Make the most of spring by ticking off these five Irish walks and hikes
Strapping on your hiking boots and hitting the road in pursuit of a good walk is often the best way to spend a free weekend. Whatever your fitness or ability levels, there are plenty of walkways and trails around the country to get under your belt.
Here are a few of our favourite.
Lough Tay County Wicklow
Highlights: Lough Tay also known as Guinness Lake due to its deep black colour and white shoreline is a magical location to escape to within the Wicklow Mountains. There are lots of beautiful view points of the lake along the Sally Gap drive, however the walk down towards the lake takes you on a magnificent journey through trees, grassy terrain and along stoney walls full of history and character. A couple of cows in nearby fields will keep you company in otherwise completely vast and quiet rolling hills.
Getting there and parking: There are lots of small little car parking areas along the Sally Gap drive. The JB Malone Car Park is most ideal for kicking off this route down towards the lake and is free to park at. It is located directly across from the gates to the Luggala Estate. Access is found via the pedestrian gate here.
Routes and accessibility: This hike is about 8km long and while the descent down to the lake can feel quite leisurely, the hike back to the top is quite strenuous and so this route would be best for more experienced hikers. The terrain is tarmac until about half way through the hike until you get to the lower land and the trail continues on via fields of grass and small rubble tracks.
Ballyvaughan Wood Loop County Clare
Fitness expert Karl Henry highlights the power of walking and the benefits it has on our physical and mental health in his new book, The Walking Effect. Here, Karl shares one of his favourite routes in Co Clare.
Highlights: The walk at Ballyvaughan Wood Loop eepxlores the valley behind the seaside village. The trail consists of minor roads, surfaced and sandy roads, green lanes, lush woodland and cross-country terrain. You can generally walk it in runners or trail shoes, but on a very wet day you might want to boot up. The walk starts from Ballyvaughan’s seafront. You’ll follow roadways past quaint thatched cottages, cross bridges, encounter stone stiles, open fields and farmland.
Distance: A moderate 8km route, the loop explores the valley behind Ballyvaughan village and at the midway point leads you by Aillwee Caves. It’s easy enough and takes about two hours.
Accessibility: There’s a carpark on the coast road to Fanore, where the trail starts. There are rocky patches on the track, which can be slippery when wet. Dogs aren’t allowed on the trail, unfortunately.
Diamond Hill, Connemara county Galway
Highlights: On a clear day, the summit of Diamond Hill will give you the most incredible views of the breathtaking Connemara landscape, the Twelve Bens mountain range and the stunning Kylemore Abbey. Don’t be fooled by the name, however, this is a mountain with a summit height of 442m. There are various levels available, though, starting with easier loops of less than 2km.
Routes and accessibility: There are two main routes to choose from, both beginning at the visitor centre. The blue route (Lower Diamond Hill) is a moderate 3km walk along mostly old bog road, track with steps, boardwalk and a 90m ascent. The red route (Upper Diamond Hill) is a more strenuous 3.7km trail. The trail here is a well-maintained stone and gravel path with boardwalks along the way too.
Getting there and parking: The visitor centre and main access for Connemara National Park is located near the village of Letterfrack along the N59. Parking and entry to the park and centre is free of charge.
Limerick Greenway County Limerick
Highlights: With 40km of terrain to explore, the Limerick Greenway makes for an incredible adventure and the perfect setting for exploring the outdoors with friends and family this summer.
Route: There are five towns and villages to stop off at along the way. You can join the route seamlessly from the likes of Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh and Abbeyfeale. The route follows a section of the old Limerick to Tralee railway line. For those who are interested in trains and transport, you are in for a real treat as features of the railway are still intact to observe along the way, including Barnagh Tunnel and Ferguson’s Viaduct. Steeped in history and nature, this is a magical way to get the legs moving and enjoy the beauty that Limerick has to offer.
Distance: A nice stretch of this route would be from Ardagh to Newcastle West, which is 4km and takes about an hour. Newcastle West is Limerick’s largest town and has an array of restaurants to choose from. Visitors can learn all about local history at Desmond Castle and enjoy the castle park.
Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk, County Dublin
Highlights: One of North County Dublin’s best kept secrets. This walk spans 4km out and back with views of Lambay Island, Howth Head and the Irish sea to admire as you move. T
Accessibility: One section of the path along this trail has been recently resurfaced, however it can still be a little bit bumpy in areas. Not recommended for wheelchairs, buggies or scooters (although the nearby Newbridge House in Donabate has a lovely wheel-friendly loop).
Parking: Sizeable car parks located at both ends of this trail, so you can begin your adventure from either side.
If you’d like to explore more of Ireland, check out our Irish county guide for the best inside tips and tricks for each Irish county.
