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Training Opportunities

Community Walk Leader Training

The Get Ireland Walking Community Walking Programme supports community members and volunteers to lead local walks.  It provides training, resources, and guidance on planning safe, inclusive, and enjoyable walks, including route selection, group management, and risk awareness.  Registered walk leaders receive free insurance and ongoing support to help walking groups grow and thrive.

You’ll find further information on the Get Ireland Walking Website HERE

Mountain Skills Training

Mountaineering Ireland offers practical courses designed to build core hillwalking skills, ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to feel more confident in the hills.

Mountain skills training covers things like map reading, contour interpretation, basic navigation, understanding mountain hazards and weather, essential equipment, and route planning.

  • Hill Skills Days
  • Mountain Skills 1 & 2
  • Lowland Leader and Mountain Leader

You can find out more about Mountaineering Ireland’s Training HERE

REC 3 First Aid

REC 3 First Aid courses provide essential training for anyone enjoying the outdoors. These courses cover practical skills to respond to injuries and emergencies in remote or challenging environments, from cuts and fractures to hypothermia and allergic reactions.  For walkers, hikers, and outdoor leaders, having REC 3 first aid knowledge ensures you can act confidently and safely, helping yourself and others when accidents happen far from immediate medical help.

Check out our upcoming outdoor programmes for any upcoming REC 3 first aid courses

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Accessible Waterford Walks

A group of people hiking up a steep grassy hillside under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. They’re wearing backpacks and outdoor gear, walking in a line along a narrow path with tall grass and a few small trees around them.

Here are some of the most accessible walks in Waterford . . .

Anne Valley Walk – Dunhill
This is the top recommended accessible trail in the area.

  • Fully wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking
  • Accessible toilet available at the trail

Additional accessible toilets and a café located at the Enterprise Centre (with lift access)

Waterford Greenway – Suir Valley (Kilmeaden) & Kilmacthomas
Both of these sections of the Greenway are suitable for wheelchair users.

  • Wheelchair accessible paths
  • Accessible toilets available at both Kilmeaden and Kilmacthomas

Note: Other access points along the Greenway do not have accessible toilet facilities nearby.

SETU Arena – Running Buggy Friendly
A great option for those using running buggies or participating in parkrun events.

  • Fully accessible amenities on-site
  • Suitable for running buggies
  • Ideal location for inclusive parkrun participation

Get Waterford Walking Action Plan Launched!

On Tuesday, 12th June 2025, at the Teachers’ Centre in Waterford City, local stakeholders gathered to launch an Action Plan for Get Waterford Walking, part of the broader national Get Ireland Walking initiative. The development of the plan provided an opportunity for stakeholders to collectively identify and implement walking-specific actions across recreation, transport, and health sectors.

Get Ireland Walking aims to act as the catalyst organisation to unify the efforts of organisations in Ireland, including those in Waterford, that play a role in the promotion and development of walking.

Waterford has adopted a systems model of working, where stakeholders from across Waterford City and County gathered to discuss what was working well in walking promotion and development. A series of workshops subsequently supported the stakeholder group to identify gaps within that system and highlighted where collaborative efforts could be made to support more participation in walking, the delivery of programmes, events, and campaigns, in addition to advocacy efforts and information sharing.

The Global Action Plan for Physical Activity (GAPPA Framework) and its quadrants – Create Active Societies, Environments, People, and Systems – were used to enable stakeholders to align the work of Get Waterford Walking with their own organisational objectives and strategic plans.

Waterford City and County has an abundance of inviting spaces to enjoy – the greenway, coastal paths and beaches, forest trails, mountains, rivers, lakes, sports clubs, and public parks. Notably and importantly, the work of the stakeholders provides accessible opportunities for key target groups to be active through programmes and events. Waterford Sports Partnership, Waterford City & County Council, National Governing Bodies, Healthy Waterford, Active Travel, SETU, Green Schools, The Waterford Chamber, HSE, Rural and Outdoor Recreation, Community Groups, Social Prescribing, Community Safety Team, and Age Friendly Ireland are all significant contributors. These are key organisations for delivering walking initiatives through their networks, clients, members, and the population at large.

