News: 25 May, 2006
Donal Guilfoyle, Failte Ireland; Anne Rutledge, Chairman, The Greenbox; Duncan Stewart, Eco-eye; Kate Burns, CEO ICBAN; Lisa McAllister, CEO Western Development Commission.
Duncan Stewart launches new map for crossborder Kingfisher Cycle Trail
Eco Eye TV personality and architect Duncan Stewart launched a new map/brochure for the crossborder Kingfisher Cycle Trail at the Breesy Centre in Ballyshannon last Thursday (25th May).
Speaking at the launch, Stewart was emphatic about the importance of ecotourism and sustainable outdoor activity to tourists. He said, "Ecotourism is what tourists are beginning to look for, it's the way forward for tourism and it's vital that organisations such as the Greenbox provide real ecotourism options for visitors." He complimented the Greenbox on their commitment to the EU Ecolabel scheme, syaing, "This means tourists can be sure they are getting a real and worthwhile sustainable product. We must beware of the trend towards 'greenwashing' which is using ecotourism simply for marketing purposes." Twenty-two Greenbox network members are currently being judged for the EU award.
Rick Cook, Area Manager Sustrans; George Thornton, Duncan Stewart, Eco-eye; Pat Collum, Marketing Manager, Greenbox.
The Kingfisher Cycle Trail is a crossborder waymarked cycling trail 230 miles (370 km) long passing through Fermanagh, Leitrim, Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan and Cavan (the Greenbox area). It is designed in a figure-of-eight shape to suit both long and short cycling holidays. For the daytripper, or younger cyclists, there is also a series of new short circular routes from around 20 miles and above. The trail (National Route 91) is part of the National Cycle Network, 10,000 miles of signed walking and cycling routes throughout the UK.
The beautifully designed colour map, developed in partnership with sustainable transport charity Sustrans, comes in a convenient plastic folder and contains comprehensive information and details about the trail. It forms part of the discovery series of National Cycle Network maps and is available from the Greenbox or tourist information offices and can be purchased online from www.cycletoursireland.com and www.sustrans.org.uk
Joe Lowe, CEO, Leitrim Co. Enterprise; Duncan Stewart, Eco-eye; Eddie McGovern, Fermanagh District Council.
The trail mainly follows quiet roads and lanes deliberately chosen because of low traffic levels which make it very family friendly. It includes delightful forest parks, a nature reserve and even an optional ferry crossing. The landscape changes all the time varying from rolling hills to canal side paths, the Atlantic coast and idyllic rural hamlets.
Cyclists can either bring their own bikes or hire them from various points along the trail. Full details are on www.cycletoursireland.com and in the Kingfisher Accommodation Guide.
The Greenbox, Ireland’s first ecotourism destination, is a defined area in the North West including all of counties Leitrim and Fermanagh as well as parts of neighbouring counties Donegal, Sligo, Cavan and Monaghan. It aims to create a world class ecotourism destination in that area and has a strong focus on raising ecotourism standards.
The Greenbox recently appointed Anne Rutledge as their new Chairman. Anne is founder of Rutledge Joblink the largest private training organisation in Northern Ireland.
If you've cycled the Kingfisher Trail, we'd love to hear from you! Use our contact form, or contact <pat@kingfishercycletrail.com>.
