WALKING & CYCLING IN IRELAND - Failte Ireland
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WALKING & CYCLING
IN IRELAND
Ireland is a lovely place to take a walk or a cycle. For such a small
island, it offers a huge variety of landscapes to explore. Nowhere
is too far from the start point of a good walking or cycling route.
GET WALKING
With an outstanding network of medium
to long-distance walking routes known as
National Waymarked Trails, there are at
present 43 waymarked walking trails in over
25 counties in Ireland. Maps and updated
information on these trails can be found on,
www.irishtrails.ie and www.discoverireland.ie
Each trail is graded to suit different levels
of abilities, and details are provided as to
the length of time required for to do the walk.
It’s a great way to explore Ireland’s rich flora
and fauna, as well as history with many of
these trails boasting a great deal of history
and stories of the areas they are located in.
If looking for inspiration & ideas to add
a nice walk or an off-road cycle to your
Programme itineraries, then check out
some of our recommendations here!
Cycling the Ring of Ker
ry
Walking in Mayo
18
h Mountains
Nire Valley Comerag
“Walking is the best
possible exercise.
Habituate yourself to
walk very far”
PRESIDENT THOMAS
JEFFERSON
Glendalough, Co. W
icklow
5 WALKS IN IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST
GLEN OF AHERLOW, TIPPERARY [LOOPED] MAP: www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/Kinnitty---
Part of the Munster Vales, take a walk in Knockbarron-Loop/157/
the Glen of Aherlow in an area known as ‘a Car park at Knockbarron Wood crossroads
walkers paradise’ with 8 looped walks and 5km – 2 hrs (Easy – Moderate)
two linear walks, enjoy all that the Galtee
mountains have to offer for adventurers GREENWAY, COOLEY PENINSULA, LOUTH
young and old. [LINEAR]
MAP: www.discoverireland.ie/activities- Carlingford Omeath Greenway is a 6.2km
adventure/glen-of-aherlow-looped- cycle & walking path from Omeath to
walks/78315 Carlingford following the old Railway line.
START: Christ The King Trail Head Offers cyclists and walkers a safe track midst
Lisvarinane Trail Head the most spectacular views along the scenic
coast of Carlingford Lough.
Rock at Thorabh loop:
6km – 2hrs 30mins (Moderate) MAP: www.carlingfordandcooleypeninsula.
ie/carlingford-activities/walking-trails/
Bianconi Loop:
carlingford-greenway
4km – 1hrs 30mins (Easy)
Carlingford Marina beyond the Harbour and
Carroll’s Loop:
King John’s Castle
5km – 1hrs 30mins (Easy)
6.2km walking & cycling path – 1hr (Easy)
Padraig’s Loop:
7km – 2-2hrs 30mins (Easy)
GLENDALOUGH, CO. WICKLOW [LOOPED
Dolmen loop: & LINEAR]
10km – 3-3hrs 30mins (Moderate)
Glendalough is an ancient monastic site
with stunning views of lakes, mountains
PILGRIM ROAD TO CLONMACNOISE,
and the monastic site, located in the
OFFALY [LINEAR]
Wicklow National Park south of Dublin on
Travelling along the ancient Pilgrim Road 20,000 hectares of mountain scenery. The
from Ballycumber to Clonmacnoise ancient Glendalough Spink Ridge Loop rewards you
monastic Site, in Co. Offaly on shores of the with breath-taking views of not only the
Shannon Estuary. spectacular Glendalough Valley from above,
MAP: www.discoverireland.ie/ but also as you climb higher, the vista over
Activities-Adventure/pilgrim-s-road-to- the Wicklow Uplands opens out around you.
clonmacnoise/91093 MAP: www.visitwicklow.ie/activities/
Ballycumber Village glendalough-spink-and-glenealo-valley-
Linear – 24.4km Walk or cycle. Allow 3hrs walk-white-route/
30mins for walking Upper Lake Parking Area
Various loops & linear routes from 3 to 30
KNOCKBARRON LOOP, SLIEVE BLOOM km
MOUNTAINS, OFFALY [LOOPED]
The Glendalough Spink ridge and Glenealo
Walk in the geographical heart of Ireland Valley walking trail (White Route) –10km –
enjoying mountains, forests, blanket bog, 4hr – 5hr loop (Moderate)
and hidden valleys of interest to lovers of
archaeology and nature.
