Rural Recreation Programme
About the Rural Recreation Programme
The Rural Recreation Programme supports the development, maintenance, and promotion of trail-based outdoor recreation across County Donegal. Running since 2008, the programme is led by a dedicated Rural Recreation Officer who works alongside communities, landowners, and agencies to create and sustain the outdoor recreation infrastructure that makes Donegal one of Ireland’s most compelling destinations for active outdoor pursuits.
From walking and cycling trails to canoeing routes, mountain biking tracks, orienteering courses, and wild swimming spots, the programme covers a broad range of activities that benefit both local residents and the many visitors who come to experience Donegal’s landscape. Beyond trail development, the programme also administers funding schemes that allow community groups and trail management organisations to invest in new and existing outdoor recreation infrastructure across the county.
How We Can Help
Our Rural Recreation Officer works across the full county, providing guidance and practical support to community groups and trail management organisations at every stage of a recreation project, from initial planning through to completion. We also distribute trail route cards and local route maps, helping to promote existing trails and attract more people to experience what Donegal has to offer outdoors.
For organisations looking to develop or improve outdoor recreation infrastructure, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2026/27 provides a valuable funding opportunity across three project scales. Our team can help you understand the eligibility criteria, prepare your application, and navigate the process from start to finish.
Trail Development and Promotion
We work with community groups, landowners, and agencies to develop and maintain outdoor recreation trails across County Donegal, supporting activities including walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, and wild swimming. If your community group is interested in developing a new trail or improving an existing one, our Rural Recreation Officer can provide advice and guidance on how to get started. We also produce and distribute trail route cards and local maps to help promote routes and increase their use.
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)
The ORIS 2026/27 provides grant funding for trail and outdoor recreation infrastructure projects across three measures: small-scale projects up to €40,000, medium-scale projects up to €200,000, and project development costs up to €100,000. All applicants must provide 10% match funding. Trail Management Organisations and community groups are eligible to apply. Activities on confined courses such as golf and football, and all motorised activities, are not eligible. To find out more or request an application form, contact our Rural Recreation Officer directly.
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