Walking the walk in Cavan

Over 1,500 people are expected to participate in the Cavan Walking Festival from April 28 to May 5, across 17 different walks around the county.
The cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Fergal Curtin (FF), officially launched the festival and the new Castlesaunderson Castle Trail at the Castlesaunderson Scouting Centre last Friday morning.

“Initiatives like Cavan Walking Festival are vital, not only in encouraging people to exercise in an enjoyable and social way, but also in attracting visitors to our county,” remarked Cllr Curtin at the event.
The festival includes a variety of walks to suit all ages and abilities. “They can take in the rolling drumlins, peaceful forests and tranquil lake sides of the beautiful county,” said Cllr Curtin, urging everyone to get involved.
He thanked the walking groups around the county for their co-operation with the initiative, particularly those who trained as leaders. Cllr Curtin also complimented the staff of Cavan County Council, Cavan Sports Partnership, Cavan Heritage and the Geopark for their efforts in ensuring that everything goes smoothly.
Speaking about the new Castle Trail, Cllr Curtin said that it was grant aided by €60,000 from the Fáilte Ireland New Ideas in Ancient Spaces scheme. It joins Cavan Burren Park and the Cavan County Museum as sites in Ireland's Ancient East.
He welcomed Tony Dawson and Colm Brehany from Fáilte Ireland who were also at the launch and had this message for them: “I hope that Cavan County Council and Fáilte Ireland can continue to work together to develop the huge tourism potential that exists here.”
The new trail includes information panels along the route, outlining the story of the Castlesaunderson Estate.
Both the Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Tommy Ryan, and Colm Brehany from Fáilte Ireland made reference to the need to see future development at the Castle building itself. Mr Ryan revealed that it has been prioritise in a tourism plan for the county as requiring development. “You have to state what you want to do first and then set about making it a reality and getting funding in place. Cavan County Council is committed to doing that – to make Cavan a better place to live, to work in, to visit and to enjoy,” said Mr Ryan.
Mr Brehany told the gathering that he has a particular desire to see something happen to Castlesaunderson in the long term. “I actually believe this is actually a huge hidden gem,” he remarked.
He added that Ireland’s Ancient East was about creating memorable experiences for visitors that come here from within Ireland and internationally.
Damian O'Sullivan from Scouting Ireland revealed that there had been 48,000 visitors to the scouting centre since it was opened in 2012. It is also one of only five centres in the world that have been nominated by the world scouting movement as world centres for peace and reconciliation. A programme based on peace and reconciliation also runs at the centre.


Walking groups

Cavan Walking Festival works with local community groups and volunteers, so that a walk can be offered for everyone. They include: Arva Trotters, Bailieborough Walking Group, Bawnboy Heritage, Cavan Strollers, Corlough Development Association, Happy Feet Walkers Cootehill, Hollow Lane Golden Way Group, Killeshandra Leaguers, Local Community Development Associations, Local Geopark Guides, Munterconnaught Heritage Society, Virginia Ramblers and the Olde Post Inn.