Ireland is invited to ‘Get Out in the Wind’ this summer

If you’re looking for free things to do this summer, check out one of Ireland’s most unique and undiscovered destinations – wind farms! 

Wind Energy Ireland is calling on you to Get Out in the Wind for June and visit one of more than a dozen wind farms which are open to the public free of charge all year round.

These wind farms are located right around Ireland with spectacular scenery from Donegal to Galway, Mayo, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kerry, Offaly, Wicklow and more find your nearest participating windfarm here.

Enjoy Ireland’s great outdoors at your nearest wind farm

These wind farms are open to the public at no cost, on a year-round basis. With trails for hiking, walking, biking and running, picture-perfect picnic spots and lots of local wildlife, wind farms are a unique setting for the perfect family day out or a special Irish adventure. 

This June, join one of the nearly 50,000 people who visit Offaly’s Mountlucas wind farm every year and meet some of the incredible birds and other creatures who make their homes among the turbines.

Or go to the multi-award-winning Galway Wind Park which boasts 48km of walking trails for visitors of all ages and abilities in unforgettable scenery.

Further south, on the Cork-Limerick border, Ballyhoura wind farm offers a choice of forest trails of varying lengths and difficulties, suitable for walking, hiking, biking or running.

While Meenadreen wind farm in south Donegal hosts a variety of walking routes including the Ulster Way, the International Appalachian Trail and this year opens a newly restored stone cottage as a haven for visitors. 

Noel Cunniffe, Wind Energy Ireland CEO, said: 

“Irish people want the affordable energy that wind energy gives us. They also want the energy security and the local jobs that Irish wind farms provide.  And now, they can see all of these benefits up close as part of a free family-friendly activity all around the country. 

“We’re proud to be leading Ireland’s clean energy revolution so we are dedicating the full month of June to celebrating our wind farms with our Get Out in the Wind Campaign.

“Wind energy is an Irish success story that benefits communities all across Ireland, supporting jobs, and cutting our carbon emissions and your bills. 

“But wind farms can also be a haven for wildlife and offer wonderful family days out with a variety of walking, biking, horse-riding and hiking trails on offer, many of them open to the public every day.”

Irish wind farms 

Last year was a record year for wind generation in Ireland, wind farms provided 35 per cent of Ireland and Northen Ireland’s electricity, totalling a record breaking 13,725 gigawatt-hours (GWh), the equivalent to more than double the total electricity consumption of all households on the island of Ireland.

Irish wind farms had provided 38 per cent of the island’s electricity demand up to the end of April this year, helping to reduce our emissions and cut energy costs.

Noel Cunniffe continued: “Our members are committed to ensuring that not only do they provide clean energy, but they also give back to their local communities, whether that’s through funding local initiatives or providing amenities that allow families to get out and enjoy nature.

“We would encourage everyone to get out in the fresh air this June and see Ireland’s leading natural resource in action.”

For more information see: windenergyireland.com/visit  

#GetOutInTheWind