New Walking Guide Launched for Sligo

A guide dedicated to the variety of walks available throughout County Sligo was launched yesterday by Michael Ring T.D. Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

This is the first publication dedicated to the walking product in Sligo and provides information on the range of walks to suit everyone from beginners to the more avid walker.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ring said – “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch this new guide for Sligo which is a great example of how local agencies and partners can work together to take full advantage of the natural assets in an area and use them to develop the appeal and tourism potential.
“This is a great addition to aid the promotion of Sligo and the surrounding area as a tourism destination and with more and more visitors coming to Ireland to take part in outdoor activities – it represents a lucrative market.

“I know Fáilte Ireland is committed to working with local communities on development projects such as these to ensure that Ireland is primed and ready to fully exploit both our natural environment and our manmade infrastructure – providing the best experience to our visitors and to entice as many visitors as possible to visit and return to Ireland.”

Fáilte Ireland has invested in the region of €500,000 in the walking product in Sligo over the last few years and plans are afoot to further develop the walks product around the county. Speaking today Paul McLoone, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Operations for the North West region said – “Walking is an integral part of the development of tourism in Sligo, and the launch of the Sligo Walking Guide is a significant milestone in the designation of the county as a top class tourism walking destination.

“There are over 33 designated walks in the county which is a powerful endorsement of the efforts and collaboration of all the agencies in Sligo. The Walking Guide will be of great assistance both to the visitor, and as a marketing tool for the industry here in Sligo.”

The new guide reflects both walks in Sligo town and county covering upland, looped, coastal and forest walks. Work is already underway, through Sligo Leader partnership, to train Walk Leaders who will be available for the 2012 tourist season to guide walkers around the various routes.

In addition, participating tourism operators along with the local community have pledged their support to ensure that visitors to Sligo are ensured of an outstanding walking holiday experience.

Fáilte Ireland has been working with a number of partners on the project including Sligo Borough Council, Sligo County Council, Sligo Leadership Partnership Board, Coillte, Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership and Marketing Sligo Forum.