19
6 URBAN AND NATURE
WALKS IN DUBLIN
COAST WALK TO PORTANE (LOOPED) for stunning views of Killiney Bay www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-
Take the train from Connolly station (Dublin’s answer to the Bay of Naples). Adventure/bull-island/52737
to Donabate. From Donabate enjoy Pressing downward you will pass Dalkey Bull Wall/Wooden Bridge
a gentle walk along local roads with Quarry, nowadays its sheer rock face
5.07km – 1hr 15mins
stunning cliff scenic views along north makes it the abseiling and rock climbing
hotspot for adrenalin junkies. (Easy)
coast of Dublin out to Lambay Island.
Winter time is best for bird life watchers www.ireland.com/en-gb/
here with cormorants, oyster catchers, destinations/republic-of-ireland/ STORY OF DUBLIN – DUBLINE
scaups and bar-tailed godwits all dublin/articles/dublin-five-walks- DISCOVERY TRAIL (LOOPED)
available to be seen. outside-the-city Using the Dubline Discovery Trails
www.activeme.ie/guides/walks/ Dalkey DART station app, you can take a free walking tour
donabate-to-portraine-loop-walk/ through Dublin’s colourful and storied
2km – 45mins past… Starting off at Dublin Castle the
Donabate Martello Tower (Moderate) trail continues to the grounds of Trinity
5.5km – 3-4hrs (Easy) College and the Book of Kells and Leinster
HOWTH VILLAGE CLIFF WALK (LOOPED) House (home to the Irish Parliament).
DUN LAOGHAIRE EAST PIER (LINEAR) The Howth Cliff Walk is one of four Stroll up to St Stephen’s Green and St
Only 15mins southbound on the looped walks which starts at the Patrick’s Cathedral before finishing at City
DART (train) from Dublin city to Dun DART (train) Station in the heart of Hall, once the Royal Exchange for the
Laoghaire There are two piers (East & the village. Climbing around the Nose city’s Merchant class.
West) to choose from although the of Howth and onto the clifftops take www.visitdublin.com/see-do/dublin-
East Pier at 1.3km is slightly shorter and in the stunning views of Lambay discovery-trails
closer to the DART station. This Victorian Island, Ireland’s Eye and the The Baily Dublin Castle
harbour was built to protect ships from Lighthouse before you ascend towards
7km – 1hr 30mins (Allow up to 4hrs
storms and you can feel and taste the the car park at the Summit Inn and
if stopping at the various sites)
salt spray on blustery days here. Why press downwards to Howth Village.
not finish the walk with an ice-cream (Easy)
www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-
from Teddy’s or a coffee and cake along Adventure/cliff-path-loop/71514
the Pavilion promenade.
