Latest News
brite Sparks win the Erne canoe rally!
Monday, 29 September 2008
The Lough Erne Canoe rally witnessed a strong revival with 50 entrants from all over Ireland descending upon Share Holiday Village for a paddling event with a difference!
The event had several disciplines including; Long Distance, Sprint, Flat and Moving Water Slalom, and an obstacle race in which participants had to compete in Super Hero Fancy Dress! The turnout in fancy dress was exceptional as extra points were awarded which could substantially affect participants' scores. As such a special effort was made and few if any super heroes were duplicated, with characters such as Batman and Robin, Cat woman, Team America, Scooby Doo, Super Gran and the Baywatch babes.
Saturday saw the start of the Long distance race where participants had to paddle 8 Kilometres from Share round Trasna Island and back. This was closely followed by still and moving water slaloms in which there was a Special Olympics section which was well attended by Boots and Paddles - a Newry based Special Needs team of exceptional ability.
The strong revival was made possible due to the support received from brites wood pellet manufacturers - the fuel used to provide heat to run Ireland's largest residential outdoor activity centre as Paula Keelagher, brites Technical Development Manager, at Fermanagh based Balcas suggests:
"We were delighted to see the return of The Erne Canoe Rally and proud to be associated with such a worthwhile event. It was great to see so many participants in the first year of its revival and hope that all the paddlers had a super time and will return again next year".
With entrants as far a field as Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Newry and Donegal the effort people made to participate in the event highlighted the need for more recreational based canoe and kayak events throughout the province. Indeed paddlesports are rapidly growing in the province as Chris Scott - Marketing Officer from Canoe Ni suggests:
"The great infrastructure in place with the new award winning canoe trails and the publicity they have received has certainly aided the development of recreational paddling throughout Northern Ireland. The event is great fun for all paddlers whether experienced or new to the sport. I personally aim to be back next year!"
The overall individual winner was Noel Maguire from Ballyfermott - Dublin who was level on points until he clinched the title in the Saturday evening fancy dress competition. On receipt of his prize Noel thanked the event organisers, fellow competitors and Richard Smith from event sponsors - brites. He also highlighted how great it was to see the skill level shown by Boots and Paddles and commended their coaches and organisers.
The overall team event winners were local entrants ‘The Bluffers' who featured heavily in every event, winning the long distance race by more than 3 minutes. Colin Lively (lisnaskea) said:
‘We were delighted to win the team event and although we led from the outset, the competition became very close after the fancy dress competition. We needed to ensure a victory in the final discipline - the obstacle race to win the team event. We will return next year to try and win the Open Canoe section as well.'
Robert Livingstone - Shares General Manager thanked the sponsors, all competitors and volunteers and announced that the event will run at a similar time next year in the theme of comic book characters!
Click here to find out more
brite Outlook for The Lough Erne Canoe Rally
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
With less than a week to go until the brites Lough Erne Canoe Rally, the event is likely to avail of some of the best camping weather Fermanagh has seen this summer! Entries are flooding in from paddling enthusiasts, local businesses and friends and volunteers of Share. With 50 entries to date the event is set to make quite a splash amongst canoeing enthusiasts as Rory Martin - Shares' Marketing Officer describes;
"We have had a number of requests from paddlers to bring back the Erne Canoe Rally as it seemed to be the most light-hearted event of the calendar! The competitive fancy dress element and the strict event rules with regard to using the same boat for all disciplines will make the event unique and lots and lots of fun for all involved. Indeed due to demand we have organised a Special Olympics section for people with physical and learning disabilities."
For those people who have not yet entered, The Erne Canoe Rally is a not for profit - fun competitive canoeing/kayaking event open to all abilities and age groups. A number of classes and special disciplines are available for teams of 3. The idea of the event is that the teams must choose and compete in the same boat across all disciplines. Disciplines will include a long distance paddle, slalom, sprint, backwards and obstacle race with a competitive fancy dress element in the theme of ‘super heroes' which will be scored at the Saturday evening disco!
The Erne Canoe Rally was a very successful event run over a number of years in the 1980's/90's by Share Holiday Village to try and promote Lough Erne as a paddling destination for visiting outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately at the time there was little infrastructure in place to accommodate the needs of the paddlers and the event fell by the wayside whilst this issue was addressed. Now with great infrastructure in place including a way marked Canoe Trail, designated camp sites, visitor information, leaflets and maps, a website and a large amount of publicity, Share have decided it is now time to revive the highly successful event.
