Western way hiking trail relaunched

DESPITE a damp, windy evening in Connemara, there was a great turn out for the re-launch of the Western Way hiking trail in Leenane.

Michael Gibbons, one of Ireland’s leading field archaeologists, officially launched the new map boards and branding, describing it as the original Wild Atlantic Way, as the trail brings walkers through some of the most rural, historic and scenic parts of Mayo and Galway.

“This has been a great project to work on and we are delighted to see how much we have achieved with the help of the landowners,” commented Martin Dillane, rural recreational officer for south west Mayo.

“The new branding and map boards are great, and we will keep working to help make this one of the top hiking routes in Ireland and maybe even Europe!”

More details on the Western Way trail can be found at www.irishtrails.ie.