Howth East Pier
www.dunlaoghaire.ie/ttd/stroll-dun-
6km – 1hrs 10mins (Easy)
laoghaire-promenade
Dun Laoighaire East Pier NORTH BULL ISLAND (LOOPED)
1.3km – 25mins each way (Easy) The North Bull Island Walk is an
UNESCO. Biosphere Reserve (only 1 of
DALKEY VILLAGE & KILLINEY HILL 10 in Europe). Take the Dublin Bus 130
(LINEAR) to Bull Wall’s Wooden Bridge to this
This walk starts from Dalkey train amazing bird watching haven, a must see
station and follows Sorrento Road for nature lovers. There are high quality
towards the sea and then uphill to rare and threatened coastal habitats on
Dalkey Hill via stone steps known locally the island, particularly significant given
as the Cat’s Ladder. Climb to the summit its location within a capital city! Dun Laoghaire
Howth Coastal Walk, Co. Dublin
20
‘WILD SIDE’ WALKS FROM THE
WILD ATLANTIC WAY
PILGRIM PATH TO SLIABH LIAG, CO. LETTERKEEN LOOP, LETTERKEEN,
DONEGAL FURNACE, CO. MAYO
NORTHERN HEADLANDS BAY COAST
An ancient religious path used by This loop follows purple arrows on
pilgrims since ancient times, offers an old cattle road, a narrow path
a different way of experiencing the through trees, sandy road, forest road
spectacular cliffs of Sliabh Liag, among and riverbank mainly in forestry. With
the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Get climbs and descents, some of which
a glimpse into the ancient history, are steep, it reaches a highpoint of
passing church ruins and a holy well 311m before descending to cross
on the eastern summit of Sliabh Liag, a pass in the scenic and relatively
with views of Teelin and Carrick in the isolated lowlands of the Nephin Beg
valley below. Mountains. A lovely quiet secluded
www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/Sliabh-Liag- walk with extensive views from the
Pilgrim-Path/377 highest point.
Bluestack Centre, Letterbarrow, www.irishtrails.ie/trail/letterkeen-
Co. Donegal loop/492
2.8km – 1hr 30mins (Moderate) Car Park Near Brogan Carroll Bothy
12km – 3hrs (Difficult)
KILLASPUGBRONE LOOP,
STRANDHILL, CO. SLIGO CAHER VALLEY LOOP, CLIFF COAST,
SURF COAST CO. CLARE
A stunning coastal walk through CLIFF COAST
the North of the beach dunes in A gradual climb up the Caher Valley
the busy seaside village of Strandhill. on a minor road, before following an
The trail takes you through a variety elevated green road. Fine views of the
of coastal habitats including sand surrounding Burren landscape with
dunes, salt marsh and pine woodland. those to the west of the coast and
It passes by Killaspugbrone Church, the Aran Islands being particularly
an early Christian site with historic spectacular.
and legendary associations. The route www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/Caher-
features some magnificent views of Valley-Loop/674
Benbulben and Knocknarea and out
Fanore Beach Co. Clare
over Sligo Bay.
14km – 3hrs 30mins (Moderate)
www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/
Killaspugbrone-Loop/824
LISTOWEL VILLAGE RIVER WALK,
Strandhill Beach (north) LISTOWEL, CO. KERRY
7km – 2hrs 15mins (Moderate) SOUTHERN PENINSULAS
The walk follows track and minor
CLARE ISLAND FAWNGLASS LOOP,
road along the banks of the River
CLARE ISLAND, CO. MAYO
Feale (famous for salmon fishing) as it
BAY COAST flows by Listowel Castle into Childers
This loop circles the valley of the Park (known locally as Cow’s Lawn)
townland of Fawnglass between the and through the Garden of Europe
pier at the beach and Knocknaveen with more than 2,500 trees from all
Hill on surfaced roadway and grassy over Europe and Ireland’s only public
track, venturing onto the lower slopes monument to the memory of those
of Knocknaveen with fine views of who died in the holocaust.
Clew Bay. It brings you past the castle www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/Listowel-
of the pirate queen Granuaile/Grace Village-Walks---River-Walk/609
O’Malley.
Main Street, Listowel
www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/Clare-
4km – 1hr (Easy)
Island---Fawnglass-loop/143
Centre of town of Fawnglass 3km –
1hr 30mins (Easy)
21
‘Go Green’
Cycle Ireland’s
Greenways
With the interest in Ireland’s latest off road
infrastructural investment, the ‘Greenways’ are
influencing so many Irish and International Tourists to
get on a bike. These dedicated off-road walking and
cycling routes developed along disused railway routes
and coastal trails are an ideal place for visitors to enjoy
a cycle in the fresh air while in Ireland.