The event has been made possible by title sponsorship from brites the pellet fuel used in the four biomass boilers that provide heat to run Irelands largest residential activity centre, Paula Keelagher, brites Technical Development Manager, at Fermanagh based Balcas says, "We are delighted to see the return of The Erne Canoe Rally and are proud to be associated with such a worthwhile event. We look forward to welcoming people along to the event and hope that all the participants have a super time".
Working in Partnership with the Canoe Association for Northern Ireland the event will be included in their national event plans and run to a very high standard attracting paddlers from all over Northern and Southern Ireland as Ashley Hunter - Canoeing Development Officer comments; "I have heard many fond tales about a popular canoeing event that was run on Lough Erne about ten or more years ago. I am glad Share has decided to bring this back and we will work together to promote the event and the new award winning canoe trails which will hopefully attract more people to the area and to paddle sports".
Share is offering participants camping facilities, an evening meal, rescue cover, changing facilities, event entry, prizes and a fun social evening for the nominal fee of £35 per adult and £20 for Under 18's, people with disabilities, students and the unemployed. Limited boat hire and accommodation are available at a small extra cost. Share decided to keep costs to a minimum to ensure students; Children and persons on a low income can attend.
For more information on the brites Lough Erne Canoe Rally and other outdoor activity packages please contact Celia - Share Bookings Officer on 028 6772 2122 or celia@sharevillage.org
Click here to find out more
The Lough Erne Canoe Rally gets brites support!
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
The Erne Canoe Rally was a very successful event run over a number of years in the 1980’s/90’s by Share Holiday Village to try and promote Lough Erne as a paddling destination for visiting outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately at the time there was little infrastructure in place to accommodate the needs of the paddlers and the event fell by the wayside whilst this issue was addressed. Now with great infrastructure in place including a way marked Canoe Trail, designated camp sites, visitor information, leaflets and maps, a website and a large amount of publicity, Share have decided it is now time to revive the highly successful event.
The event has been made possible by title sponsorship from brites the pellet fuel used in the four biomass boilers that provide heat to run Irelands largest residential activity centre, Paula Keelagher, brites Technical Development Manager, at Fermanagh based Balcas says, “We are delighted to see the return of The Erne Canoe Rally and are proud to be associated with such a worthwhile event. We look forward to welcoming people along to the event and hope that all the participants have a super time”.
Working in Partnership with the Canoe Association for Northern Ireland the event will be included in their national event plans and run to a very high standard attracting 200 or more paddlers from all over Northern and Southern Ireland as Ashley Hunter – Canoeing Development Officer comments; “I have heard many fond tales about a popular canoeing event that was run on Lough Erne about ten or more years ago. I am glad Share has decided to bring this back and we will work together to promote the event and the new award winning canoe trails which will hopefully attract more people to the area and to paddle sports”.
The Erne Canoe Rally is a not for profit - fun competitive canoeing/kayaking event open to all abilities and age groups. A number of classes and special disciplines are available for teams of 3. The idea of the event is that the teams must choose and compete in the same boat across all disciplines. Disciplines will include a long distance paddle, slalom, sprint and obstacle race with a competitive fancy dress element in the theme of ‘super heroes’ which will be scored at the Saturday evening disco!
The event is set to make quite a splash amongst canoeing enthusiasts as Rory Martin – Shares’ Marketing Officer describes;
“We have had a number of requests from paddlers to bring back the Erne Canoe Rally as it seemed to be the most light-hearted event of the calendar! The competitive fancy dress element and the strict event rules with regard to using the same boat for all disciplines will make the event unique and lots and lots of fun for all involved”.
Share is offering participants camping facilities, an evening meal, rescue cover, changing facilities, event entry, prizes and a fun social evening for the nominal fee of £35 per adult and £20 for Under 18’s, students and the unemployed. Limited boat hire and accommodation are available at a small extra cost. Share decided to keep costs to a minimum to ensure students; Children and persons on a low income can attend.
For more information on the brites Lough Erne Canoe Rally and other outdoor activity packages please contact Celia – Share Bookings Officer on 028 6772 2122 or celia@sharevillage.org
Click here to find out more
Salt Island Bothy Open for Business
Friday, 4 July 2008
The Salt Island Bothy was officially opened by Liam McKibben, Director of Rural Policy, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) as part of the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail launch on Wednesday 2nd July 2008.
