Broadford & Ashford The Project. The Trails Flora & Fauna Mullaghareirk Ramblers. Social Media Get Involved

Transcription

1 Get Involved 2017

2 Broadford & Ashford The Project The Trails Flora & Fauna Mullaghareirk Ramblers Social Media Get Involved

3 1 Broadford & Ashford Broadford - Back beside the bridge, a quarter of a mile from here, the first Béal an Átha was located. It is easy to understand how the place got it s name. A trace of the ford beside the bridge still exists. And the mouth it is obvious enough because the river opens out into the shape of a mouth at this point. That is the origin of the name Béal an Átha. Séamus Ó Gruagáin, Principal Teacher, Broadford National School taken from The Schools Manuscript Collection, 1937/1938 The village of Ashford, (Áth na Fuinseoige) is nestled at the foot of the Mullaghareirk Mountains, (Mullach an Radhairc). The name of the village in Irish means Bridge of the Ash and a bridge still exists at the eastern end of the village over the river Sink. Ashford is part of the legacy of one of its most important historical figures St. Ita. Ita, or Deirdre as she was named before her introduction to Christianity. Today Broadford & Ashford villages have grown into a thriving community with a number of businesses, voluntary community organisations and sports clubs.

4 2 The Project A community project which has seen walking trails redeveloped and promoted for tourism purposes. Run by the voluntary committee, the Broadford/Ashford walking trails promote six routes in the Mullaghareirk mountain range. Each of the six routes have been selected to provide spectacular views over Co Limerick. They are fully waymarked and have illustrated storyboards in the picturesque villages of Broadford and Ashford. The six walking routes are An Gleann Beag Loop, the Gleann na gcapall Loop, the Killagholehane Way, the Broadford to Ashford Way, the Ashford to Lough Ghe Way and the Gortnaclohy Loop. Local sports clubs use them for training and team building, local schools as part of their active weeks. It is also an opportunity to gain local knowledge and familiarise oneself with the area as the start of all of the walks are storyboards detailing routes, flora & fauna and local history. Phases of the Project 1. Planning 2. Consultation 3. Design 4. Works 5. Marketing 6. Accreditation 7. Launch

5 3 The Trails The Broadford Ashford Walking Trails are located in rural West Limerick, nestled into the Mullaghareirk mountain range. The majestic landscape of rolling hills, open farmland and forest paths is ideal walking terrain. Each of the 6 routes varying in distance from 6km to 20km have been carefully selected to provide spectacular views over County Limerick. All walks are fully waymarked and have illustrated storyboards in the picturesque villages of Broadford and Ashford. Specific map brochures are available locally or to download at The perfect mix that you seek from an Irish holidaypeople, history, scenery and activity - is to be found in this one small corner of Ireland.

6 4 Flora & Fauna The Broadford Ashford Walking Trails are home to a wide variety of animals, birds, trees, insects, butterflies and flowers. Birds include Meadow Pipits, Cuckoos, Skylarks, Mallards, Herons and the most notable being the Hen Harrier which is a protected bird of prey recognized by the low coursing flight, white rump, and wings held at a shallow V angle. Tree species include Hazel, Hawthorn, Irish Oak, Lime Trees, Ash, Silver Birch and Sitka Spruce. Flower varieties include Bluebells, Primroses and Foxgloves. The trails are also home to Red Squirrels, Badgers, Foxes, Hares and Pine Martens.

7 5 Mullaghareirk Ramblers Broadford and Ashford is also home to a hill walking group by the name of The Mullaghareirk Ramblers. Affiliated with Mountaineering Ireland, the group meets every 3 weeks to climb mountains in the Munster region. The group make great use of the local trails to maintain fitness. Together they have climbed Mount Eagle, Mangerton, Purple Mountain, Brandon, The Galtees, Hungry Hill and the great Carrauntoohill to name a few. Annually, the walking group travelled a bit further afield for a long weekend of walking, cycling and socialising. New members to the group are always welcome.

8 6 Social Media A core part of the projects success has been the development of a detailed interactive website. Before launching the trails the website was set up at Also, in order to regularly communicate with followers, the group also set up a Facebook page which can be found at Today we have 810 followers and this number is increasing month on month. The website and Facebook page is kept regularly updated with news and photographs throughout the year. Both the website and Facebook page have Contact Us functions which allows trail users to ask questions, give feedback and to share photographs. m/embed/sfvoaz6majg

9 7 Get Involved The committee are delighted to be the Limerick Leaders representative in Get Involved 2016/2017