In addition to Waterford and Cork, stakeholder groups have also been created in Limerick and Laois – all counties using the same approach, asking the same reflective questions about walking in their counties, and developing actions that are collaborative, attainable, and measurable. The network of stakeholders is generally similar in all areas, with some exceptions.

You can view the Get Waterford Walking Action Plan HERE

Summer Steps 2025

Image of people walking on the Anne Valley walk
Join us for Summer Steps
A monthly event designed to bring people together for a relaxed and enjoyable walk!

MAY WALK
Tuesday 20th May | 11am – 12.30pm
Anne Valley Walk Dunhill (meeting at car park beside Toilet)

JUNE WALK
Tuesday 24th June | 11am – 12.30pm
Tramore Promenade | Meeting at the Car Park opposite the Majestic Hotel

JULY WALK
Tuesday 29th July | 11am – 12.30pm
Dunmore East (meeting at park opposite Haven Hotel)

This is your chance to meet new people while staying active. The walks are suitable for older adults, people with disabilities and people living well with long-term health conditions, as the distance can be adjusted to suit each person’s ability. We’ll have a leader to guide the group and a sweeper to ensure no one is ever left behind. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just starting, Summer Steps provides a welcoming environment to get outside, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of the season at your own pace.

It’s the perfect way to stay active, social, and healthy throughout the
summer months.

COST PER WALK: €5 includes tea/coffee/scone

Book on eventbrite.ie HERE

All places MUST be booked in advance, if you need help booking, please contact Jordan Kelly on 086 167 5642 or email jordankelly@waterfordsportspartnership.ie by 12pm the Monday before each walk.

PLEASE NOTE: The walks will go ahead WEATHER PERMITTING –  please contact Jordan before travelling if in doubt.

 

Waterford Walking Week 2025

A sea view from the Dunmore East Coastal Walk

In a new addition to our Calendar for 2025, Waterford Walking Week will run
from Monday 7th to Sunday 13th April 2025.

We are hosting the following events:

Walk & Petanque | Taster Session
Join us for a leisurely walk in the People’s Park followed by a Pétanque taster session led by Waterford Pétanque Club
Monday 7th April @1.30pm | €5pp People’s Park | Waterford | Meet at main gate

Beyond the Trail | Outdoor Safety Webinar
Join us for an online webinar with an outdoor first aid expert! Learn essential safety tips for exploring hills and mountains,
and make your adventures safer and more enjoyable
Tuesday 8th April @7pm | €5pp | Online Webinar

‘From the Victorians to the Vikings – heritage along
the Waterford Greenway in Woodstown and Carriganore’
Join us for a guided heritage walk on the Waterford Greenway, led by James Eogan, of Waterford Archaeological and Historical Society and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Wednesday 9th @ 1pm | €5pp | Meeting at the Waterford Greenway Car Park Carriganore (beside SETU Arena)

Fitsticks | Taster Session
Fitsticks/Activator Pole Walking is suitable for adults of different abilities.
We will explore how Fitsticks can improve your: Aerobic Fitness | Mobility | Strength | Balance
Thursday 10th April @11am | FREE
SETU Arena | Carriganore | Waterford

Coastal Walk | Guided Walk
Join us for a moderate 7km guided coastal walk in beautiful Dunmore East.
Friday 11th April @10.30am | €10pp
Dunmore East | Meeting at the car park near the pier.

Happy Hiking | Hill Skills Day with Mountaineering Ireland
Participants will get an opportunity to join a qualified instructor for a full day’s training and gain useful information and skills that will help keep them safe on the hills.
Saturday 12th April @10am to 2pm | €20pp
Meeting at Bay Lough Car Park | R668, Glentaunemon, Co. Waterford

BOOK here now on eventbrite.ie

FOR BOOKINGS OR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Liz McEnaney on  087 739 6050 or email lmcenaney@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

 

 

St. Declan’s Way Walks | Book Now!