The Bothy owned by The National Trust has been restored from the original cottage dwelling and now offers basic shelter (for up to 12 people) with running water, wood burning stove, and toilets. There are also two official camping areas on the island – one within the Bothy grounds and one on the opposite side of the island.
"Many of The National Trust's properties are popular for recreational activities including Strangford Lough. It's wonderful to restore Northern Ireland's first Bothy and to work with partners on providing access to an exciting canoe trail” Jill Montgomery, Access & Recreation Officer
If you are interested in booking a stay in the Bothy see booking notes below.
Booking Notes
• The Bothy is located on Salt Island on Strangford Lough just south of Killyleagh. It is a bunkhouse which provides basic accommodation for canoeists and was restored in June 2008.
• Salt Island is one of 11 canoe access points of the circular Strangford Lough Canoe Trail. The canoe trail was officially launched at the Bothy on 2nd July 2008. The other 3 National Trust access points are at Castle Ward, Island Reagh and Horse Island. For a guide see www.canoeni.com.
• The Bothy accommodates 10 people and offers running water, toilets, a wood burning stove, kitchen area (no cooker), table and chairs. Users must bring their own wood to the island for the stove and any means of cooking.
• A key is required for the Bothy shutter which after booking and payment can be collected within opening hours from Castle Ward, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Dundrum (028 4375 1467), Killyleagh Outdoor Education Centre (028 4483 1646) and the House of Sport (028 9038 3855). There is also a code required for the key pad of the front door which will change on a regular basis.
• All bookings for the Bothy are coordinated through Castle Ward Reception on 028 4488 1204. The charges, which must be paid in full before key collection are as follows:
Bothy £6 per person per night OR
£50 for exclusive use
Camping at the Bothy site £6 per person per night
There is no charge for camping at North Bay (on the north side of the island).
• All users will be expected to respect the Bothy, its contents and other guests, and to leave the Bothy and the surrounding site clean and tidy after their stay. Users must take all their rubbish with them off the island.
• In an emergency contact Strangford Lough wardens on 07776 462537 or 07900 678411.
• The National Trust has set up a ‘Friends of the Bothy’ group to help keep the Bothy and the island in good order. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Jill Montgomery, Access & Recreation Officer on 028 9751 2345.
Click here to find out more
Strangford Lough Canoe Trail Launched
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Salt Island on Strangford Lough was a hive of activity on Wednesday 2nd July as the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail was officially launched.
The Strangford Lough Canoe Trail provides 80 square nautical miles of paddling paradise. One of the United Kingdom’s most scenic areas, it is a canoeist’s dream come true. From its many picturesque islands to its abundance of wildlife including curious seals, it is somewhere that can be enjoyed by canoeists of all abilities. Salt Island owned by The National Trust is one of the eight designated Access Points on the trail.
It is argued by many that the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) have left the best canoe trail to last, this being the fifth following on from trails developed on Lough Erne, River Blackwater, Lower Bann and Lough Neagh.
The official launch on Salt Island was certainly one with a difference with dignitaries and guests being transferred to the island by boat and then onwards by canoe accompanied by qualified instructors from Clearsky Adventure Centre, providing the exciting opportunity to sample the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail first hand.
Guests were also welcomed inside Northern Ireland’s first ever Bothy which was also opened as part of the launch. The Bothy also owned by The National Trust has been restored from the original cottage dwelling and now offers basic shelter (for up to 12 people) with running water, wood burning stove, and toilets. There are also two official camping areas on the island – one within the Bothy grounds and one on the opposite side of the island.
"Many of The National Trust's properties are popular for recreational activities including Strangford Lough. It's wonderful to restore Northern Ireland's first Bothy and to work with partners on providing access to an exciting canoe trail” Jill Montgomery, Access & Recreation Officer
On officially opening the canoe trail and Bothy, Liam McKibben, Director of Rural Policy, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) said: “As County Down’s tourism infrastructure continues to develop there are tremendous opportunities for many innovative and inspiring projects like this. The trail will be a magnet to canoeists from both the local community and those from further afield. This project has offered DARD the opportunity to work in partnership with CAAN and other key stakeholders from the area to make a positive contribution to the environment, much needed recreational facilities and tourism development."