UNIQUE OFF-ROAD
WALKING & CYCLING
GEMS
The Great Western Greenway, in Co. Mayo, awarded
European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) Award, is a
developed traffic free cycling and walking trail. Some
42km in length, it follows the route of the renowned
Westport to Achill railway, which closed in 1937. The
trail has 3 defined stages or routes running from Achill
to Mulranny (13km), Mulranny to Newport (18km)
& Newport to Westport (11km). Bike Hire (including
electric bikes) as well as guided walking, nature, cycling,
gourmet food tours and local food picnics are all
available to book. www.greenway.ie
Waterford’s Deise Greenway is a 45km off-road cycle
and walking route from Dungarvan to Waterford City in
the south east of Irelands Ancient East. Built along the
old railway line, it runs parallel to Waterford’s stunning
Copper Coast and UNESCO. Geopark. Highlights along
the route include the world-famous Mount Congreve
gardens (with access directly from the Greenway), The
Durrow 7-arch Viaduct, The Kilmacthomas 8-arch stone
viaduct, The Ballyvoyle brick-lined tunnel, spectacular
views of the Comeragh Mountains and an ideal lunch
stop in the pretty coastal town of Dungarvan with its
stunning views across Dungarvan Bay. Bike hire, as well
as walking and cycling tours are available locally in
Waterford and Dungarvan and several accommodations
and cafes along the route offer local gourmet food
picnics for your clients to enjoy on their trip.
www.deisegreenway.com
Lough Derg Blueway, Co. Tipperary
22
“Nothing compares
to the simple pleasure
of riding a bike”
PRESIDENT
JOHN F KENNEDY
Dublin Grand Canal
‘INTO THE BLUE’ SHANNON BLUEWAY
The Shannon Blueway offers a network
ENJOY IRELAND’S of paddling trails all the way from
BLUEWAYS the foot of Lough Allen, in Boyle, Co.
Roscommon to Carrick-on-Shannon
Ireland’s Blueways are a network of and beyond to Ballyleague and
multi-activity recreational trails, based Lanesborough. While a series of off road
on or alongside idyllic lakes, canals and walking and cycling trails are available
rivers in Ireland. They provide scenic including the recently developed
routes into the heart of rural Ireland floating boardwalk around Acres Lake.
by canoe, bike or on foot. Here your For further information and suggestions
clients can enjoy a guided paddling trip; on things to do on the Shannon
build up an appetite on an exhilarating Blueway see www.bluewaysireland.
electric bike trip; or gently meander on org/blueways/shannon
a canal-side walk.
SHANNON ERNE BLUEWAY
LOUGH DERG BLUEWAY The Shannon-Erne Blueway offers
13,000 hectares of clear water; a series of scenic trails from Leitrim
surrounded by beautiful and dramatic Village, Co. Leitrim to Belturbet in
countryside in three Irish counties Co. Cavan, linking the Erne System
(Clare, Tipperary, and Galway), and at Crom, Co. Fermanagh. Visitors can
traversed by a series of trails, on choose from 15 individual paddling
the water and on land, provide the journeys over 70km on lakes, rivers
opportunity for exhilarating activities and canals, with over 70km of paddling
and wonderful adventures. For trails presented in three sections. These
Blueway activities at Lough Derg see paddling trails are complemented by
www.bluewaysireland.org/loughderg 30km of walking loops and linear trails
along with 12.5km of superb cycling
options around Ballinamore. For maps,
routes and suggestions of places to eat
and stay see www.bluewaysireland.
org/blueways/shannon-erne
ROYAL CANAL BLUEWAY
The Royal Canal Blueway provides
innovative, safe and easy to use
water and land-based trails along
the tranquillity of the 16km Royal
Canal towpath from the picturesque
Cloondara village to Killashee, and then
winds its way alongside the Longford
Tountina, Co. Tipperary
branch of the Royal Canal towards
Longford town.
