#Diving - A new series of 'free water trails' on the Galway-Mayo coastline where diving novices can get into snorkelling is set to be launched early this year.
TheJournal.ie reported recently on plans for the Blueway, a network of five coastal sites in the West - Boffin Harbour on Inis Boffin, Killary Fjord, Keem on Achill Island, Mannin Bay and the Old Head in Co Mayo - that will provide safe havens for snorkelling and open water canoeing alike.
The concept is the brainchild of Irish Underwater Council sports development officer Laura Taylor, and already has the backing of Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Canoe Union/Canoeing Ireland, the National Trails office and three rural development companies.
It's hoped that the Blueway will make the wonders of Ireland's coastal waters more accessible to those who may be put off by the perceived expense of diving as a hobby.
Snorkelling - which only requires a wetsuit, mask and snorkel, and some easy training available at pools nationwide - provides and easy in to exploring the deep, especially for families.
And it's appeal is part of a push to encourage more would-be coastal explorers to take the plunge in the wake of the 50th anniversary of the Irish Underwater Council (CFT), as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