Strangford Lough has always been a popular venue for canoeing, however the official Strangford Lough Canoe Trail accompanied with interpretation panels, a detailed waterproof guide (available from Tourist Information Centres) and interactive information on www.canoeni.com now provides a fantastic activity tourism product for the area. It is assured to attract tourists and increase interest in canoeing within the local area.
“The Strangford Lough Canoe Trail provides a product that can be promoted internationally within our CANOE NI brand whilst also encouraging responsible use of Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. The Salt Island Bothy in particular will create a magnificent attraction, it is commendable that The National Trust are committed to provide and maintain this facility for the outdoor recreation community” added Dr Caro-lynne Ferris, Director CAAN.
The Canoe Trails have been developed by CAAN and the Canoe Association for Northern Ireland (CANI). The quality of the canoe trails has been proven with the Lough Erne Canoe Trail recently winning the Innovation Category at the British Urban Regeneration Association Waterways Renaissance Awards becoming the first Northern Irish based project ever to receive such recognition.
Click here to find out more
New Canoe NI Brochure Launched
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Unique, accessible, varied and tranquil are just a few of the words the new Canoe Northern Ireland Brochure uses to describe the Canoe Trails in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland boasts Europe’s only official canoe trails therefore providing a unique way of exploring the countryside. The Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland (CANI) have launched five canoe trails under the “CANOE NI” brand. Whether you chose the stunning setting of Strangford Lough, the gentle waters of the River Blackwater, the fantastic views of Lough Neagh, the serenity of the Lower Bann or the enchanting beauty of Lough Erne, you are guaranteed the perfect way to escape.
A canoe trail is an interesting or challenging stretch of water which offers public access for canoeists to paddle. It is indicated on a map showing its associated facilities such as jetties, slipways, car parks and toilets. At designated access points, information panels provide additional details of its features and that of the surrounding area. Canoe trails may be paddled as a whole section or in sections.
Planning your trip could not be easier as each canoe trail has it own official waterproof guide, designed by canoeists and available from all Tourist Information Centres. It includes a range of useful information such as map, campsites, visitor attractions, toilets etc.
Canoe NI compliments the trail guides with www.canoeni.com –tagged as your definitive guide to canoeing in Northern Ireland. The website includes interactive maps of all the canoe trails.
On the launch of the Canoe Northern Ireland brochure Chris Scott, CAAN Marketing Officer enthused “Northern Ireland has always been a paddler's paradise. The rivers and loughs described in this brochure have offered the perfect setting for canoeing and kayaking for centuries. All we have done here is made it easier for you to access some of the most fantastic water and surroundings you will find anywhere in the world.” A comprehensive directory of canoeing providers is included in the brochure so whether you want to hire a canoe or kayak, receive expert instruction or take a guided trip then the necessary details are there.
Although the brochure will be used to attract tourists to Northern Ireland it is also of great use to home grown paddlers. “Whether you are interested in paddling the length of the Lower Bann or would just like a short afternoon paddle on Lough Erne then this brochure will certainly provide that inspiration.” added Alec Foye, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) Inland Waterways and Inland Fisheries Branch.
Request your copy of the new brochure from the Brochure page on www.outdoorni.com
Click here to find out more
Blackwater Canoe Trail - Britain's Best Day Out
Thursday, 5 June 2008
The Blackwater Canoe Trail has added to the list of achievements for the Canoe Trails in Northern Ireland.
It has recently been recognised in the Sunday Times Travel Section as one of Britain’s Best Days Out for this Summer.
The Sunday Times article included:
LAZY PADDLE, Armagh and Tyrone
Canoe touring is as hard as you want to make it - and idlers have just had their life made even easier in Northern Ireland, where five new canoe trails have recently opened. Our pick is the River Blackwater: 12 miles with the current to Lough Neagh, through the velvety green folds of Armagh and Tyrone, with pubs, cafes, camping and wildlife all mapped out for you.
“Canoe NI is absolutely delighted to be included in this feature. It highlights the unique nature of the Trails within the United Kingdom and the national recognition they are gaining” stated a jubilant Chris Scott, Marketing Officer, Countryside Access and Activities Network.
As the summer holidays approach why not contact the wide range of canoeing providers for canoe hire or guided trips?
For more information on the Canoe Trails in Northern Ireland please visit our sister site www.canoeni.com
Click here to find out more
The Canoe Centre Re-opens its Doors
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
As well as having Bluelough Adventure Centre in Castlewellan Forest Park and Cornmill Quay Adventure Centre in the sleepy seaside village of Annalong, The Highpoint Group have now taken over The Canoe Centre in Enniskillen and its doors re-opened at the start of April.
