A Guide To Ireland’s Best Treks And Walks
Ireland, the green and pleasant land that it is, is the perfect place for walking and trekking enthusiasts and there are numerous wonderful places to take a trip to if you want to get out and about.
Ireland’s sparse population density and beautiful scenery combine to ensure that there are rural walks galore. Whether it’s a day walk or a two week walking holiday you’d prefer, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s take a look at some of the best.
Kerry Way
Walk this Way in Ireland.
This is one of the most popular walking treks in the country and understandably so as the area is stunning. The area takes in droving paths, as well as the Iveragh Peninsula and there is much sub-tropical plants and fauna to note and it makes for an interesting ecosphere. The area also hosts a number of great historical sights too, including the home of Irish revolutionary Daniel O’Connell.
Connemara Way
This walking trek is quite short at just under 50 miles and starts at Oughterard and stretches to West Port in Mayo. Connemara is one of the most rustic and also the quietest areas of the country and takes in some of the area’s most amazing scenery. From bog lands, shadowed by quartz peaks, to the beautiful coast line, this is a wonderful walk for those wanting to get to grips with Ireland – however they will also have to take account of the rainfall.
Dingle Way
This is one of the longer national routes in Ireland and stretches for 112 miles. The walk is however worth it if you have the fitness and includes a 1200 feet descent across the shoulder of the Brandon Mountain, along the side of Slieve Mish, which is positioned beside the Atlantic Ocean. The area is filled with Celtic history and the remnants of Ireland’s rich past. From Beehive huts to Megalitic tombs, the area is wealthy in culture. It’s also far into the Gulf Stream and so white sandy beaches and all sorts of tropical fauna and flora are everywhere.
Wicklow Way
This walk is situated in the east of the country, not far from Dublin and is around 83miles long. The trail includes the Wicklow Mountains National Park and the beautiful Glendalough – a beautiful early Christian settlement. The area of Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland and is filled with lush greenery and beautiful valleys – well worth the walk.
Antrim Hills Way
This walk is situated in Northern Ireland and is a short one of just over 20 miles. It’s a moss filled, sheep grazing trek that will take you across old roads in fields and along the Antrim coastline taking in the Giant’s Causeway, the seabird colony at Rathlin Island and a number of other amazing sights along the way.
Ireland offers so much as a walking destination, so pack your shoes and your rain coat and take a trip.
Cormac Reynolds has written numerous articles on Ireland and elsewhere. He is a lover of walking and the countryside and writes this article for www.dubaishortstay.com/
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This takes me back to 1993 when I spent a month cycle-touring around Ireland. The “Ring of Kerry” and the “Dingle Peninsula” were just two of the highlights. Thanks for sharing Kevin.
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I’ve only done Ireland by bus, and I slept through most of that. I’d much prefer to do it by bike, like you did, Barry. I just looked at the new EuroVelo routes they’ve created, and they look awesome. Route #1 goes through France, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, then up to a couple Scandinavian countries. It’s not completed yet, but it sure looks like a great one. It follows coastline for about 80% of the route. Now if only it were on trails rather than the road )-: it would be perfect.
Just in time for St. Paddy’s day!
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I hadn’t even thought of that Steve, but you’re right. The timing was (inadvertently) pretty good for a blog post about “the hiking o’ the green.”