Walking In Ireland

Walking for Health and Relaxation

With the fast pace of living today things are so busy and rushed that we’re sure to be missing out on the simpler pleasures in life. Things like silence or just sitting in a beautiful place or discovering something new and different.  Often the best way to experience more is to slow down, take time to look and listen, be prepared to stop and wait.  But to do this we need to get out of our cars or off of our trains and buses.  We need to walk. Take a stroll, a ramble – or even a hike. 

According to a recent survey by the Ramblers Association 9.1million adults in England, (that’s 22% of the population) walk recreationally for at least 30 minutes a month. But for many of us it’s hard to fit a good walk into the working week. Our best chance to stretch our legs is on holiday.

Walking in Ireland

Ireland is a perfect walking holiday destination. From the stunning coastlines of Donegal and Antrim, to the rolling countryside and beautiful mountains of Kerry. For those walkers in the know, Ireland is a well kept secret – stunning scenery, inspirational vistas and away from the crowds. You won’t find yourself walking the path in a crocodile of 20 other people, or sharing your view with the school party. Ireland is perfect for every kind of walker; from the short strollers to the hardened hikers you’ll find a walk that suits you. 

There are a few things to check before you set off, like having a good pair of walking boots and comfy socks, carrying waterproofs and a map.  But the most important thing to do is plan your route before you go. 

To get you thinking and get you walking we’ve collected together our favourite walks in Ireland – to help you plan your route.

Our favourite Walks in Ireland

The Sheep’s Head Peninsula is the middle of the three peninsulas in the southwest of County Cork and is perfect if you want to get away from the holiday crowds. Bantry Bay lies to the North and Dunmanus Bay to the South, linked by a narrow spine of mountains culminating in Seefin Hill. The Sheep's Head Way will take you right to the tip of peninsula. There are 55 miles of walks following old tracks and roads and the Way starts and finishes in Bantry. 

The Burren in County Clare is a National Park and a Special Area of Conservation. An amazing limestone escarpment overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, Aran Islands and Galway Bay. You can choose to walk all 26.5miles of the Burren Way, following the Clare coastline, the Cliffs of Moher and crossing the limestone plateau. Or you can do walk the short section along the Burren Way Green Road walk. It is a lovely spring walk with many wildflowers.

The famous Ring of Kerry. Walking the Kerry Way takes you into the mountains, and away from the masses. You can walk the foothills of the Reeks, stroll through Killarney National Park and sit on the shores of the Lakes of Killarney. The Kerry Way follows old green roads, mountain trails and small country roads. At over 120 miles long you can choose to walk it all, but many people find their favourite section to enjoy. 

The Dingle Way is a long-distance walking route of 95 miles that follows old tracks, mountain trails and green roads, often along the foothills of the mountains. It winds around the Dingle Peninsula, or Sli Chorca Dhuibhne, one of Irelands most beautiful and special places. You’ll walk through the Dingle Gaeltact where Gaelic is the spoken language and if you stop and wait a while you’ll enjoy the live music, dance and culture that is part of the everyday life of the area.

Just to the South of Dublin lie the Wicklow Mountains. Rocky foothills, heather-clad hills and the lush, green vegetation typical of Ireland make this area a walker’s paradise.  You can walk through the lake-filled valleys of Glendalough and Luggala or stroll around pretty villages such as Enniskerry. The Wicklow Way is mostly gentle walking that would suit most levels of walkers.  For more information on The Wicklow Way check out this blog with lots of info on whats going on.

If you chose the freedom of a walking holiday it’s best to find accommodation that complements this relaxed lifestyle. Taking a self catering cottage is an ideal way to get the best out of the Irish countryside, and it is great to be able to arrive home after a good walk, kick off the walking boots and relax in your own space in your own way.  You can also book different holiday cottages on a short breaks basis to have accommodation along the longer routes. 

As there are hundreds of walks across Ireland you need to find a holiday cottage company that gives you choice and with over 1500 holiday properties Imagine Ireland is the best place to search. You can browse by county and town and there are useful maps that show the location of the properties so it’s easy to find your perfect walking base close to your planned routes with Imagine Ireland.