You are here

Active Travel and Outdoors in Ireland – Research and Analysis

Active travel and outdoor recreation have moved from the margins of Irish policy to the centre in a remarkably short period. Government funding for cycling and walking infrastructure has increased tenfold in under a decade. Greenways that did not exist five years ago now draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Ireland’s national parks, trails and coastal routes are being used more intensively than at any point in history. This section covers independent research and analysis on active travel, outdoor recreation and the infrastructure that supports both across Ireland.

📌 Featured Articles

Cycling in Ireland – Infrastructure, Routes and the Future of Active Travel

A guide to the current state of cycling in Ireland – where the infrastructure exists, where it does not, how the national greenway network is developing and what the policy frameworks promise for the years ahead. Examines safety data, bike-sharing schemes, the rise of e-bikes and the gap between political ambition and what has actually been built.

Active Travel in Ireland – Policy, Investment and Progress

Ireland’s active travel budget has grown rapidly, but spending money is not the same as building infrastructure. This overview examines the policy framework, how funding flows from the National Transport Authority to local authorities and whether the delivery machinery is capable of matching the scale of the government’s ambition.

Greenways in Ireland – Routes, Development and the National Network

From the Great Western Greenway to the Waterford Greenway, Ireland’s off-road cycling and walking routes have become major tourism and recreation assets. This article maps the existing network, profiles the most popular routes, examines the funding and planning behind new greenways and assesses the economic impact on the rural communities they pass through.

Walking Trails in Ireland – A Guide to Ireland’s Best Routes

Ireland’s network of walking trails ranges from gentle lakeside loops to demanding mountain traverses. This guide covers the Waymarked Trails network, the major long-distance routes, how trails are maintained and managed, and the growing role of walking infrastructure in both rural tourism and public health strategy.

National Parks in Ireland – Conservation, Recreation and Management

Ireland’s six national parks are where conservation and public recreation meet – sometimes uneasily. This article profiles each park, examines the habitats and species they protect, assesses visitor pressure and management challenges including deer overgrazing and invasive species, and considers what the parks need to fulfil both their conservation and recreation mandates.

The Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland’s Iconic Coastal Route

Stretching 2,500 kilometres from Donegal to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s great coastal routes. This article goes beyond the tourism branding to examine the route’s economic impact on coastal communities, the active travel opportunities it creates for cyclists and walkers, and its significance as the centrepiece of Ireland’s international tourism identity.

Blueways in Ireland – Paddling Routes and Water-Based Recreation

Blueways – designated paddling and water recreation routes along Ireland’s rivers, lakes and canals – represent an emerging but underdeveloped part of the outdoor recreation landscape. This article maps the existing network, highlights the most popular routes and examines the potential for further development as demand for water-based recreation grows.

Outdoor Recreation in Ireland – Infrastructure, Policy and Economic Impact

Outdoor recreation is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Irish economy, driven by rising participation in walking, cycling, water sports and nature-based activities. This piece examines the national policy framework, assesses investment in trails and facilities, quantifies the economic contribution to rural areas and tackles the management challenges created by rapidly growing visitor numbers.

🔍 What You Will Find Here

  • Research on cycling infrastructure, safety and policy in Ireland
  • Guides to Ireland’s greenway, blueway and walking trail networks
  • Analysis of active travel funding – how much is being spent and what is being delivered
  • Profiles of Ireland’s national parks, the Wild Atlantic Way and other iconic outdoor destinations
  • Research on the economic impact of outdoor recreation on rural communities
  • Coverage of outdoor recreation policy, visitor management and infrastructure investment

💡 Why Active Travel and Outdoors Research Matters in Ireland

The shift toward active travel is driven by necessity as much as choice. Ireland’s climate targets require a fundamental reduction in car dependency. Urban congestion and air quality demand alternatives. Public health costs associated with sedentary lifestyles are rising. At the same time, outdoor recreation infrastructure is one of rural Ireland’s most valuable economic assets – greenways, trails and national parks support local businesses, attract international visitors and give communities a reason to stay connected to the landscape. But good intentions are not enough. Whether the investment is well targeted, whether the infrastructure is being built to a standard that people will use, and whether the economic benefits are reaching the communities that need them most – these are questions that require independent, evidence-based analysis.

🗺️ Explore Other Research Areas