A new app that helps people find walking & cycling trails around the country has been launched by the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring. The app, which was produced by the Irish Sports Council and developed by Nimble Tours, is available from the iTunes App Store.
The app lets you find trails nearby, search by county or by activity. It provides information on the trailheads, grading information and descriptions of the trail. You can also see and submit trail reviews and share your trail experience on Facebook. The app works offline so that you can find trails even in places where you have no data coverage.
The app covers all kinds of trails – from the local “Sli” trails to long distance routes – so whether you are a family group looking for a Sunday stroll or a serious hiker looking for another mountain to climb this is the app for you. There are over 500 popular trails described in the app with additional trails being added soon.
John Treacy, Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council said;
“Participation in physical activity is on the increase and recreational walking is hugely popular. This app is one of the many initiatives of the National Trails Office which aims to increase use and enjoyment of the trails”.
John Maughan, Founder of Nimble Tours commented:
“People are increasingly relying on their mobile as a key information source. The Irish Sports Council have recognised this and placed trails information into the hands and pockets of their audience – literally at their fingertips. I think there is a growing awareness that a mobile strategy is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity”
About Nimble Tours
Nimble Tours based in Dublin, Ireland creates professional multimedia tour guide apps for mobile devices. We work with tourism and heritage promoters to deliver compelling apps for visitors in a cost-effective way. Our apps combine the GPS, mapping and multimedia capabilities of the phone to deliver great promotional material to prospective visitors and to enhance their experience when they arrive.
About the Irish Sports Council
The Irish Sports Council plans, leads and co-ordinate the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland. The Irish Sports Council’s vision is one where sport contributes to enhancing the quality of Irish life and everyone is encouraged and valued in sport; young people see sport participation as an integral and enjoyable part of their busy lives; individuals can develop their sporting abilities and enhance their enjoyment, limited only by their talent and commitment; and Irish sportsmen and women achieve consistent world-class performance, fairly.
The Irish Sports Council was established on 1 July 1999 under the Irish Sports Council Act and is a statutory authority comprising of eight major divisions; Anti-Doping, Corporate Services, High Performance, Irish Institute of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships, National Governing Bodies, National Trails Office and Research.
About the National Trails Office
The National Trails Office was established in 2007 by the Irish Sports Council to coordinate and drive the implementation of an Irish Trails Strategy and to promote the use of recreational trails in Ireland.
The National Trails Office maintains a National Trails Register, in conjunction with a number of partner agencies and bodies ( currently >580 trails listed), promotes standards and good practice for trail development, supports new trail initiatives and undertakes promotional work aimed at increasing awareness and usage of recreational trails in Ireland.
