Cork walking trail named after first Irish woman to climb Everest gets vital extension

By Peter McCarthy, Corkman

Extensions to two pedestrian and cycle routes in West Cork have been officially opened by Cork County Council and Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien.

In Clonakilty, the N71 Gallanes Active Travel project adds to the existing Joe Walsh Walkway, which first opened on the outskirts of the town in 2019. The route has now been extended through the West Cork Technology Club and connects the town with Clonakilty Rugby Club. The completed works include an additional 1km path, a new car park, picnic tables, lighting and a safe road crossing.

In Bandon the Clare O’Leary Walkway has been upgraded and extended by 1km connecting it to the town. The 3-metre-wide off-road path is now 2.7km in length and includes a new amenity space with picnic tables and seating. Both projects were funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The ribbons were cut on the walkways in Clonakilty and Bandon by the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley; Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien; and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell.

“It is a proud day for West Cork as we officially open extensions to two popular walking and cycling routes. They provide safe and accessible spaces for people of all ages as well as encouraging healthier and more sustainable ways to travel,” Cllr Linehan Foley said.

“It is especially meaningful that these walkways carry the names of two outstanding individuals with strong links to West Cork. Dr Clare O’Leary, who is from Bandon, is the first Irish woman to climb Everest, complete the seven summits and ski to the South Pole. Joe Walsh was a TD and Senator representing the Cork South-West constituency for 30 years, serving as Minister for Agriculture on two occasions.”

“These projects will deliver a wide range of benefits—safer routes for students traveling to school, healthier and more sustainable options for short local journeys, and improvements in overall wellbeing. They will also create more attractive, peaceful spaces for residents to enjoy,” Minister O’Brien said.

Cork County Council Chief Executive Murrell said developing walking and cycling routes is key to the local authority’s Active Travel strategy. “The extensions in Clonakilty and Bandon are part of a wider, long-term vision to create a comprehensive network of high-quality, accessible routes that encourage people to walk, cycle and choose more sustainable ways to travel,” she said.

It is envisaged that the two routes will eventually be linked through the proposed West Cork Greenway, now at the route options selection stage.