Ireland may be small, but its landscape and terrain varies richly from valleys to peaks, beaches to bogs. In short, the Emerald Isle is a walker’s paradise. Tourism Ireland, in collaboration with walking experts from Walk NI and Ei Adventures, has curated a collection of trails designed to captivate both the leisurely stroller and the intrepid thrill-seeker.
With less than eight-hour flights to Dublin starting at AED 2,540, GCC travellers are presented with an unparalleled opportunity to escape the scorching summer heat and immerse themselves in the enchanting wonders of Ireland.
1) Causeway Coast Way (North Coast, County Antrim)
Length: 33m/53km
Difficulty: Moderate
This superb walking route extends along Northern Ireland’s most celebrated coastline. High cliffs, secluded beaches, picturesque harbours and numerous landmarks, including the famous Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and dramatic Dunluce Castle are just some of the treats on offer. The route has frequent access points and terrain suitable for all fit walkers varying from grassy paths, which can often be soft underfoot, to long sweeping beach and tarmacked paths and roads.
Walk NI’s personal favourite stretch is the 4.5 mile (7.2km) North Antrim Cliff Path from the Giant’s Causeway to Dunseverick Castle, where the spectacular cliff landscape merges effortlessly with surrounding farmland.
2) Divis Ridge Trail (Belfast, County Antrim)
Length: 4.2m/6.8km
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
The circular Divis Ridge trail located in the Belfast Hills offers spectacular skyline views over Belfast as well as the Mourne Mountains, Scotland and the Isle of Man – all without having to climb any hills!
One of four trails on Divis and the Black Mountain which, at an elevation of 478m (1,568ft), is the highest point in Belfast, the Ridge Trail is on relatively flat paths on tarmac, boardwalk and stone pitched gravel with a few stiles to cross. After visiting Belfast’s most spectacular viewpoint call into the Divis Coffee Barn – Ireland’s highest coffee shop!
3) Hare’s Gap (Mourne Mountains, County Down)
Length: 2.1m/3.4km
Difficulty: Strenuous
The most dramatic mountain pass in the Mournes, Hare’s Gap at 440m (1444ft) once marked the exit point for smuggled goods from the coast. It’s easily reached central location provides a great introductory route to the mountains.
A mixture of unsurfaced rough paths, open mountainside and featuring a final steep ascent through a boulder field to the Mourne Wall, means that sturdy walking boots and a good fitness level are required. Once at the Gap, walkers may choose to retrace their steps or continue their walk to either the dramatic tors of Slieve Bearnagh or along the less strenuous Brandy Pad (a well-trodden smugglers’ route).
4) Cronin’s Yard Loop (MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, County Kerry)
Length: 5m/8km
Difficulty: Moderate
This walk begins at Cronin’s Yard, a starting point for many seeking to climb the mighty Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak. Cronin’s Yard also provides showers, changing rooms and a coffee shop for walkers and climbers. The very best time to do this walk is in midsummer at sunrise. In doing so, Cronin’s Yard’s pathfinders will experience two amazing things. As they walk toward the mountains, the sun will rise at their back and a brilliant light will shine on Carrauntoohil, often with just a sliver of cloud as if the skilled hand of a painter put it there to make the vista even more amazing.
The second treat is the complete silence. This area is typically empty of people and as walkers get closer to what feels like an amphitheatre of stone cathedrals, they could hear a pin drop. The experience is breathtaking. The route will also lead to the start of the larger of the area’s two lakes, set at the foot of the Devil’s Ladder, the traditional route up Carrauntoohil.
On the return journey, the trail will head right with a slight climb, which leads back to Cronin’s Yard. It’s hard to think of a better way to spend a couple of hours.
5) Glendalough Lake Walk (Glendalough, County Wicklow)
Length: 3.5m/5km
Difficulty: Easy
Glendalough monastic site is a mecca for tourists and for city dwellers wanting to see dramatic and ancient landscapes with little effort. Just an hour from Dublin, Glendalough is a 6th century monastic settlement nestled amongst the Wicklow Mountains. Beginning from the site along one side of the upper lake the trail passes through Scots pine woodland before it comes to a ruined miner’s village. Halfway along the route, the cave known as St Kevin’s Bed can be seen across the lake.
Feral goats are common on this walk and peregrine falcons may, on occasion, be seen high in the sky, calling to each other with their high-pitched cries. The walk can finish at the car park or at the very comfortable Glendalough Hotel for some lunch or drinks. On a sunny day, this is a very pleasant walk with wonderful landscape and heritage. However, in summer months and at weekends, it can be very busy, so starting at sunrise is the best way to really experience it.
6) The Famine Walk (Killary Fjord, Connemara, County Galway)
Length: 10m/16km
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Connemara is one of Ei Adventures’ very favourite places in the country to visit on foot. It has a wild, raw beauty that is unique to this part of the country. Connemara is surrounded by breathtaking lakes and mountains and the region is also home to the only fjord in the Republic of Ireland, located at Killary Harbour. This deep-water inlet from the Atlantic was once a hiding place for U-boats in World War Two.
These elements collide in one single location to create a spectacular walk. As hikers make their way along the edge of the fjord, the dramatic Mweelrea Mountain towers at their side into what is a famine relief path, past little cottages that were witness to harsh times during the 1840s. The route leads to a small harbour, and then a very quiet country road loops back to the starting point of the walk.
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