APPENDIX 2: WALKING AS A HOLIDAY ATTRACTION

According to Bord Failte (Perspectives on Irish Tourism) in 1998 255,000 persons were defined as ‘participants’ in walking and of these 99,000 had walked parts of the long distance walks and were thus defined as ‘serious’ walkers. To these must be added the large and increasing numbers of Irish walkers who visit mountain and other walking areas at all times of the year (see also ‘Recreation in the Irish Uplands’ published by the Mountaineering Council of Ireland, 1999). These figures are of course approximate and the definition of ‘serious’ walker is open to question. For instance many persons whose primary purpose in holidaying in Ireland do not walk long distance paths since their interest is mountaineering in pathless mountain terrain or walking gentler circular shorter one day routes. The long distance paths do not cater for the interests of either of these two groups.
More important than the figures however is the potential for walking as a holiday activity in Ireland. With great diversity of scenery, uncrowded but accessible mountain country, Ireland could be an ideal location for walkers who are not attracted to the strenuousness of Alpine endeavour or the crowded walkways available in say, much of Great Britain. Add to this the fact that walkers are prepared to visit at times of the year when other tourists would not. It hardly needs emphasising how important walking could be to those engaged in agriculture at a time when it is in crisis.

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