2024 Ireland National Trail Conference in County Leitrim
September started with the 2024 Ireland National Trail Conference in County Leitrim!
This was Leitrim's biggest outdoor recreational event and attracted over 2,000 farmers, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and community groups over four days.
GREENHEALTH Partners were well represented through the Northern & Western Regional Assembly by Eiméar Dowd and Declan Meehan.
The Conference - organized by Leitrim Development Company in collaboration with Rural Recreational Officers nationwide - was a collective effort bringing together multiple stakeholders from the outdoor recreation, tourism, and nature and health sectors.
The event began with a joint hike on August 31st, followed by outdoor activities like the Lough Key Triathlon, guided walks, stand-up paddling, wellness experiences, foraging workshops, and kayaking over the weekend. The main conference occurred on September 2nd and 3rd, featuring keynote speakers, interactive exhibitions, workshops, and events focused on trail development techniques.
The discussions highlighted significant progress in trail development across Ireland, with a focus on waymark trails, greenways, loop walks, and blueways.
The national walks scheme, crucial for recreational tourism, currently includes 81 trails with plans to expand to 142!
The event fostered collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors, emphasizing the health benefits of outdoor activities.
Community initiatives, like Sanctuary Runners for refugees, also showcased the role of nature in promoting inclusion.