Since 2008, The Vision Impaired Walking Group Cork, (or VIP Walking Group for short), has been organising monthly walks for blind and vision impaired people in Cork city and parts of the county. To quote from the group’s constitution: “The VIP Group has been established to encourage vision impaired persons to participate in organised walks in the environs of Cork City and County and to provide a s
ocial event after each walk.”
Thanks to the support of our dedicated Garda vetted volunteer walking guides, we can offer each vision impaired walker the opportunity to walk in a safe environment, to do so at his or her own chosen speed, and to choose the distance they wish to walk. Transport to and from the walk locations is provided where feasible
The walks take place normally on the second Saturday afternoon of every month, taking in a variety of different types of walk, including designated roads, paths, woodland and beach walks. This is because we wish to accommodate as many different types of walker as possible. Each walker walks with a volunteer guide, allowing the walker personal flexibility in choosing speed, distance, etc. Afterwards, it is time for a social gathering, with walkers and guides adjourning to a nominated bar or restaurant nearby for refreshments and chat for an hour or so. Walkers and guides receive a monthly email or telephone call about 10 days prior to each walk, giving details of the walk and post-walk venue. The Vision Impaired Walking Group Cork is recognised by The National Council for the Blind of Ireland, The Irish Guide Dogs Association, The Cork Sports Partnership, and Vision Sports Ireland - who also provide valuable support to the group. Details are supplied to the above organisations’ web sites and can also be found on social media outlets such as Facebook.
