New 5k heart-health ‘Slí’ launched along city coastline

A new Irish Heart Foundation Slí na Sláinte walking route has been launched along part of the city’s coastline, covering a scenic five kilometre linear walk from Spanish Arch out along the Salthill Promenade.

The route can be walked in either direction and map boards are located in Spanish Arch, Salthill car park and Tobermaconry (beyond Blackrock).

This sign-posted walking route was funded by Boston Scientific as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Project and was supported by Galway City Council and Galway Sports Partnership.

The new route was launched by the unveiling of the map board at Salthill car park by Mayor of the City of Galway, Frank Fahy. Employees from Boston Scientific Galway and Europe attended as well as Micheal Curley from the Galway Sports Partnership, local council representatives, Galway walking groups and the local community.  The unveiling of the map board was followed by a 2km walk along the route to Blackrock and back.

Slí na Sláinte (‘Path to Health’) is a unique Health Promotion initiative of the Irish Heart Foundation designed to encourage people to walk for health and leisure.

“We hope that the community in Salthill will get great enjoyment and benefit from the new Slí na Sláinte route,” said Tara Curran, Health Promotion Department of the Irish Heart Foundation.

“Getting active makes such a big difference to your heart and overall health, helping to reduce stress, manage weight and most importantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

“For heart health, adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, five days a week.

“By having a clearly marked and safe walking route, we aim is to make it easier for people in Salthill to get active as part of their normal day,” she said.