Two national loop walks for the Long Village

TWO new walking routes in Doonbeg were launched in the Long Village last Sunday.

The looped walks are the Doonbeg Loop (8km long) and the Tullaher Loop (20km long). They are now designated as national loop walks.
The Doonbeg Loop starts at Doonbeg parish church and includes minor roads and bog roads, while the walking grade is described as “easy”.
The Tullaher Loop is twice as long, while the walking grade is “moderate”. It takes in minor roads, bog roads and the theme of this walk is nature. This walk also starts at Doonbeg church.
The walks are part of the Shannon Region Trails initiative which was launched in 2007 by Shannon Development. Under this initiative, the company has been working in partnership with community groups on a master plan for the development and marketing of a network of international standard, trails throughout the Shannon Region.
“The Doonbeg Loop Walks Project is a wonderful example of partnership in action with the local community working with State agencies to make the project a reality. The growing potential in the walking holiday market with 1.6m holidaymakers already enjoying this activity will contribute to achieving long-term and lasting economic benefits for the area,” Minister for Defence Tony Killeen, who launched the routes, commented.
The new routes have been designed to increase the appeal of the area as an activity holiday destination and to enhance walking facilities for local users. The Doonbeg Loop Walks Project is a collaborative effort between Shannon Development, Clare Local Development Company, Fáilte Ireland, Doonbeg Community Development Ltd, Clare County Council, and the local community.
“Doonbeg Community Development Ltd was very pleased to become a willing partner in this project with support from Shannon Development and Fáilte Ireland and under the guidance of the Clare Walks Officer, Cyril Killeen. We were particularly pleased with the recent glowing report from Fáilte Ireland’s inspector, particularly his recommendation that due to the high standard of these walks, they had the potential to be designated as cycle tracks also,” Paddy Murrihy, Doonbeg Community Development Ltd said.
“This project has major potential for the future growth of walking holiday in West Clare and the entire Shannon Region,” John King, assistant chief executive, Shannon Development stated.
In addition, this week Minister Killeen has announced that €186,490 has been allocated by Fáilte Ireland to the Clare Coastal Walks project for the development of a 12.7km linear route along the coast between Doolin village and Hags Head, near Liscannor village. This project has been the result of a partnership between Shannon Development, Clare County Council, local communities and landowners, Clare Local Development Company and the National Trails Office.
For Information on all of the trails in the Shannon Region including the new Doonbeg Loops, visit www.shannonregiontrails.ie. Descriptions of the loops and a downloadable map are available on this site.