Ireland is a great destination for avid walkers, but this island has a whole lot more to offer. There's a good reason why Ireland is fast becoming known as a walker's paradise. This green country on the western edge of Europe not only has the kind of temperate climate that walkers love, but the variety of landscape here is exceptional for such a small country.
Split into easy walking types, you can choose from one-day loops and long-distance hikes, to national parks, forest walks, pilgrim paths and even Slí Na Sláinte strolls to help keep your heart healthy!
Ireland was designed by nature to offer the best walking routes, so whether you want to go on a walking holiday or join the fun of a walking festival or simply branch out on your own self - guided tour, there’s something for everyone on this idyllic island. For more information visit, www.walkireland.ie and the Discover Ireland web site
Long Distance Ways Take things at your own pace and get away from it all with long-distance ways that cut through exceptional scenery and offer unforgettable sights. Ireland offers the perfect way to pep up your spirits with some outstanding long-distance walks that embody the spirit of adventure.
From the reasonably short 26-km Cavan Way to the 214km Kerry Way, these routes are split into stages with accommodation along the way so you can take things at your own pace. A good level of fitness is required.
National Parks Ireland’s exceptional National Parks enjoy unrivalled natural beauty and a diverse range of flora and fauna / Ireland's National Parks are areas of rich flora and fauna and cover an exceptionally broad range of countryside with bogs and grassland, heaths, woodlands, lakes, hills and valleys.
Of the six National Parks in Ireland, Wicklow, Killarney, Connemara, and Glenveagh are adored by walkers because of their exquisite natural beauty, tranquil surroundings and wide variety of signposted walking routes.
Forest Walks If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a wonderful experience meandering through beautiful and untouched woodland. Take time out on a quiet mountain path dappled with warm sunshine falling through ancient oak trees. There’s nothing quite like a walk in an Irish forest park to help you to feel close to nature.
Popular with walkers and families, Ireland's 11 forest parks are equipped not only with scenic views, but also with full visitor facilities and a network of signed walking trails.
Slí na Sláinte Put your heart into an urban walk and enjoy one of the interesting routes that have been developed in Ireland’s non-rural areas. Don’t panic if the nearest you’re going to get to the countryside is a postcard of Ireland’s rolling green hills, there are tons of walking routes available in Ireland’s cities and towns to choose from.
The Slí na Sláinte routes were developed by the Irish Heart Foundation to encourage walking as an enjoyable activity and are developed along routes that are rich in scenic beauty, as well as local and historical sights. A Slí na Sláinte marker shows you every passing kilometre so you can stop and start where and when the mood takes you. With over 160 Slí na Sláinte routes around Ireland there is sure to be one in an area near you. For a full list on nationwide Slí na Sláinte routes check out Irish Heart Foundation's Slí na Sláinte website.
Loop Walks There's a lovely selection of circular walking routes right across the country for walkers of every ability.
Never mind if you don’t have the time for a dedicated walking holiday, Ireland has a fantastic selection of walks that can take as little or as long as you like.
With an outstanding diversity of scenery, the country has a top range of looped walks including coastal, island, mountain and hill, bog and moorlands, historical and archaeological one-day circuits suitable for both serious and leisurely walkers. Ranging from 5km to 16km, these walks focus on areas of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance.
Plan your walk To get the most from your walking trip it’s essential that you plan ahead, so get organised and make sure your walk is blissfully stress free. Once you know where you’re going, check out the route you plan to follow and what locations you want to visit.
First off, it’s essential to do your research. Find a good guidebook and learn more about potential routes. You can visit www.discoverireland.ie and www.discoverireland.com to see what attractions each county offers.
Many walks, especially those that are not part of the Way Marked Ways require a map. The Ordnance Survey 1:50 000 series covers the whole island and are the standard walker’s reference. Specialist walking maps and route guides are also available for many of Ireland’s most popular regions and routes.
For general planning, the four Ordnance Survey 1:250 000 “Holiday Maps of Ireland” – North, South, East and West – are invaluable. To purchase walking maps you can contact OSI for the Republic of Ireland and OSNI for Northern Ireland.
Choose your walk carefully Always take into consideration the fitness levels of the members of your family or group. Make sure the walk is achievable in the time allowed and make sure to leave plenty of time for stops along the way. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Climate Ireland’s “soft” climate makes it a great place for walking all year round as winters are mild and summers are temperate. Plus, many of Ireland’s landscapes exude a special beauty in the autumn and winter months. Always check the weather forecast before you set out to make sure there is nothing unexpected around the corner.
Grades Walks are graded into Easy Ways (navigated paths with little or no climbing, suitable for all levels); Moderate Ways (includes rougher terrain with uphill sections, suitable for regular walkers); and Hard Ways (rough terrain with steep climbs and difficult sections, requires stamina and experience, as well as map reading skills and proper equipment).
