OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAYS a vital role in communities nationwide. Engaging in activities such as hiking, running, or even leisurely strolls in forested areas and connecting with nature not only enhances physical and mental well-being but also fosters social cohesion and rural economic development. Forests attract tourists, which in turn supports local businesses, creating economic and employment opportunities in local communities.
In recent years the use of forests for recreational purposes has increased across Ireland. As visitor numbers increase, so too does the demand for suitable, high-quality infrastructure that supports engaging visitor experiences and recreational opportunities.
That’s why Coillte, Ireland’s semi-state forestry company, is creating more recreational forests in communities all over Ireland. As Ireland’s largest provider of outdoor recreation, Coillte’s forests welcome around 18 million visits each year, boosting the local economy and supporting rural tourism. With 6,000 forests across the country, including 12 forests parks and 260 recreational areas, over 3,000km of dedicated marked walking trails and six mountain bike centres, Coillte’s forests provide spaces to hike, bike, explore, and relax, for people to enjoy. And Coillte has an open forest policy, according to the principles of Leave No Trace Ireland.
Beyond the Trees, Avondale, in Co. Wicklow is Coillte’s flagship visitor destination and the company has ambitious plans to create more world-class visitor destinations in Ireland. Since opening in June 2022, Beyond the Trees Avondale has proven to be a hugely popular tourist attraction. It showcases the evolution of Irish forestry with features including a Treetop Walk, a 38m high Viewing Tower and the longest slide in Ireland. Recognised as Ireland’s first age-friendly tourist destination, Beyond the Trees Avondale was awarded the Tourism and Hospitality Project of the Year in 2022.
Coillte’s target is to double the number of its forest recreation areas nationally to 500, to benefit local communities and people’s wellbeing.
Much work has been done in recent years to improve the recreational offerings of Coillte’s forests including the development of ‘access for all’ trails suitable for young and old alike including wheelchair users and prams and buggies. Key partnerships have led to the development of exciting activities such as Zipit, a network of aerial trails and wooden platforms wrapping around the trees at heights from one to twenty metres!
Coillte’s strategic vision aims to balance and deliver the multiple benefits of forests for climate, nature, wood and people. For more information on Coillte’s recreational forest areas including recreation maps visit www.coillte.ie. From the Treetop Walk at Beyond the Trees Avondale to Ziplining in Lough Key Forest Park, adventure awaits everyone!
For more information about Coillte click here.
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