“Country Study” of Long Distance Walking In Ireland

In 2015/16 I visited Ireland three times and decided to learn about how long distance walking is supported there.  I spent 5-6 weeks walking wonderful Waymarked Ways, talking with folks, and working on this project.

With advice from Irish colleagues Cormac MacDonnell of the National Trails Office, writer/walker Michael Fewer, and many others, I gradually shaped an approach:

• writing an overview of walking in Ireland based in large part on three case studies,
• writing a detailed case study and trip report for each of  three Waymarked Ways, and
• writing profiles of some interesting people I met.

[The second “Country Study” in the series will be on New Zealand, to be researched and written in 2018.]

ELEMENTS OF COUNTRY STUDY OF LONG DISTANCE WALKING IN IRELAND

A. EMBEDDED DOCUMENT: TABLE OF CONTENTS & OVERVIEW OF LONG DISTANCE WALKING IN IRELAND  [Finished except for the section on economics, which awaits information from National Trails Office.]

B. LINKS TO THREE CASE STUDIES

1. Burren Way
   • Case Study of Burren Way
   • Trip Report on Burren Way
   • Profile of Harry Jeuken and his Splendid Lough Avalla Trail
2. Kerry Way
   • Case Study of Kerry Way
   • Trip Report of Kerry Way
   • Profile of Rural Officer Patricia Deane
3. Wicklow Way
   • Case Study of Wicklow Way
   • Trip Report of Wicklow Way
   • Profile of Sean Byrne: Wicklow Way Farmer, Host, and Advocate

My aims in undertaking this study were to:

• walk some of the great National Way-marked Ways in Ireland,
• meet some of the folks who manage and use them,
• learn as much as I could about they came to be and how they operate,
• share what I learned on hut2hut.info, and through this work to
• begin to learn what questions to ask,methods to use, and how long it will take to address my formidable learning curve in understanding in some depth how different nations support and organize Long Distance Walking.

My long term aim is to develop a comparative view of Long Distance Walking across a set of nations.

I am extremely grateful to many colleagues in Ireland for sharing their expertise and taking time to talk with me! The Irish are a famously hospitable folk, and walking their trails is a warm and sociable experience. 

The primary audience for this work is American recreation planners curious about how LDW is conducted in other nations. I hope my work might also serve as a useful starting point for others interested in studying in greater depth how LDW works in Ireland. In just two generations and with limited resources, Ireland  has developed a robust walking culture and network of trails, clubs, and organizations. I believe Americans should know more about this remarkable accomplishment. A secondary audience is American walkers looking for great trails with accommodations.

Alas these reports contain much more detail than will interest most of my readers, but I enjoyed learning so much from Irish colleagues and trust the work will be of interest to some folks in USA.

In just two generations and with comparatively limited resources, Ireland has developed a vibrant walking culture and a robust network of trails, trail communities, clubs, and organizations. I believe Americans — and others — can learn from this remarkable accomplishment.

And put Ireland on your list of really great places to walk!!

Happy trails,

Sam