Ballyshannon to Bundoran Walkway ready for inaugural event

Donegal County Council have confirmed that the new Bundoran to Ballyshannon Active Travel Project will be ready for a major inaugural sponsored walk and run this Sunday, November 15.

The project provides a continuous walking and cycling lane between the urban environs of Bundoran and Ballyshannon along the R267 Finner Road.

The scheme was designed to make walking, cycling and other forms of active travel safer, more convenient and more appealing for people of all ages and abilities.

Local GAA club Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon have the privilege of hosting the first-ever event on the new walkway. They have organised an 11km Loop walk/run from their home ground at Fr. Tierney Park on Sunday.

The walk will begin at 10 am, travelling out the N15 towards Bundoran before returning to Ballyshannon along the new R267 Active Travel route, finishing back at Fr. Tierney Park.

Due to the huge demand, the club have also announced a run option beginning at 11am along the same route and joining the walkers on their return to Fr Tierney Park.

Aodh Ruadh are also including a third option for those who would prefer a more placid Sunday morning stroll.

This is a 5km option from the Finner roundabout (near BMG) at the start of the new walkway and the club are providing a free shuttle bus at 10.30am from Fr Tierney Park for the short option, which will commence at 11a.m at the Finner roundabout as the 11km walkers reach that point.

If everything goes to plan, all walkers and runners should arrive back at the clubhouse at Fr Tierney around 12 noon where refreshments and live music await.

The idea for the event came from past pupils of Ballyshannon schools who had a get-together in March this year and one of whom is one of the event organisers Paul McLoone.

“We had a discussion that day about the major contribution Aodh Ruadh had made to the schools and youth of Ballyshannon over the past 50 years but that all of the work seemed to land on a few club stalwarts,” Paul said.

“We were aware that there were plans afoot for upgrading the old stand at Fr. Tierney Park so as a once-off we decided to organise this fundraiser and match it up with the opening of the new walkway which is an iconic development for the town in its own right.

“We are aware that since the Club laid the new pitch in 2023, they are attracting a lot more well-attended, high-profile games, which is great for business in the town. The event on Sunday 15th is a great opportunity for the community to come together, walk or run with family and friends and help the Club along with their ambitious plans. We are more than impressed to see they have already started work on accessible seating and installing a wheelchair viewing area in the stand and commend them on their initiative to start with this very important piece of infrastructure. We encourage everyone to join us on the day, have a good time and make a donation if you can.”

Those wishing to participate can register at Fr Tierney Park from 8.30 a.m on the morning of the event or online via the club’s website. The club also has a GoFundMe page, titled 11k Loop Walk Fr Tierney Park to Fr Tierney Park, for anyone who wishes to donate and can’t make it on the day. More details are available on aodhruadh.org.