Waterways Ireland is encouraging the public to explore its more than 350km of waterside trails on National Walking Day this Sunday, 27 September.

First held last year, National Walking Day is taking place on trails, towpaths and beaches as well as parks and GAA clubs across the country — anywhere people can get out and walk.

More than a million people lie within 10km of a waterway managed by Waterways Ireland, which adds that having off-road walking trails within easy access is a huge asset for communities for how they benefit people’s mental and physical health and well-being.

GetIrelandWalking.ie lists walking events and walking groups that are participating in National Walking Day so you can walk with others if you don't want to strike out alone.

But the main point of National Walking Day is to get people to integrate walking into their everyday activity, and going the more than 3.1 million regular walkers in Ireland — a number that’s only grown during the coronavirus situation.

“With the provision of our Blueway and Greenway trails, we have now created even more locations for people to get out and walk in their local area,” says Waterways Ireland’s Sharon Lavin.

“The Royal Canal Greenway will launch later this year and this will be the latest in a range of greenway options available in Ireland.

“It will be the longest of its kind, stretching for 130km from Maynooth to Longford town and Cloondara alongside the tranquil and historic Royal Canal.”