Supporting landowners, communities and walkers to enjoy Clare’s great outdoors.

Rural Recreation and the Walks Scheme

Clare Local Development Company delivers the Rural Recreation Programme in County Clare, working with landowners, community groups and state agencies to maintain and develop high‑quality walking trails.

Through the Walks Scheme, over 100 landowners in North Clare receive payment to maintain sections of the Burren Way and associated looped walks, helping keep routes open, safe and welcoming for locals and visitors.

At a Glance:

 

  • Part of Ireland’s national Rural Recreation Programme
  • Supports farm families and rural tourism
  • Maintains waymarked trails across County Clare
  • Promotes responsible access and Leave No Trace

What is the Walks Scheme?

It is a national scheme that pays landowners to maintain approved walking routes such as National Waymarked Ways and looped walks.

Clare Local Development Company administers it locally in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and Fáilte Ireland.

In practice, the scheme:

  • Agrees a maintenance plan with each participating landowner
  • Funds work like strimming, drainage, fencing, stiles and signage.
  • Ensures regular inspections and quality standards on trails.
  • Creates a modest but reliable income stream for farm families along walking routes

     

Trails Supported by CLDC

Walk schemes and partner trails supported by Clare Local Development Company Rural Recreation Scheme in County Clare

  • Burren Way (c. 112–123 km linear route through North Clare)
  • Ballyvaughan Wood Loop – 9 km
  • Blackhead Loop – 26 km
  • Carran Loop – 9 km

How Our Rural Recreation Officer Can Help

  • Lough Avalla Farm Loop – 6 km
  • Templecronan Loop – 5 km
  • Fanore to Ballyvaughan Trek – 21 km
  • 12 O’Clock Hills trails (12 O’Clock Hills Development Group)
  • Ballycuggeran Loop and East Clare Way (with Clare Walks Ltd)
  • Rural Recreation Officer: Eoin Hogan
  • Email: ehogan@cldc.ie
  • Phone: 086 812 2030 or 065 686 6800

The Rural Recreation Officer coordinates the Walks Scheme and wider outdoor recreation projects in County Clare, acting as a link between landowners, communities, state agencies and visitors.

Talk to us about:

  • Joining or managing a Walks Scheme trail

     

  • Developing community walking routes and applying for funding

     

  • Trail inspections, signage and safety

     

  • Promoting Leave No Trace and responsible access

Digital Trail Management with WayWyser 

WayWyser is a trail management system developed in Clare that uses a smartphone app, IoT counters and a cloud dashboard to manage outdoor recreation sites.

CLDC uses WayWyser to monitor footfall, trail condition and biodiversity on Clare routes and that it has been recognised in Irish and international awards for sustainability and accessibility.

WayWyser helps us to:

  • Log issues from the trail in real time (e.g. damage, fallen trees).
  • Track visitor numbers with people counters.
  • Plan maintenance and funding based on evidence.

 

Plan Your Trip!

Before you head out, please plan your route and follow good outdoor ethics

  • Use clare‑getsidetracked.ie for up‑to‑date maps, grades and directions.
  • Respect landowners, livestock and property – many trails cross private land under the Walks Scheme.
  • Keep dogs under close control and obey local signage.
  • Take all litter home and avoid damaging walls, fences or habitats.
  • Be prepared for changeable weather and uneven ground.