Irelands Wonderful Walks

Why Walk?

Walking is one of the most popular forms of exercise in Britain with over 20% of the population walking recreationally for 30 minutes or more – that’s nearly twice the number that swim. Walking is easily accessible to all, young or old, fit or not, people can walk at a pace and a place that suits them. And best of all walking tends to take you to some of the most beautiful countryside that the UK and Ireland have to offer.

Walking is also a top holiday activity with visitors in Britian and Ireland giving walking as the most popular outdoor activity of all, it helps that there are thousands of miles of footpaths, nature trails, bridleways and tracks; and thousands of acres of open access land for people to plan their routes. So whether you are a short walk stroller or a hardened hiker you’ll find somewhere to step out.

Walks in Ireland

Of the thousands visitors to the island of Ireland each year many come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to walk through Ireland’s diverse landscape.  There’s something for every walker – cliff and coastal paths, mountain climbs, lakeside strolls or moorland hikes.  To whet your appetite and encourage you to put your best foot forward here are a selection of the best walks in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

For the more adventurous and fit amongst you there are the long distance routes of the Wicklow Way or the Kerry Way. Starting in Marlay Park in Dublin the Wicklow Way winds 132 km through the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Glenmalure and on to Clonegal. It usually takes 5 days to walk the full length of the Way so you’ll need a place to eat and sleep, or you can just pick a section to start you off.  The Kerry Way is one of Ireland’s longest signposted ways and at over 200km is not for the faint hearted. The Ring of Kerry, a circular route makes up 179km of the 200km Way. Starting and finishing in the bustling town of Killarney you’ll need about 10 days to complete the whole route. The Way will take you around the Iveragh Peninsula and into the wild Kerry Hills.

For a good days walk travel west to the lovely County Mayo and the scenic Keenagh Loop Walk.  This takes you from Bellanaderg Bridge through wonderful scenery and remote wilderness. You’ll walk to Derryroe Bridge, on to the Glendorragha Valley and the eastern slope of Knockaffertagh; and you’ll take in lovely views of Glenhest, Newport and north Mayo. At nearly 12km it’s a good days walk but fine for fit, health and prepared hikers.

Heading north towards Donegal takes you to great walking country.  For a bracing day try the Crockalough Cliffs walk, start at Malin Well Beach for the circular walk or Glentooskert for the one  way hike.  Set off from the dramatic ruins of the Malin Well church and walk around the headland past Carrickaveol Hill, Black Hill and towards Binnanea which is the highest point of the walk at 240m.  You then descend onto Glentooskert. For a shorter walk try it one way (4 hours) or allow 7-8 hours for the full round trip.

Walking in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is not always associated with hill walking, with the metropolitan city of Belfast and amazing Giant’s Causeway coast. But there are walks a plenty. For a major challenge (or tackle it on stages) there’s the 1000km Ulster Way which takes you right round Northern Ireland! For a more manageable walking holiday try Ballintoy to Bushmills or the Glenariff Forest Park Scenic Trail for steep climbs followed by fantastic views.  If you’d like to take a walk with someone who’s less mobile then there is a beautiful towpath walk in Lagan Valley Regional Park which takes you beside rivers, canal locks and bridges.

And wherever you stay in the island of Ireland there are hundreds of short walks, stroll through the towns and villages, loughs and glen or just down to the local pub for the craic; there’s nowhere better for walking. If you love the freedom that walking brings you you’ll want a holiday place to stay to match. There are hundreds of lovely Irish self catering holiday cottages many located in stunning scenery – from cottages in Killarney, holiday homes in Dingle and farmhouses in Fermanagh you’ll find something to suit your walking lifestyle. Why not take a look at our Walking in Ireland Video