October, 2026

Leading renewable energy investor and wind farm operator, Energia Group, is celebrating the opening of a new section of the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland (IAT) through its Meenadreen Wind Farm near Leghowney in south Donegal. Developed in partnership with Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC), the route through the Energia wind farm increases the number of off-road stretches of the 450-kilometre trail, which starts at the cliffs of Slieve League in Donegal and ends at the Port of Larne in Antrim.

Starting at Leghowney Hall, the new 7-kilometre route follows the Leghowney Loop through Coillte forestry before joining tracks across Meenadreen Wind Farm. Walkers can enjoy panoramic views of Donegal Bay, Lough Eske, the Bluestack Mountains and St. John’s Point on their way to Kelly’s Bridge.

Highlights include the three-metre steel Walker statue by Donegal sculptor, Redmond Herrity, and a viewing and seating area created using a repurposed turbine blade. The trail also takes visitors past a partially restored traditional homestead, which features photographs and information about the families who lived on the mountain long before the wind farm was built.

Pictured: Brendan McGlinchey

Energia Renewables Field Operations Manager, Brendan McGlinchey, said: “Meenadreen Wind Farm is playing an important role in Ireland’s transition to a sustainable energy future and helping to meet Climate Action targets.  Since the wind farm entered into operation, we’ve been working with local community groups to develop visitor amenities that celebrate the site’s natural and cultural heritage, while highlighting the benefits of renewable energy. We’re proud to host the International Appalachian Trail on site, connecting this part of Donegal with a network of trails spanning three continents.”

The IAT follows the Appalachian mountain chain, which formed over 250 million years ago. The chain was split by the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea, leaving matching geological formations on both sides of the Atlantic. The international network of trails was first announced in the United States in Maine in 1994. Since then, the IAT has expanded into Europe and Africa.

Donegal’s Rural Recreation Officer, Inga Bock, played a key role in the creation of the IAT Ulster-Ireland chapter, which was officially opened in 2013. Together with fellow trail organiser and campaigner, Magne Haugseng, Inga was invited to cut a ribbon beneath the towering Walker statue to mark the opening of the newest section of the IAT in Ireland.

Performing the honours, she said, “Magne and I are delighted to be able to celebrate this milestone in such a wonderful wind farm setting, which will bring together local walkers and long-distance hikers from around the world.

“Although the IAT Ulster-Ireland was launched more than a decade ago, our work is never done. DLDC continues to work with partners such as Energia to expand off-road sections and improve the walking experience with additional resting areas and public art. The IAT is all about connecting communities through a shared love of the outdoors.”

You can find out more about Energia’s Meenadreen Wind Farm and its trails here. And don’t miss our timelapse trail video.