural counterparts. No more. Healthy outdoor exercise and scenic enjoyment has become firmly entrenched in Irish life, with foreign-born workers and their families contributing to the change. Walking, cycling, horse riding and water sports in regions of outstanding beauty have been identified as significant tourist attractions. These facilities are being developed by various agencies. But they are available to everyone.
Few things are more satisfying than gazing at the countryside from a mountain top. The achievement in getting there; the feeling of wellbeing generated by the exercise and the beauty of the outlook all contribute to a sensibility that can be recalled later from the leisure of an armchair. Ireland boasts a great number of outdoor attractions. But not all of them are easily accessible. In some cases, the public is not even aware of their existence. That is about to change.
A “national trails day” has been organised on an all-island basis for Sunday, October 3rd. One hundred and fifty outdoor events, ranging from heritage, hill and nature walks, to canoeing, kayaking, cycling and equestrian events are scheduled to take place. Some walks will be themed around plant and animal life, such as fungi, wild fruit and bats. The Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Countryside Access and Activities Network in Northern Ireland are all involved. The intention is to encourage greater use of the countryside by having families and individuals discover and explore the facilities that are available in their own neighbourhoods.
With a bit of luck and mild weather, a wealth of blackberries should be available for eager children and for those who wish to revisit their childhood and the making of jam. In broadleaf woodland, nature’s larder is likely to be heavily stocked with mushrooms, but these require careful identification because of a handful of poisonous species. Sloes and rowanberries should also feature, but these astringent fruits have limited culinary use. Bats, birds and a range of wild animals may also appear.
Some regions are more fortunate than others in terms of landscape, seascape, waterways and mountains. The diversity of plant, bird and animal life also varies. Every place, however, has its own special attractions.
Details of all these events are available at: www.nationaltrailsday.ie
