Walks Scheme Explained

The Walks Scheme (previously known as the Comhairle na Tuaithe/Rural Walks Scheme) is an initiative by the Irish Department of Rural and Community Development which funds the maintenance of walks and trails through private and public lands.^{[1] [2] [3]} The scheme has been in existence since 2008.^{[4] [5]}

2024 Expansion

Following a call for applications in June 2023,^[6] an expanded list of walks in the scheme were announced in February 2024,^[7] including the first walks in counties Wexford and Monaghan, and trails on off-shore islands Inis Meáin and Cape Clear Island.^[8]

Walks

This is a list of notable walks included in the scheme.

• Monaghan Way^[9]
• Lúb Dún Fearbhaí, Inis Meáin^[10]
• The Devils Chimney, County Sligo^[11]
• Lough Derg Way^[12]
• Ardmore Cliff Walk, County Waterford
• Ladysbridge Loop Trail^[13]
• Durrow, County Laois#Amenities^[14]
• Mount Nebo^[15]
• Enniscorthy Promenade
• Lung Lough Gara Way
• Miners Way and Historical Trail, County Roscommon^[16]
• Cavan Way
• Mount Melleray pilgrim paths^[17]
• Keeldra Lake, County Leitrim^[18]

Notes and References

1. Web site: February 2024 . Walks Scheme . . Department of Rural and Community Development.
2. Web site: €2.4m investment in 70 new walking trails welcomed by IFA . FarmersJournal.ie.
3. Web site: Kiernan . Lynda . Laois privately grown woodlands among 62 new Irish eco trail walks . LeinsterExpress.ie.
4. Web site: September 29, 2021 . 'Cavan Way' added to walking scheme . AngloCelt.ie.
5. Web site: 2022 . Comhairle na Tuaithe . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221127161145/https://www.keepirelandopen.org/comhairle-na-tuaithe/ . 2022-11-27 . KeepIrelandOpen.org.
6. Web site: 2023 . Walks Scheme - Scheme Outline . . Department of Rural and Community Development.
7. Web site: February 29, 2024 . Two new Mayo trails added to National Walks Scheme . Con-Telegraph.ie.
8. Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces largest ever expansion of Ireland's National Walks Scheme . February 28, 2024 . Gov.ie.
9. Web site: February 2024 . Biggest expansion of National Walks Scheme adds 62 new trails . Changing Ireland.
10. Web site: 29 February 2024 . Three walking trails on Inis Meain added to National Walks Scheme . GalwayDaily.com.
11. Web site: 29 February 2024 . Two Walks in Mayo included in latest expansion of Ireland's National Walks Scheme . MidWest Radio.
12. News: New look Lough Derg Way relaunched . . . 19 March 2011 . 8 .
13. Web site: March 1, 2024 . Seven Cork walks added to National list . EchoLive.ie.
14. Web site: Hartnett . Alan . September 29, 2021 . Durrow Leafy Loop added to National Walk's Scheme as part of commitment to boost rural tourism . LaoisToday.ie.
15. Web site: Gately . Bronagh . March 1, 2024 . Five County Wexford walking trails included in National Walks Scheme . SouthEastRadio.ie.
16. Web site: Walks Scheme . RosLeaderPartnership.ie.
17. Web site: Colgan . Laura . March 3, 2024 . New trails make Ireland an 'international destination for walking and hiking' . IrishStar.com.
18. Web site: February 29, 2024 . Four new Leitrim trails added to National Walks Scheme . Independent.ie.