Maps Check out the Discovery Series of maps at 1:50,000 scale, available from your local tourist office or direct from the Ordnance Survey web site. Maps are also available at a scale 1:250,000 in four sheets to cover the whole of Ireland and are great for walkers as they show most roads. Sunrise and sunset Check the times of both so you are not setting out or returning in the dark. Always plan to finish your walk while there is still plenty of light.
What to bring A good map and compass A torch and whistle Waterproofs A warm hat and gloves A first aid kit Strong walking boots and socks (with a spare pair of socks). Shorts, sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses (for sunny days) A day sack to carry food and extra clothing Water bottle and thermos flask Walking poles if you need them and know how to use them Warm trousers, warm sweaters and spares
Overview of the Waymarked Ways There are over 40 National
Waymarked Ways, offering walkers over 3,000 km of marked walking routes
throughout Ireland. These walking trails are suitable for walkers of all ages
and abilities and while experienced walkers may enjoy the challenge of walking a
trail from beginning to end, there is no reason why people with less experience
should not choose to walk a shorter section of a trail.
This trail
network really reflects Irelands diverse and unique countryside, ranging from
towpath walks along canals and rivers to circuits of the mountainous peninsulas
of the southwest and to the rugged coastline along the west coast and up into
the northwest.
These trails don't demand great stamina, difficult
navigation or climbing techniques. They rarely rise above 1,000m (3,000 ft)
altitude, except on occasion to cross a well-marked pass over this height. This
does not stop them from winding through magnificent countryside and mountainous
areas. While there are a few rugged stretches over open mountain passes, the
routes in the main follow old disused roads, grassy trails, and forest tracks.
The Ways are signposted with standard waymarkers - the familiar yellow
arrow and walking man to guide you through the countryside. Stiles and bridges
have been erected where necessary.
Maps and
Guidebooks have been developed for almost all National Waymarked Trails and
while it is possible to follow a trail simply by using the markers and signs, it
is strongly recommended that walkers take a map-guide or guidebook.
A Grading
System has also been introduced for each walking section of each Waymarked
Way listed in the network. This grade gives a general indication as to the level
of difficulty you can expect on each section of each Waymarked Way listed. This
is based on a number of indicators including underfoot conditions, quality of
marking and trail furniture.
Waymarked Ways and routes
in Northern Ireland Walk NI is
the definitive guide to walking in Northern Ireland, giving up to date and
accurate information on walks, for the serious walker and for those who want to
take a short stroll. Web: www.walkni.com
Transport around Ireland
From scenic road trips to flying visits, getting around Ireland has
never been easier. Ireland is actually pretty easy to get around. Roads are
improving all the time dramatically cutting down traveling times and making the
whole experience a lot less painful than in years gone by.
But if you’re
don’t fancy a road trip, the country is well served with reliable public
transport and buses, coaches, light railway systems and trains now serve most
destinations around the country.
Internal flights are also competitively
priced and are the ultimate in pain-free travel.
Airlines
Flying is one of the quickest ways of getting around Ireland and
it’s relatively hassle-free. There is a selection of operators offering flights
from all the international and regional airports, as well as the Aran Islands.
For
flights into Ireland, a variety of Airlines fly into Ireland including Aer
Lingus and Ryanair amongst others.
Ferries Half the
fun of getting to an offshore destination is taking the ferry. There’s nothing
quite like bobbing up and down on the choppy ocean with a craggy island rising
up ahead of you.
It’s advisable to check out island boat services before
you travel because the weather can affect services. Regular island boats operate
to the Aran Islands off the Galway coast, Aranmore off Donegal, Clare Island off
the Mayo coast, Sherkin and the Cape Clear Islands off the coast of West Cork.
An inland ferry service also links Greencastle in County Donegal to Magilligan
Point in County Londonderry.
Buses There’s
an excellent countrywide bus network operating to all parts of Ireland. And for
places that are inaccessible by rail, it can be your best option. Bus travel
around Ireland tends to be cheaper than rail and special tickets of varying
duration are available, offering very good value for money. As a starter visit
the following sites: Bus Éireann www.buseireann.ie, Dublin Bus www.dublinbus.ie, and
Translink www.translink.co.uk
Trains A rail
journey in Ireland is an easy way to get around the main cities of Ireland
comfortable, quick trains getting you to your destination on time.
Bicycles can be taken on most trains for a small extra charge and are
stored in the guard van, which is handy if you’re off on a cycling holiday. All
the main cities and towns are easily reached from Dublin, with other rail
connections from principal ports of arrival. The two rail operators are Irish
Rail www.irishrail.ie and
Translink www.translink.co.uk
+353 1 625 1115
Plan your walk 
Overview of the Waymarked Ways 
