After a long long winter of restrictions vaccinations give us all hope of better days in the summer ahead. Whether we can go near or far here are 5 Irish Walking trails to die for. Some are well worn paths others are not but something here for everyone to help forget the terrible year past and the losses we have all endured.
Diamond Hill loop - Galway Connemara
The Diamond Hill loop walk is a 7.2km walking trail located in Letterfrack, County Galway, at the Connemara National Park. A great favourite for walkers, hikers and even the occasional trail runner on this beautiful loop walk. This is a well maintained trail with stunning views throughout. This trail is ideal for all fitness levels but it can be quite steep towards the summit so do bear that in mind. The trail is best when the weather is clear enabling you to take some stunning social media images. A real must do the views from the summit are just a joy to behold.
Getting there – Using Google Maps search for Letterfrack Connemara National Park
Malahide Castle & Grounds Dublin
Malahide Castle Grounds – This is just a lovely scenic walk on the beautiful grounds of the beautiful Medieval Malahide Castle in North County Dublin. Just a few minutes walk from the Dart station from Dublin City Centre. If you do a full walk around the grounds is about 3.89Kms. If you fancy there are work-out stations every few hundred meters along the path. A stunning childrens play ground and play area. The castle itself is a major tourist attraction and it boasts a wonderful Avoca Weavers Restaurant. Not far from the coastal village of Malahide if you want browse about the boats, yachts and lively shops.
Getting there – Using Google Maps – search Malahide Castle by car or Train/Dart from City Centre
Slievethoul (or Saggart Hill) and Lugg Dublin
From the summit of Slievethoul there are fine views of the plains of Kildare and the rolling mountains to the east into Wicklow. There is an abundance of archaeological monuments in and around Slievethoul Wood and Lugg, consisting of tombs, cairns, barrows and ring forts, all are well worth checking out.
There are two walking trail options in Slievethoul and Lugg. The Slievethoul Lugg Walk (9 kms, 2 hrs, easy gradient) a walk through both woods in a figure of eight. The Saggart Hill Loop (4 kms, 1 hr, easy gradient) takes you for a nice gentle loop around the wood with the chance of trekking off to the summit.
Getting there – Using Google Maps search for Slade Valley Golf Course and you will find the starting point for this great walk.
Erris Head Loop Walk
Erris Head loop walk – the Erris Head loop walk in Belmullet is a well sign-posted 5k coastal trail with stunning Wild Atlantic views that take you away from it all. Starting from the town of Belmullet on the R313 between Bangor and Blacksod. Just follow the signs for Ceann Iorrais to reach the start/trailhead and a small car park to get you settled before you head off. Find out all the information here: http://www.mayowalks.ie/WalkingTrails/LocalisedLoopWalks/ErrisHeadLoopWalk/
Sheep's Head Trail - West Cork
Sheep’s Head trail – Finally we are heading to West Cork for our final set of trail offerings set on the Sheep’s Head peninsula. This has many numerous looped walks for you to try. Now should you want to base yourself in the area you can walk them all over a period of around 6 days or pick from one of over 25 (1-7 Hr) loop walks which all form a 200-km trail network along the Sheep’s Head peninsula and around Bantry.
The views are breathtaking, the scenery is awe inspiring, the tiny villages delightful and the places to stay stunning and relaxing. A must do Hike.
You can find out more information http://thesheepsheadway.ie/
Written by Austin Rock part of Carroll’s Tours wonderful team of specialists