On August 31, 2013, the International Appalachian Trail welcomed Northern Ireland’s Ulster Way as its newest member and celebrated the completion of the IAT across the emerald isle, from Slieve League in the Republic to the ferry terminal at Larne. The official launch was held at the Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh.
The event was attended by IAT Europe Vice President and trail organizer Magne Haugseng and a number of invited guests, including Northern Ireland Environment Minister Mark H. Durkan, Donegal North-East TD (Teachta Dala – i.e., Member of Parliament) Joe McHugh, and Omagh District Council Vice Chair Sorcha McAnespy.
Also on hand was IAT Chairperson Paul Wylezol, who extended an official welcome to the Ulster Way and Northern Ireland, and gratefully acknowledged the work of Magne and his colleagues on both sides of the border.
Said Environment Minister Durkan:
“The International Appalachian Trail will be very much welcomed by the many long distance walkers on our shores. What’s more, it gives them an opportunity to experience Northern Ireland’s stunning and diverse landscapes (passing through four Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)), wonder at the biodiversity, and enjoy the local built heritage.
It provides everyone with the perfect setting for outdoor recreation. This largely rural route will boost trade and prosperity in the local areas it covers, and it’s great that our environment and rich heritage is helping to do that. Further, being linked to the global network of the International Appalachian Trail will put us firmly on the map for tourists interested in this type of culture.”
Joe McHugh states:
“I am delighted that the majestic cliffs of Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) in County Donegal have been designated as the International Appalachian Trail Landfall in Europe. As the Trail winds its way across Donegal and beyond, the visitor will appreciate the natural beauty and culture of this land and experience a warm welcome from the communities along the Trail. And it is indeed community that the Trail celebrates, whether it is the community of people and organizations that make the Trail possible in the US, Newfoundland, and now Ireland, or the community of international walkers and hikers who will make new friends along the Trail.
In Donegal, many groups and organizations have worked hard to make this Trail a reality, in particular, Donegal Local Development Company Ltd, Donegal County Council and the Irish Farmers Association. It is this vision and sense of community that has made the extension of the Appalachian Trail to Ireland possible, and it is this same sense of community – connecting peoples through a shared enjoyment of the beauty of our landscapes – that will ensure the success of the Trail in the future. We look forward to welcoming many international walkers and hikers to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Trail from Slieve League to Larne.”
In addition to those on hand for the event, congratulations and welcome were also extended by U.S. Senator George Mitchell of the Good Friday Peace Agreement
who sent a letter of support for the new development,
Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Loyola Hearn, who hosted an IAT Ulster Ireland meeting at the Canadian Embassy in Dublin on March 18, 2011, wrote:
“It is with the greatest of pleasure that I congratulate all of you on the great work you have done to date and especially on launching IAT Ireland. It seems like yesterday you first discussed this with me and now it is becoming a reality. The establishment of the International Appalachian Trail in Ireland continues to highlight the great ties that bind our countries. The similarities between our landscapes and people, and the friendliness we all exude are more and more being realized. I wish you every success in your launch in Omagh and the work that lies ahead.”
while former Maine Governor, current U.S. Congressman, and original proponent of the IAT, Joseph Brennan stated:
“I am particularly excited by Northern Ireland joining the IAT as the 20th Chapter and linking their famous trail system, including the Ulster Way, with the IAT trail system in Ireland. The Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park provides an authentic backdrop for the launch, as this music owes so much to music from other IAT partner countries like Norway, Iceland, the Faeroes, Sweden, Denmark or the Netherlands.”
Joining in the live celebration in the United States was a large group from IAT Maine, who were gathered at an Irish pub in Portland.
Back on the trail, the IAT Ulster Ireland route now stretches from Slieve League in Donegal to Kelly’s Bridge in the Killeter Forest on the Border with Strabane, then onwards to Bollagh Mountain where it joins the Ulster Way as it curves north to the Antrim coast, before turning south through the Glens, ending at Larne near the ferry to Scotland, where the IAT extends from the Mull of Galloway in the south to Cape Wrath in the north.
To learn more about IAT Ulster Ireland, visit their website at https://iatulsterireland.com/
