Sligo is a walking wonderland
“Let’s not only get Sligo walking, let’s get the world walking in Sligo,” were the final words spoken at the launch of the new Sligo Walks website and video at Sligo Airport, Strandhill on Friday last.
Those words were spoken by Deirdre Lavin of the Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership, who were among the many organizations, groups and other stakeholders present at the event, which also included a short but symbolic walk in glorious sunshine along the nearby Killaspugbrone Looped Walk.
SligoWalks.ie is a new website which has detailed walking information on over 60 waymarked walks throughout Sligo, and this along with a viral video which shows some of Sligo’s most iconic walks - will encourage people to use the wonderful natural amenities on our doorstep, as well as providing an opportunity to promote Sligo much further afield.
“The video we are launching , the new information leaflets published, the new website being introduced today, will all greatly enhance our tourism product, and could well be the catalyst for the development of further marketing and promotion campaigns centered on our exceptional facilities,” said Councillor Séamus Kilgannon, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, at the launch event. Many of Sligo’s walking and outdoor clubs were represented at the launch and several of them spoke, describing the many positive benefits that they and their colleagues have received from walking in Sligo, from both a physical and mental health perspective. Jim Newman spoke on behalf of the Sligo Walking Club, Alan Sayers on behalf of the Sligo-Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team, and Goretti Brennan described the huge growth in popularity in walking with community groups such as the North Sligo Walking Group, which now has approximately 100 members.
“The walks are meant to be enjoyed as we interact and meet up with old friends, making new ones along the way. It has also become apparent that fitness levels have improved with confidence as initially some of our group were shy or reluctant to go the distance,” she said.
Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services at Sligo County Council, said that a huge amount of investment has been made in providing walking infrastructure in Sligo, and now a great opportunity awaits for local people to get involved in walking, whether informally or as part of a group. And as walking is a pursuit which can be done at any time of the year, the message is to get walking, stay healthy and to get the word out that by visiting SligoWalks.ie you’ ll find all of the information you need to get started.