Top ten walking trails in Ireland - SEE PHOTOS

Take a break from the usual tourist trail and explore the wonderful walks to be found in Ireland

Connemara means "The Conmaicne Tribe of the Sea". The area stretches from Galway Bay up to Killary Harbor and is bound in on the east by Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.

Along the way you will see shimmering quartz peaks over bogs and small loughs but beware the average rainfall is 1,700 mm. Just 30% of this walk is by road.

4.The Dingle Way

This one might not be for the faint of heart. It stretches over 112 miles and was one of the first national walking routes. The trail follows minor country roads and beaches.

The most dramatic part of the hike comes with a 1,200 feet descent crossing the shoulder of Brandon Mountain between Ballydavid and Cloghane. The walk skirts the mountains of Slieve Mish which form a spine of 40 miles jutting out in the Atlantic Ocean.

The peninsula is littered with remains from the early Christian period, oratories, beehive huts, megalithic tombstones, monastic enclosures, high crosses, to name a few. Beautiful white sandy beaches, a temperate Gulf Stream climate and the profusion of strong colors in the flora – montbretia, fuchsia, purple loosestrife to name a few. A truly amazing spot and 40% of this walk can be made by road.

5. The Sheeps Head Way, County Cork

The Sheeps Head Way starts in Bantry and takes you to the tip of the peninsula at Sheeps Head. The whole trail is 55 miles.

Cork is a spectacularly beautiful place and therefore much visited by tourists and Irish people alike. However this area is the least visited part of Cork which makes it truly idyllic.

Along the walk there are a couple of climbs but it is primarily a ridge and shoreline route. The terrain varies widely, making the walk a moderate rating.

6.The Wicklow Way

The Wicklow was stretches along 83 miles through the Wicklow mountains right up to the suburbs of Dublin City. Although some of the best walking trails are in the south west of Ireland the Wicklow Way is a great way to get a taste of Ireland's beautiful countryside if you're staying in the city.

The central section of the trail is covered by the Wicklow Mountains National Park - its headquarters are in Glendalough and worth a visit. The route follows on occasion the Military Road, constructed by the British in the early 19th century to gain access to the lower regions of the county and the Irish rebels hiding within.

Wicklow is known as the 'Garden of Ireland' and its lush valleys and spectacular mountains will not disappoint. About 20% of this trail is on tarred roads.

7. Antrim Hills Way, County Antrim

​
Nster.com