Ireland is a country brimming with natural beauty, making it a perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, and to take a walking tour with family or friends.
There are plenty of cheap flights from England to Ireland, so getting to this beautiful country doesn’t have to set you back a small fortune. Once you get there, look into renting a country cottage or staying in a rural B&B or guest house rather than a hotel, that way you’ll see Ireland as the locals do, and your experience will be a much more personal one.
West Coast – Places not to miss
Connemara, County Galway
Killary Harbour – Home to the only fjord in the Ireland and the UK, as well as a road built in 1846. Do the six mile walk along the old coast road of the fjord, taking in the spectacular beauty of the place.
Inish Bofin – A remote island with everything from a seal colony and a deep sea cave, to a castle built in Cromwell’s time. From here you can sail to Port Island (tides and weather permitting) where you will be able to explore the prison barracks that were built in 1656.
Inish Turk - Experience traditional Irish food, song and dance if you choose to stay in a guest house on this lush green island. Visit in May or June for a chance to see Puffins breeding on the island.
Clare Island – Take a gentle stroll amongst the ruins of a Cistercian Friary that was built in the late 15th Century and walk up to the lighthouse before moving on to your next location.
Visiting one of the three Aran Islands is a truly magical experience, with a plethora of ancient monuments and beautiful architecture.
The Aran Islands, Galway Bay
The Gaelic language is still spoken here and the sights and sounds of this group of islands will take you right back to how Ireland was in the olden days. Visiting one of the three Aran Islands (Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr) is a truly magical experience, with a plethora of ancient monuments and beautiful architecture, as well as beautiful sandy beaches and local crafts (investing in an Aran jumper is a must!).
Northwest – Places not to miss
Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal
A truly breathtaking landscape made up of rugged mountains, dense woods of Austrian pines and lakes with mirror-like surfaces. This wonderful place is packed full of unusual animals and birds, and you can spend days and days clicking away with your camera, recording all the amazing sights you’ll see. Don’t miss the View Point Trail, which, not surprisingly, gives you the best view point of the national park!
Sligo
A place brimming with options when it comes to short walks, long walks and nature trails, meaning there is something for everyone when it comes to walking in Sligo. Don’t miss the walk up to the summit of Knocknarea Mountain, which takes between 45 minutes and an hour, the Hazlewood Sculpture Trail for art lovers, and The Miner’s Way Historical Trail, a very interesting route for those interested in mining and Sligo’s rich history.
Southwest – Places not to miss
Glenbeigh, County Kerry
A great place to base yourself if you plan to explore the Ring of Kerry, a spectacular collection of walking routes, taking in the most beautiful areas of the southwest of Ireland. Don’t miss the Gleensk Wood and Glenbeigh Wood trails for picturesque walks that bring you out onto the cliff tops, from where you can often spot seals and otters.
Killarney National Park, County Kerry
Don’t miss a trip to McGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland at a height of more than 1,000 metres and which sits majestically in this rugged national park. For history lovers, a trip to Muckross House and Gardens, a late 19th century mansion with beautifully manicured outdoor space that makes it a perfect place for a relaxing day trip.
Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry
The largest peninsula is southwest Ireland, this is also part of the Ring of Kerry, a very popular walking trail for tourists and locals alike. Don’t miss Kenmare Bay, an example of a drowned river, signs of volcanic activity, and even 400-year-old fossils.
More from the Walking Series:
Guide to essential walking equipment
Wildlife walks in the UK
Family walks with a difference
Take a walk for charity