We are currently reviewing course content, we hope to have more course information and locations confirmed over the summer 2026. We aim to run courses in autumn 2026.
The following Trail Monitoring & Maintenance courses have been confirmed for the Autumn:
- Tues 20th October – Hibernian Hotel Mallow, Cork, P51 HE63 (for bookings, contact Colm O’Connor colm.oconnor@irdduhallow.com)
- Wed 21st October – Killeshin Hotel Portlaoise, Laois, R32 TYW7 (for bookings, contact Marie Burke RRO@connectlaois.ie)
- Tues 3rd November - Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon, F52 PY66 (for bookings, contact Emma O’Hagan rro@ldco.ie)
- Wed 4th November - Gartan Outdoor & Education Centre, Donegal, F92 T853 (for bookings, contact Inga Bock ibock@dldc.org)
Mountaineering Ireland are also running 2 courses:
- Key Considerations in Upland Path Management
- Basic Path Maintenance in Upland Areas
Please contact Rozanne Bell on rozanne@mountaineering.ie to book a place or for further information.
Sport Ireland Outdoors have developed a number of training courses suitable for people wishing to develop skills in the area of recreational trail planning, development, maintenance, and management. The courses combine a classroom and practical approach and are embedded in best practices. All course tutors have a wealth of experience in their respective fields.
Courses Available
Walking Trail Planning
To give learners the tools and confidence to effectively develop sustainable and enjoyable walking trails, while navigating issues such as land ownership, insurance, environmental considerations and funding.
Walking Trail Development
To equip learners with the tools and understanding to effectively develop a sustainable walking trail, including selecting the physical attributes, costing & funding the project and planning for long-term management.
Trail Maintenance and Monitoring
To equip learners with the knowledge to develop and implement a trail maintenance and monitoring programme...
Introduction to Walking Trail Maintenance and Repair
To introduce the theory, techniques and practical skills necessary to construct and maintain sustainable and fit for purpose trail surfaces.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions answered here!
Basic Path Maintenance in Upland Areas
(suitable for Walks Scheme participants)
1 day – in person
A practical, hands-on field day aimed at Walks Scheme participants, volunteers and General Operatives. The focus is on the small, regular tasks that keep upland paths functioning: clearing drains, maintaining surfaces, looking after simple structures, and doing it all safely. The course is suitable for anyone involved in upland path maintenance including those with little or no prior path-work training.
Course price: €100.00
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, participants will have a good understanding of how to:
1.
Carry out routine maintenance tasks safely and effectively
2.
Identify and clear common drainage problems
3.
Carry out basic surface maintenance on upland paths
4.
Use the most appropriate hand tool for the job
5.
Identify when a task is beyond routine maintenance and should be escalated
The following themes contained in the ORIKS Framework will be discussed. A competency level of ‘basic’ is assumed in each case.
| ORIKS Theme | Sub-theme |
|---|---|
| Monitoring and Maintenance | Routine maintenance, Repair |
| Risks and Hazards | Hazard Identification |
| Environment and Culture | Geology, Geomorphology, Landscape character, Ecology, |
Helping the Hills training provision is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and is aligned with the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Knowledge and Skills (ORIKS) Framework and hosted by Mountaineering Ireland.