I took to driving pretty late in life, I was in my twenties before I gave up my bicycle and sat behind the steering wheel. But now, the idea of watching the world zip by at 70 miles an hour is not as appealing as it once was. I like to get out and walk once in a while. Though to be honest, I am not sure that I am up for a walk that last several days.
There are Self Guided Walking Tours in Ireland that let you roam the countryside for a week or more. The Ireland Walks are usually 10 to 15 miles and the guides say you can do that in 4 to 8 hours. If your going to Walk Ireland you should use one of the many Waymarked Ways of Ireland. There are 31 National Waymarked Ways, offering walkers approx. 3,000 km of marked walking routes throughout Ireland. Below are a few of the popular Waymarked Ways of Ireland.
Beara Way
The quiet south western corner of Ireland-hiking through low rounded hills, walking on old bog roads, exploring abandoned copper mines. The rocky coastline of the Beara Peninsula is a walking holiday dream. Visit Dursey Island by cable car, walk the green roads of Bere Island and sample the best fresh fish from the port of Castletownbere.
Donegal Way
The Donegal Ways follows of country roads (40%), forest paths, mountain tracks, sheep trails, boggy tracks and sandy beaches. There are some short open hill-walking sections. It is well signposted with wooden or plastic yellow markers and road signs.
Terrain is varied, including a lot of quiet tarmac roads, unsurfaced roads, forest paths, sheep trails, and bog access roads. There are some open hill-walking sections.
Dingle Way
Ireland’s first peninsula in the south west corner, Dingle stretches into the Atlantic, the Slieve Mish mountains forming its spine. Majestic Brandon Head, one of Ireland’s 1000m peaks, forms the western head and walking holiday here is a glorious drama of sandy beaches, unfolding mountains and accommodation in traditional Irish villages.
Kerry Way
The famous Ring of Kerry! Ireland’s best known secret flows westwards from the Lakes of Killarney. Walking the Kerry Way avoids the bustle, takes you into the mountains, above the roads and away from the masses. Hike the foothills of the Reeks, spectacular coastline scenery and stay in Killarney, splendid in its lakeshore location.
Sheep’s Head Way
By far the forgotten land. A narrow finger points south west, home to sheep farms and small fishing villages. A walking holiday on Sheep’s Head is unrivalled for its remoteness and the opportunity to experience traditional life in 21st century Ireland.
Western Way
The Western Way winds from southern Galway, through Connemara and into the heart of Mayo, skirting the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain. Experience the best of hiking through the Twelve Bens, by the shores of Killary Harbour and into the colorful town of Westport.
Wicklow Way
The walking holiday everyone wants. Just an hour from Dublin, the Wicklow Hills transport you away from city noise; hiking through forests, old hills, deserted mines and the 5th century abbey of St. Kevin. Explore the deep valleys of Glenmalure and Glendalough and enjoy a hiking experience in one of Ireland’s best National Parks.
To find a Trail of your own to Walk in Ireland, use the handy Trail Search.
