People who love to walk are especially happy on the gently sloping trails, paths and country roads of Ireland. All across the country, hill walking enthusiasts discover walks that meet their own desired level of exercise on any given day.
Irish walking tours also give visitors the chance to experience the country from a very special vantage point. Moving about the country on foot, they can:
- Enjoy spectacular views from the trails that wind to the tops of hills and over the crests of the seaside cliffs
- Move off the beaten paths to more fully explore historically and geologically important areas
- Move at their own self determined pace and gain deeper access into the lifestyle and culture of Ireland’s residents and their communities. Walkers come to know the island more intimately and often report a more satisfying visiting experience.
With approximately thirty main trails and a wealth of smaller and more isolated footpaths to choose from, there are countless ways to participate in the very best of Irish sightseeing on foot. Villages and towns are conveniently spaced so that cross country walkers are able to reach lodging and dining facilities each evening.
Of the clearly marked trails of varying lengths that crisscross the island, one of the oldest and most challenging is Wicklow Way. It meanders from the outer suburbs of Dublin through the mountains of the same name, rising to altitudes over 1600 ft and traveling through forest, pasture and bog for a breathtaking 85 miles.
Other notable trails include Kerry Way, which encircles scenic Killarney, and Ulster Way, featuring the breathtaking scenery of the northern coast. The Mourne Mountains and rugged County Donegal are also popular places to walk the trails and hike the foothills, and introduce yourself to the essence of Ireland at the most basic level.
Tips for Hill Walking Enthusiasts in Ireland
- Complete information on popular trails, including maps, can be obtained from the Irish Tourist Board and the Countryside Access and Activity Network for Northern Ireland (CAAN).
- Be sure to pack extra clothing in preparation for changeable weather, along with other essentials such as a flashlight, compass and extra food.
- When planning an especially long walking tour, it might make sense to carry a tent.