Walks Scheme

Wexford Rural Recreation Officer, Georgina Gaul

Wexford Local Development supports the beauty of County Wexford’s walking trails through the Walks Scheme, a national initiative aimed at developing local trails while preserving the area’s heritage. With the support of dedicated Rural Recreation Officers like Georgina Gaul, the Walks Scheme assists private landowners throughout the country in maintaining their land, ensuring it remains accessible for public walking and hiking, while safeguarding its cultural and natural integrity.

Overview of the Walks Scheme

The Walks Scheme, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Failte Ireland is a national initiative involving landholders on approved walking routes, managed by Rural Recreation Officers employed through Local Development Companies. The scheme has developed and improved eighty trails, with Rural Recreation officers securing and overseeing maintenance contracts with over 2,040 landowners.

Key benefits to local communities throughout the Country include:

  • €7.6 million in maintenance payments to landholders over four years.
  • €600,000 injected into the local economy through trail maintenance spending.
  • Job creation in accommodation, outdoor recreation, and new businesses such as bike rentals and coffee shops.
  • Growth in walking clubs and extended walking festivals, boosting local tourism.

Ready to explore? Find out how the Walks Scheme is transforming Wexford’s trails and how you can contribute to this growing community effort.

Gov – The Walks Scheme and Rural Recreation Officers

The Walks Scheme is designed to improve and sustain important walking trails, such as National Waymarked Ways, Looped Walking Routes, and Heritage Routes, by offering support to landholders whose properties these trails cross. The scheme specifically targets private landowners, who receive payment for implementing a defined maintenance plan for the approved walking routes on their land. Administration of the scheme follows the Operating Guidelines set by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

These rural walking routes across the country are accessible to walkers thanks to the generosity of landowners. It’s essential for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts to acknowledge this by following Leave No Trace principles, which include respecting landowners, their animals, and their property.

7 Principles of Leave No Trace – Leave No Trace Ireland

Trails Included in the Walks Scheme in Co Wexford for 2024

At present they are 5 Trails included in the Walks Scheme in County Wexford.

Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail – Bree, Co Wexford

Courtown River Walk – Courtown, Co Wexford

Cullentra Trail – Kiltealy, Co Wexford

Curragh Woods Loop, Kilanerin, Co Wexford

Mount Nebo – Hollyfort, Co Wexford

Ballybrittas, Dolmen Trail at Bree, Co Wexford

A historic trail that takes you through the scenic Bree countryside, home to the ancient Ballybrittas Dolmen. 6.2K

Courtown River Walk

Stroll beside the Ounavarra River as it makes it way out to the sea through Courtown Harbour. 1.9K

Cullentra Trail, Kiltealy, Co Wexford

The Cullentra Trail is a looped 7.63km trail which begins and finishes in the centre of the village, with the trailhead sign located at the graveyard wall.

Curragh Woods Loop, Kilanerin, Gorey, Co Wexford

With an upper and lower section there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and bordering Wexford Lavender Farm offers a great opportunity to expand your visit. 3.5K

Mount Nebo, Hollyfort, Gorey, Co Wexford

The woodland trail winds uphill to a Fairy Wood at the top, which then leads onto an open looped Coillte forestry road, which runs around the slopes of Mt Nebo and Slievebaun. 6K.

Want to learn more about Wexford’s trails? Click here to visit the Wexford Walking Trails website and start your adventure today!

Wexford Walking Trail… Let Nature lead the way…. 

Contact Your Rural Recreation Officer:
Georgina Gaul
Email: ggaul@wld.ie
Phone: 087 3305754