Internationally Renowned Walking Trail Launched Across Northern Ireland
and the Republic of Ireland
A major event has been held at the
Mellon Country Inn in Co. Tyrone to mark the formal launch of the next phase of
the Ulster-Ireland chapter of the International Appalachian Trail. The initiative is part of a cross border project funded by
the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 and being part funded by the
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the
European Union.
The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster–Ireland is part of a wider international walking trail that follows the Appalachian Mountain terrain, which existed on the super continent Pangaea before the Atlantic Ocean formed that broke up the continent.
Lead partner Derry City and Strabane
District Council and their Local Action Group (LAG), in partnership with
LAG groups from other Council areas are working to develop, enhance and promote
the IAT Ulster-Ireland chapter of the International Appalachian Trail. This has
resulted in significant improvements along its route recently in the form of
newly installed pieces of art, new trail furniture and updated information
panels and improved facilities at many locations.
The IAT Ulster–Ireland route is
approximately 279miles / 485km in length and runs from west
Donegal to Larne passing through six council areas. It starts at the
spectacular Slieve League cliffs, passes through Glencolmcille, traverses the Bluestack
Mountains in Co. Donegal before crossing into Co. Tyrone. Here it picks up the
Ulster Way, taking in the Sperrins, the stunning
North Coast and the Glens of Antrim.
Joe Mahon helps to launch the IAT
Ulster-Ireland at the Melon Country Inn, Co. Tyrone
A significant marketing campaign will
coincide with these trail works, promoting the walk to audiences across
America, as well as in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,
incorporating videos, photography and offers from local businesses. This
campaign will be carried out by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland, an
organisation with extensive experience in promoting walking trails to locals
and tourists.
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA commented, “I am delighted that through the Rural Development Programme
2014-2020 Co-operation scheme, my department has funded £700,000 towards the
project costs of the Ulster chapter of the International Appalachian Trail. The
cross-border project which has resulted in significant improvements across the
entire route from West Donegal to Antrim will provide a quality walking
experience attracting local and out of state visitors, providing a much need
boost to the local economy.”
Minister Humphrey’s from the Department of Rural and Community
Development added, “I
am delighted that through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
in Ireland, we have been able to invest significantly in the International
Appalachian Trail Ulster–Ireland.
This
cross border project which has resulted in significant improvements in the
route throughout Donegal and onwards into Northern Ireland provides real
opportunities for growth in tourism for rural communities and highlights the
beauty of the Irish landscapes available to us at home. I congratulate Donegal
Local Development CLG, and indeed all of the LAG groups involved in the project
across Northern Ireland, in delivering an ambitious project on the behalf of
the rural communities in their areas".
White Park Bay
The Causeway Coast is one of the most popular sections of the IAT
Ulster-Ireland
Founder of the International Appalachian Trail Dick
Anderson said, “Congratulations to all of those involved with the Ulster –
Ireland IAT project, for a great job with improving and promoting the trail. In
the early days of this project I never imagined that I would be speaking with
you today about the trail in Donegal and Northern Ireland…
Former Governor Joseph Brennan (once said) ‘This
narrow trail… will serve as a reminder that the mountains and the rivers and
the forests are our real heritage. Our common biological and geological bond.
They will outlast us all and it is up to us to see that they’re health and
grandeur can be enjoyed by all the generations of mankind that follow us…’”
To keep up to date with developments along
the IAT Ulster–Ireland, search “IAT Ulster Ireland” on Facebook, Twitter or
Instagram. You can also find more information about the trail by visiting www.iatulsterireland.com.
Notes to Editor
Northern Ireland LAGs
The Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-20 is part
funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
and the European Union. The funding is administered by Councils in Northern Ireland on behalf of Local
Action Groups (LAGs) in each area.
Donegal
The project is supported by Donegal Local Community Development Committee, Donegal Local Development CLG, Donegal County Council and the Department of Rural & Community Development through grant aid received under The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development in Ireland 2014- 2020 “Europe investing in rural areas”.
For
more information please contact:
Name:
Ethan Loughrey
Organisation:
Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland
Email:
ethan@outdoorrecreationni.com
|
Bessybell, near Omagh |
Hudy’s Way outside Moneyneany |
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On Scawt Hill, near Larne |
Goles Stone Row in the Sperrins |
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Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh |
Gortmore Viewpoint beside Binevenagh |
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Lough Eske in Donegal |