National Walking Day inspires people to get and about
By Mary Dennehy
THOSE living across South Dublin are encouraged to participate in National Walking Day this Sunday, September 27, by visting one of the local Coillte forests.
An initiative of Get Ireland Walking, National Walking Day aims to inspire people to get out and about in their local area, and enjoy the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of walking.
Coillte has forests opened including the Hellfire Club, Massey’s Estate and Cruagh Wood
Coillte, which has nine recreation forests open to the public, is supporting the annual event and encouraging members of the public to get active and stay local.
Across South Dublin, forests include the Hellfire Club, Massey’s Estate, Cruagh Wood, Tibradden Wood, Kilmashogue, Ticknock, Carrickgollogan, Barnaslingan Wood and Slievethoul (or Saggart Hill) and Lugg.
Charlie Burke, Recreation Officer with Coillte and co-ordinator of Coillte’s Woodlands for Health campaign said: “Coillte is proud to be Ireland’s leading provider of outdoor recreation activities, with more than 3,000 kilometers of trails, 260 recreation sites and 12 forest parks across the country.
“We know about the importance of walking in nature to members of the public and the benefits for both physical and mental health.
“Our forests offer a space where people can walk safely while maintaining social distancing and abiding by COVID19 guidelines.
“Coillte wants to encourage local residents in County Dublin to take some time out of their day and enjoy their local landscape by participating in National Walking Day on 27 of September and visiting one of your local Coillte forests like Ticknock or the Hellfire Club.”
Coillte’s Woodlands for Health campaign encourages people to engage with nature through outdoor activities to promote better mental and physical health.
According to Coillte, research shows that walking in natural environments such as forests and woodlands can help to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
National Walking Day is supported by Sport Ireland and takes place as part of European Week of Sport.
Members of the public are encouraged to walk any route in their local area, whether that be a forest, park or local neighbourhood loop.
Share a photo or video of your walk on social media and tag @GetIreWalking on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtags #BeActive #NationalWalkingDay #WalkYourTown #WalkYourArea and #HiddenGems.
For further information visit www.getirelandwalking.ie/nationalwalkingday2020 or www.coillte.ie/our-forests/recreation-map/.
Remember to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines while out walking, and, if driving to a forest location, park your car in a safe and designated area.
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