What is the Walkers Association of Ireland?

The Walkers Association of Ireland - WAI - is an inclusive forum for hill walkers and ramblers all over Ireland .

Who set it up?
One of the largest walking clubs in Ireland, the Irish Ramblers Club, consulted with walking clubs and individual hill walkers all over the Republic of Ireland. Out of this came the consensus that a walkers’ association was needed and a steering group composed of club members and individuals took on the task of setting up the WAI.

Why was it set up?
The Walkers Association of Ireland was set up

• to give a sense of identity and purpose to hill walking and rambling in its own right as a national sport in Ireland
• to provide information on matters relevant to walkers, for example insurance, holidays, challenge walks, access
• to coordinate a walkers’ view on topics of special interest, such as access, the environment and mapping
• to provide a forum for specialist interests such as GPS, photography, nature, etc
• to establish a link to walkers’ forums abroad
• to seek discounts for walkers in sporting shops, transport bodies, restaurants, etc.

2011 / 2012 Committee

Eoghan Brangan

Jean Cantwell (Secterary)

Dónal Finn (Chairman)

Niall Gantly (Treasurer)

Jim Holmes

Simon Stewart

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How does the WAI work?
The WAI communicates through this public website. The web site is managed by an editorial board – currently the WAI steering group.
On the WAI website are interest group sub-sites. These interest groups are formed by walkers with an enthusiasm for a particular walking-related activity. Everyone is welcome to participate. These groups share information and arrange activities, meets, training sessions, if appropriate. Each group is monitored by an interest group “owner”. The owner manages this interest group’s sub-site, selects and adds information and keeps an eye on discussions.
Current interest groups taking shape are
GPS - (first GPS workshop 21st November 2007)
Photography
Holidays
Training
Challenge walks and walking festivals
Website

The WAI also intends to collate and publish news of general interest to walkers
and specific information on subjects important to walkers, such as,
• information on public bodies such as national parks
• information on insurance cover and cost for walkers
• information on access
• environmental information

The WAI enjoys a warm relationship with the UFRC (Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs) www.ufrc-online.co.uk. We have a common interest in providing a forum for walkers and we hope to provide mutual benefits in many areas in the future.