Cavan to Cork walking route receives funding boost

The 500km walking route linking Dursey Island in West Cork to Blacklion in West Cavan has received a significant boost after Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring announced funding of over €200,000 is to be allocated to the project.

The Beara to Breifne Way walking project, launched earlier this month at the Mansion House in Dublin follows the line of the historic march of the O’Sullivan Beara clan in 1602 after the Battle of Kinsale. Today people can walk that same route which took Donal Cam, Chieftain of the O’Sullivan Beara clan 14-days to complete, taking in the Beara Way; Ballyhoura Way; Suck Valley Way; Miner’s Way and Historical Trail; Leitrim Way and Cavan Way.

The funding of €200,750 is being provided under the Tourism Capital Investment Programme and will apply to two projects as part of the larger Beara Breifne walking route project.

Failte Ireland has approved €105,750 for a new pedestrian, cycling and wheelchair access bridge at Millstreet in Cork at the exact location where O'Sullivan Beara crossed the River Blackwater in 1603. The remainder will be spent in developing new angling facilities at the Ballyleague Amenity Area in Roscommon. Its hoped this will help to further develop the rapidly-growing angling tourism sector in the region.

The Beara Breifne Way will be completed in 2014 and will pass through counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim, before linking to the Ulster Way in Blacklion, Co. Cavan. The new bridge provides a safe crossing point over the River Blackwater and will be a focal point for visitors.