Join us for a series of 8/10km looped walks of moderate difficulty
at various sections along the Waterford section of St. Declan’s Way.

Sunday 19th May @10am | Melleray
Sunday 23rd June @10am | Lismore
Sunday 21st July @10am | Aglish
Sunday 18th August @10am | Ballycurrane
Sunday 29th September @10am | Ardmore

Participants will require hiking boots and will need to bring water and a packed lunch

€6pp | Book your place HERE now

FOR BOOKINGS OR FUTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Liz McEnaney on 087 739 6050 or email lmcenaney@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

Healthy Ireland Community Walks 2024

In December, we advertised our Healthy Ireland Community Walks Grant Scheme which provides funding to help groups and clubs to organise walks in their communities. Ten clubs and groups applied. Some of the groups have started their walks already! The walks will be running across the county for six weeks, in many different locations and are available for anyone wishing to join in. The walks are a great chance to meet people and to get active in your community in 2024!

Here is a listing of all the walks and their start dates.
Follow the group/clubs on Social media to keep up to date with what’s going on!
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Liz McEnaney on  087 739 6050 or email lmcenaney@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

 

 

Glenshelane Family Walk


National Walking Day | Glenshelane Family Walk

To celebrate National Walking Day 2023, which takes place on Sunday 24th September, we are hosting a FREE guided Family Nature Walk in the beautiful Glenshelane Woods near Cappoquinn. Come along and join us, we are meeting at the car park at the woods at 11am. Bring the family, bring the dog!

Book you free places HERE from Sept 1st!

FOR BOOKINGS OR FUTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Liz McEnaney on  087 739 6050 or email lmcenaney@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

 

Let’s Walk Dungarvan

Join us for a weekly summer evening walk around Dungarvan
Walking route will vary each week and will build gradually, starting at approximately 3km.
This programme is suitable for men & women. Walks will last approximately 45 minutes.

SIX WEEK PROGRAMME
Starting Tuesday 27th June @7pm
Meeting at ’The Lookout’ Dungarvan

FREE WALKS | Book HERE now!

FOR BOOKINGS OR FUTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Sinéad Brannigan on 087 459 6179 or email sbrannigan@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

Ireland Lights Up at a GAA Club near you!


Ireland Lights Up encourages GAA clubs across the country to turn on their lights and open their walking tracks so their community can come together to walk and talk in a safe environment during the dark winter evenings.

The following Waterford GAA Clubs are taking part this year:

Ballygunner Hurling Club
Clashmore/Kinsalebeg GAA Club
De La Salle GAA Club
Deuglan naofa CLG/Ardmore GAA
Kilrossanty GAA Club
Mount Sion GAA Club


Check on the Club name above to link to their Facebook Page for more info on Ireland Lights Up!

 

 

 

Waterford Sports Partnership

Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) was established in 2002 by Sport Ireland (formerly the Irish Sports Council) as part of the Local Sports Partnership initiative with the aim of increasing participation in sport and physical activity in County Waterford.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Sport Ireland

Useful Links

Sport Ireland
Sport Ireland plans, leads and co-ordinates the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland.

LSP Contact Finder
Find contact details for other Local Sports Partnerships.

NGB Contact Finder
Find contact details for National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Social Media

Follow Waterford Sports Partnership on Facebook Follow Waterford Sports Partnership on Youtube

Company Info

Waterford Sports Partnership Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
CRO Number: 378713

Registered Office –
Civic Offices
Dungarvan
Co. Waterford
Ireland

Federation of Irish Sport Logo

Active Disability Ireland Logo

Contact Details

County Office:
Civic Offices
Dungarvan
Co. Waterford
Tel: 058 21194

City Office:
Regional Sports Centre
Cork Road
Waterford

Email: info@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
Website By: Déise Design

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