merrion street

Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, today highlighted National Trails Day which is taking place on Sunday, 2nd October 2011, and encouraged people to avail of the opportunity to explore trails and enjoy the activities organised throughout the country.

Jointly highlighting the event with Ms. Michelle O’Neill, MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, the Minister of State commented that this is an ideal opportunity for people to become aware of, and sample, the benefits of exercise in the natural environment with a variety of trails on offer including walking, cycling, equestrian and water trails.

Minister of State McEntee added, “We are all well aware of the benefits of exercise, especially outdoors in the fresh air, for our physical and mental health. Events have been organised all over the country for National Trails Day and this is a chance to see, and to experience, what is available in your own locality or county. There is a wide range of recreational opportunities on offer so this is an ideal opportunity for people to go out and enjoy the Irish countryside.”

National Trails Day is an all-Ireland event organised by Coillte, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and Fáilte Ireland along with the Countryside Access & Activities Network in Northern Ireland. The support partners include the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland.

Now in its fourth year, there is a wide variety of events planned all over the country, North and South, with a full listing of events on

.