Discover some walks this St Patrick’s Day

 

Fáilte Ireland has compiled some great walks for this St Patrick's Day. Great to see Kinnitty in Offaly among them. Be sure to observe social distancing and stay safe everyone on March 17.

1. Slieve Foye Loop, Carlingford, Co. Louth

This 9km loop takes around three hours to complete in full, and takes you up the majestic Slieve Foye, the highest peak on the Cooley Peninsula. here are some seriously spectacular views of Carlingford Lough from the mountains and you can also view the medieval town of Carlingford at various points along the walk.

 

2. Mangan Loop, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow

The Mangan’s Lane Loop in Tinahely, Co. Wicklow is a 5km looped trail that takes around 90 minutes to complete. Tinahely is a small village, nestled in the Derry River Valley, in the southern reaches of the Wicklow Mountains. One of the great things about Tinahely’s walking trails is the scope for variety in the routes you can take, offering a walking experience for all levels and abilities. The official trailhead is about a 1.5km walk up Mangan’s Lane from the GAA carpark below. From the trailhead you can choose from three looped trails, all of varying lengths and difficulty levels.

 

3. Rinmaher Walking Trail, Portumna Forest Park, Co. Galway

The Portumna Forest Park Rinmaher Walking Trail is a walk with breathtaking views of Lough Derg and amazing natural diversity.

This 10km loop takes around two hours to complete in full so it’s suitable for those who love exploration and stumbling upon wildlife in its natural habitat.There are good views along the lakeshore near Rinmaher Point, south towards Terryglass and east towards Portumna Bridge.

 

4. Kinnity Castle/Glinsk Castle Woods, Slieve Blooms, Co. Offaly

The Kinnitty Castle Loop is a walk that is nestled in the foothills of the majestic Slieve Bloom mountains and takes you through beautiful broadleaf forestry, the grounds of Kinnitty Castle and if you want to extend the trail further, you’ll pass the ruins of Glinsk Castle.

 

5. Killeshandra Loop, Co. Cavan

The Killeshandra Loop takes you through unspoiled Cavan countryside and dense forestry, broken up by bubbling streams and glimpses of lakes through the trees. This easy 6km loop takes about 2 hours to complete in full, and while it’s not too taxing, it’s recommended you wear good trekking boots and pack raingear and plenty of water.

 

6. Lough Easkey, Co. Sligo

The Lough Easkey Loop on the Wild Atlantic Way is a walk that is remote, exposed, and strikingly beautiful.This 6km loop takes about 2 hours to complete in full, and certain stretches get soft and boggy, so it’s definitely recommended you wear good walking boots and pack raingear and plenty of water.The walk takes you around the shoreline of Lough Easkey along lakeshore tracks, laneways and minor roads and is situated in the heart of the Ox Mountain range.

 

7. Glencolmcille Tower Loop, Co. Donegal

Located along some of the most epic stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Glencolmcille Tower Loop is 10km long and takes less than 3 hours to complete. It starts off and ends in the Gaeltacht village of the same name, named after Saint Colm Cille.  The summit truly offers some of the most breath-taking views in the country.

 

8. Sheeps Head, Co. Cork

The Sheep’s Head Lighthouse Loop on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is a stunning coastal trail that takes in breathtaking cliff walks and spectacular 360 views.

Located just north of the Mizen Peninsula, this walk offers a unique view south to Mizen Head and north to Bere Island.

Starting at Bernie’s Cupan Tae Café at the Tooreen Trailhead, the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse loop is 4.2km in distance and takes about 90 minutes to complete.

 

9. Glen of Aherlow. Co.         Tipperary

The Rock An Thorabh Loop in Ireland’s Ancient East takes you through forest track and woodland trail along the ridge of Slievenamuck, with breathtaking vistas between the trees of the Glen of Aherlow and Galtee Mountains in Co. Tipperary. This 6km loop takes around two hours to complete in full – and with some steep ascents it’s important you have your hiking boots on.

10. Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, Letterekeen, Co. Mayo

The third largest of Ireland’s six National Parks, this is the place to escape to get back to nature. This 6km loop takes around one and a half hours to complete, and encompasses some points of interest which include Nephin Beg mountain range, the view of Slieve Carr and the Altaconey River.

 

12. Raven’s Point Loop, Co. Wexford

This 6.8km walk combines the beauty of forest and beach.  First let the kids run free through the forest then on the Curracloe Beach with its golden sands – the backdrop to the Hollywood movie Saving Private Ryan. Nature and sea air will leave you feeling invigorated and ready to take on the day and week ahead.

 

13. Cavan Burren Park, Co. Cavan

Explore biodiversity, prehistoric features, archaeology and epic views as you roam through Cavan Burren Park over limestone bedrock. There are over 10kn of trails altogether and 4 family friendly walks ranging between 1.3 – 2.9kn so something to suit all levels of fitness.

 

14. Carrickgollogan (Leadmines Way), Co. Dublin

A short 2.5km walk which is easily accessible but with huge rewards! Follow the orange markers along forest paths lines with beautiful vibrant Gorse bushes leading you to spectacular views over Dublin City and Bay.  You’ll pass the old chimney from its days as a mine and smelting facility. You can take a small detour from the orange route to climb to the summit of Carrickgollagan offering 360degree vies from the top.

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