Covid eh? Ruining all our best laid plans to have a grand tour of Ireland. Well fear not! Below we have listed our recommended hikes for each county to keep you active during lockdown 2.0
ULSTER
Antrim – Causeway Costal Walk
One of Irelands best attractions in Ireland, take in the sights of the Giants Causeway along this costal walk
Armagh – Slieve Gullion
The highest peak in charming County Armagh. At the top take in views of the lake and not one but 2 ancient burial cairns
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Cavan – Deerpark Forest Walk
This easy 5.5 km route is found just outside Virginia, County Cavan.
Derry – Downhill Strand
Downhill Strand or Dragonstone as it may be better known to fans of Game of Thrones has an endless offering of nature with the Binevenagh Hike and Mussenden Temple
Donegal – Errigal Mountain
Donegal’s highest peak and definitely not one to be missed!
Down – Lough Shannagh
While we wait for the All Ireland Hike to get back to business why not prepare by visiting the heart of the Mourne and visit Lough Shannagh
Fermanagh – Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail
The Stairway to Heaven is top of everyone’s list for a day trip and if it isn’t, it should be! Nothing in Ireland compares to this hike with the long wooden boardwalk leading to Heaven!
Monaghan – Patrick Kavanagh Trail
This heritage trail followsin the footsteps of the famous poet, Patrick Kavanagh.
Tyrone – Boorin Nature Reserve
A series of small pointed hills formed during the ice age this nature reserve is particularly good for bird fans with the opportunities to see skylarks and buzzards
LEINSTER
Carlow – The Barrow Way
Not for the faint hearted this 113km hike goes along the river Barrow. Fear not though, it can be broken down into smaller stages!
Dublin – Montpelier Hill (Hellfire Club)
In the mood for adventure? Hellfire Club at the top of Montpelier Hill is home to what is believed to be one of the first Freemason lodges in Ireland. A nice hike with views of Dublin, take in some culture and history on your trip.
Kildare – Donadea Forest Park Walks
Officially Irelands flattest county, hikes are hard to come by but Donadea Forest was one of my first walks as a child and is still a firm favourite for a day out in Kildare.
Kilkenny – Nore Valley Walking Route
What could be better than a 3hour walk along Kilkenny’s main river. Escape from the city and follow the river taking in views and wildlife along the way.
Laois – Glenbarrow Eco Walk
In the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the Glenbarrow Eco Walk is like something from a fairytale with its waterfalls and extensive flora and fauna.
Longford – Derrycassin Woods Walk
Derrycassin woods offers the visitor 3 walks in 1 easy location the Nature Trail, the Walled Garden Walk, and the Main Avenue Walk.
Louth – Slieve Foye
Escape the city and take in breathtaking views of Carlingford Lough below as well as the Mourne Mountains across the boarder. There are several trails along Slieve Foye but all offer the walker the opportunity to live our their Wuthering Heights fantasy
Meath – Hill of Tara
A trail filled with history, the home of myths and legends. Make your way to the summit and imagine high kings of Ireland being inaugurated.
Offaly – The Offaly Way
A 37km 2 day hike through Offaly, this is not one to be missed!
Westmeath – Mullaghmeen Forest Walk
Mullaghmeen is a forest area full of native trees including; beech, Sitka spruce, Scots pine, and noble fir. From the top there are wide views of neighbouring Cavan
Wexford – Forth Mountain
10km of 600 million year old rock and panoramic views of the east coast a must for anyone locked into Wexford
Wicklow – The Sugarloaf
Another mountain close to my heart, the Sugarloaf Mountain was my first solo hike and so makes its way onto the county by county recommendations ahead of the more popular Glendalough or Spinc Trail.
MUNSTER
Clare – Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
When thinking of hikes in Clare it would be impossible to overlook the Cliffs of Moher. Take in the views of the 8thwonder of the world
Cork – Old Head of Kinsale Loop Walk
Kinsale is a world apart like nothing you could imagine – and the Old Head of Kinsale Loop Walk is like no other with spectacular views at every turn. An easy 6km loop not to be missed.
Kerry – The Gap of Dunloe
Home to Irelands highest peak and the last double hike in the All Ireland Hike tour what better way to get to know the hike than going to the Gap of Dunloe. Not a short trail at 14km it is the best way to see the Gap with views of both peaks in the McGillycuddy Reeks
Limerick – Paradise Hill Loop
Hikers have the opportunity to hike to the summit and take in the views of expansive farmland below
Tipperary – Devil’s Bit Loop
Take a walk on the wild side and see where the devil took a bite out of Ireland and broke his tooth creating what we now know as the Devils Bit Loop
Waterford – Coumshingaun Loop Walk
This 7.5 km walk loops around the Comeragh mountains’ most famous landmark, Coumshingaun. This route takes you the summit where you get stunning views of the Coumshingaun Corrie Lake
CONNACHT
Galway – Diamond Hill Loop
A stand-alone peak in the 12 Bens, the summit boasts views of the Wild Atlantic Way as well as Connacht’s highest peak and All Ireland Hike Stop Mweelrea Mountain
Leitrim – Arroo Trail
This lesser known hike offers views south across Glenade Valley and north over Donegal Bay towards the Bluestack Mountains.
Mayo – Croagh Patrick
An obvious and popular choice. A pilgrimage that everyone should put on their bucket list.
Roscommon – Sliabh Bawn
Sliabh Bawn in Roscommon offers no less than 6 trails catering for everyone from families to more experienced walkers.
Sligo – Benbulbin
A strenuous walk to Ireland’s flat mountain. Not for the faint hearted but definitely worth the treck.
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