By Dan Walsh at Barntown Community Centre
The 10th annual Wexford Walking Festival was officially launched by Mayor of Wexford, Cllr George Lawlor, at a pleasant function in Barntown Community Centre earlier this evening following a guided 6km walk to Carrigfoyle Lake on Forth Mountain.
Mayor Lawlor was in a most poetic mood and welcomed “walkers, nature lovers and adventure seekers to the Wexford Walking Festival in a celebration of the beauty, history and spirit of Wexford. He urged all to celebrate the nature of Wexford’s wonders and asked them to “enjoy this festival, embrace the journey and let Wexford’s beauty guide you every step of the way.”
The new Wexford Walking Trails brochure was launched by Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive Wexford County Council who spoke about “the bright future ahead of Wexford Walking Trails. He said that County Wexford has the second highest number of accredited trails in the country attracting about one million visits. “Over €4.3 million has been spent over the five districts,” he said, and added; “The second updated edition of the Walking Trails brochure covers the county from Croghan to Carnsore and is freely available.”
Local Cllr Garry Laffan also addressed the launch. The Glynn Barntown councillor welcomed everybody to Barntown Community Centre and kept his focus on the development of the Barntown Heritage Walking Trails and how the trails have evolved in the Forth Mountain area.
Chairperson of Wexford Walking Trails, Peter O’Connor said; “We look forward to welcoming everyone, enjoying a walk and to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wexford Walking Festival over the weekend,”
The festival continues until Sunday and all walkers are invited to embrace the natural beauty and wonderment that awaits over the festival weekend.
This year’s festival will offer walkers a choice of three fully accredited walking trails with spectacular views from the mountains to the coast. The festival is an ideal opportunity for family, friends and neighbours to enjoy a walk together and meet with other people walking. The walks are graded moderate and suitable for people of all ages.
On Saturday, at 11am, a choice of two walks along the stunning Three Rocks Trail awaits. The meeting point is Carrigfoyle Lake Car Park.
On Sunday, at 11am, to coincide with ‘National Walking Day’, a choice of two stunning coastal walks from Carne to Carnesore Point awaits. The meeting point is Carne Beach Caravan Park. Walkers can explore a beautifully natural path leading to Nethertown beach. Local guides will accompany the walk and point out historic landmarks and items of interest along the way.
Following the walk, to mark the 10th anniversary of Wexford Walking Festival, complimentary refreshments will be served at 1.30pm in Lighthouse Pub located at the entrance to the Caravan Park.
Walkers are requested to register online prior to the event at https://Wexford_Walking_Festival.eventbrite.ie. Further information can be found on Wexford Walking Trails website at https://wexfordwalkingtrail.ie/ and people can also visit social media channels for updates.
WexfordLocal.com 