The Canoe Centre is based just off the shores of this busy little town and is ideally situated to service a wide range of users. As well as providing an excellent campsite the centre has residential facilities making it perfect for club excursions, training courses and overnight adventures.
The Centre will operate, in many ways, as a "traditional" Adventure Centre with the main focus being on Water Sports such canoeing, kayaking, voyaging, raft building, etc as well as a range of land based activities such as campcraft, archery, orienteering, mountain biking, climbing and abseiling.
In addition to this it will provide Canoe and Kayak Hire, Shuttle Services, Air and Sea Port Transfers, Canoe Parking, Equipment Hire and an excellent mug of coffee for those who happen to call by.
The Canoe Centre offers 1/2 day, full day and multi-day activity programmes suitable for children as young as 3 and adventure packages to include families, kids only and adults only - so there is no reason why you can't try something new this summer.
For more information and to book your adventure call 028 4377 0714
or email customerservices@thehighpointgroup.com
Click here to find out more
Lough Erne Activity Map Officially Launched
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
The Town Hall in Enniskillen played host to the official launch of the ‘Lough Erne Activity Map’ on Thursday 1st May. The map has been designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind and is perfect for tourists and visitors to the Fermanagh region. Top spots for fishing, canoeing, bird sanctuaries, nature reserves as well as walks, climbs and cycle trails are all detailed on the map. The safety of people navigating the water has also been addressed. Every marker buoy on the Lough has been pin pointed using the latest Global Positioning Satellite technology.
Speaking at the launch the Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Cllr Alex Baird said “This map is set to be a great resource for tourists and visitors to the Fermanagh region. For this reason Fermanagh District council are delighted to be associated with this event.”
The Lough Erne Activity Map is one in a series of five Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland® (OSNI®) maps. Other maps in the series are the Glens of Antrim, The Mournes, The Sperrins and Strangford Lough.
A vital contribution to the making of this map came from Waterways Ireland who supplied staff, water based-craft & equipment and the engineering support for the survey which took place last autumn.
The event in Enniskillen was also significant because it was the first map launch hosted by Land & Property Services (LPS). Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland merged with LPS on 1st April this year. Whilst the operations of the former agency are now carried out under the new banner of LPS, the OSNI brand is still continuing. All future maps launched by LPS will continue to carry the OSNI logo.
For more information and to purchase maps, please visit http://www.osni.gov.uk/.
Innovation on Lough Erne
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
The Lough Erne Canoe Trail has triumphed in the ‘Innovation’ category at this year’s Waterways Renaissance Awards, run by The Waterways Trust and BURA (British Urban Regeneration Association).
For the first time in the awards’ history, a project based in Northern Ireland was the recipient of an accolade. The Lough Erne Canoe Trail was recognised alongside projects organising ferry trips along the Mersey, the strengthening of a working Lock in Keadby, North Lincolnshire and a waterside education programme on a Fenland river, Cambridgeshire, as some of the best examples of waterway renewal in the country.
The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel, comprising waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Sir Neil Cossons.
“The panel has no doubt that this is a truly innovative and inspirational project that has taken the simple idea of a canoe trail and successfully marketed it to promote the Lough Erne waterways as a whole. The involvement of canoeists in its design means the trail is both practical and attractive for users from around Ireland and beyond. It is a model that could be adapted and used elsewhere to encourage the use of waterways.”
The 50 km Lough Erne Canoe Trail stretches from Muckross on Lower Lough Erne to Crom in Upper Lough Erne. Launched in May 2005, the trail has gone from strength to strength attracting avid canoeists from all over the world. The Canoe Trail was developed by the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) for Northern Ireland and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland with financial support from Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Inland Waterways Division), Environment and Heritage Service, Fermanagh District Council and the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. The project also received support from The National Trust and Waterways Ireland. In her acceptance speech Clare Wright – Strategic Access Manager, CAAN stated “…we are absolutely delighted to win this award and to gain UK wide recognition for our work. This project was developed by a small team within a limited budget therefore Innovation was at the forefront of our planning and development throughout.”
More information on the Lough Erne Canoe Trail and other Canoe Trails is available on our sister site www.canoeni.com
Click here to find out more
