Offaly's wind farms invite you to come visit this June

Wind Energy Ireland is inviting Offaly residents to 'Get Out in the Wind' this month and visit Mountlucas and Cloncreen Wind Farms, two of nearly a dozen Irish wind farms which are open, free of charge, to the public all year round.

Located on Mountlucas bog near Daingean, Mountlucas Wind Farm offers visitors a sensory garden and a 10km walkway-cycleway, while Cloncreen Wind Farm, located on Cloncreen bog, offers an extensive network of walkways and cycleways to be enjoyed by visitors.

Both offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside as visitors weave through some of the country’s most powerful wind turbines which, every day, are helping to lead the way to a brighter Irish energy future.

It’s the perfect location for families to #GetOutInTheWind this June and will help people understand how together, wind farms like Mountlucas and Cloncreen operate by enabling visitors to get up close to the source of more than a third of the country’s electricity supply. Combined, Mountlucas’ and Cloncreen’s turbines power the equivalent of more than 100,000 homes!

Noel Cunniffe, Wind Energy Ireland CEO, said: “Global Wind Day is June 15 and what better way to celebrate Ireland’s biggest source of clean electricity than to see it for yourself."

“We are so proud of the contribution that Ireland’s wind farms are making to our decarbonisation journey and our communities, that we are dedicating the full month of June to promoting our 'Get Out in the Wind' campaign, which encourages people to get out and see Ireland’s wind farms in action."

“Wind energy is an Irish success story. Irish wind farms create jobs, support communities and cut our carbon emissions. Even better, they can also be a haven for biodiversity, mountain biking, and family adventures. Why not come see for yourself?

Photo competition

Everyone who visits a wind farm for the month of June is also in with the chance to win a €500 gift card by entering Wind Energy Ireland’s Global Wind Day photography competition.

Share some pictures of your visit to a wind farm by tagging Wind Energy Ireland on Instagram at @WindEnergyIreland, or emailing your images to connect@windenergyireland.com, to be in with the chance to win.

Irish Wind Farms

Last year, Ireland’s wind farms cut spending on gas imports by €2 billion and by the end of April they had provided 38% of the country’s electricity so far this year.

As well as generating power, some Irish wind farms also provide fantastic amenities for the local community and for visitors to Ireland.

Mountlucas and Cloncreen Wind Farms offer something unique to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, from picnic spots to hiking trails, mountain biking and breath-taking views.

Noel Cunniffe continued: “Wherever possible, our members want to build wind farms that do more than simply providing electricity, but which can protect our environment, support native biodiversity and empower local communities."

“We are inviting everyone to come visit us this June at one of the many Irish wind farms open to the public and see for yourself Ireland’s energy future.”