23
Walking & Cycling
Operators 2018/19
ACTIVITY DAYS, BLARNEY, CO. CORK CYCLE WEST IRELAND CONNEMARA,
Walking, Cycling with local guides in Co. CO. GALWAY
Cork Cycling
E maire@adventuredays.ie E tours@cyclewest.com
W www.activitydays.ie W www.cyclewest.com
ASHFORD OUTDOORS COMPANY DELPHI RESORT LEENANE, CO. GALWAY
CONG, CO. MAYO Cycling, Walking, Adventure Centre
Mountain Biking, Cycling tours E info@delphiresort.com
E info@ashfordoutdoors.com W www.delphiadventureresort.com
W www.ashfordoutdoors.com
E-BIKE TOURS WILD ATLANTIC WAY
BALLYHOURA FÁILTE, LIMERICK CORCULLEN, CO. GALWAY
98km Mountain Biking Trails, Walking Cycling
E reception@ballyhoura.org E cycle@wildatlanticway.bike
W www.visitballyhoura.com W www.wildatlanticway.bike
BURREN FINE WINE ECLIPSE ADVENTURE CENTRE,
& FOOD BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY
Walking & Cycling Tours Orienteering and Mountain Biking
E info@burrenwine.ie E info@eclipseireland.com
W www.burrenwine.ie W www.eclipseireland.com
CONNEMARA ADVENTURE TOURS ELECTRIC BIKE TRAILS LEITRIM VILLAGE,
LEENANE, GALWAY CO. LEITRIM
Walking & Cycling Cycling
E info@connemaraadveturetours.com E info@electricbiketrails.com
W www.connemaraadventuretours.com W www.electricbiketrails.com
CP ADVENTURE TOURS BLESSINGTON, FAR & WILD CLONMANY, CO. DONEGAL
CO. WICKLOW Mountain Biking, Cycling
Walking, Cycling E hello@farandwild.co.uk
E info@cpadventure.ie W www.farandwild.co.uk
W www.cpAdventure.ie
GO VISIT IRELAND KILLORGLIN, CO.
CYCLE HOLIDAYS IRELAND KERRY
BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY Walking
Cycling Holidays in West Ireland E info@govisitireland.com
E info@cycleholidaysireland.com W www.govisitireland.com
W www.cycleholidaysireland.com
Aran Islands, Co. Galway
24
GOLEEN HARBOUR ADVENTURES IRELAND WALK, HIKE BIKE CO. KERRY RACHEL’S IRISH ADVENTURES
GOLEEN, CO. CORK [ALL-IRELAND PROGRAMMES] Hiking, mountain climbing, trail running,
Walking, Cycling Walking, Hiking & Biking Multi Day trips cycling; guided heritage walks
E adventures@goleenharbour.ie & Small Group Holidays E info@rachelsirishadventures.com
W www.goleenharbour.ie E mauricew@irelandwalkhikebike.com W www.rachelsirishadventures.com
W www.irelandwalkhikebike.com
IRISH ADVENTURES DINGLE, KERRY VAGABOND CO. WICKLOW [ALL-
[WILD ATLANTIC WAY PROGRAMMES] WILD ‘N HAPPY KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY IRELAND PROGRAMMES]
Cycling, Hiking, Horse riding, [WILD ATLANTIC WAY PROGRAMMES] Mixed Adventure multiday tours
Watersports Walking, Cycling, Kayaking, Eco, Culture, including walking & hiking
E info@irishadventures.net themed, Mixed Adventure day & E info@vagabond.ie
W www.irishadventures.net multiday tours W www.vagabondtoursofireland.com
E sales@wildnhappy.com
CONNEMARA WILD ESCAPES W www.moractivetours.com WALK TALK IRELAND CO. DONEGAL
CONNEMARA, CO. GALWAY [WILD W www.wildnhappy.ie (NORTHERN IRELAND & NORTHWEST
ATLANTIC WAY PROGRAMMES] TOURS)
Packaged Activities including walking, NORTHWEST ADVENTURES [ALL- Guided walking holidays Donegal &
cycling, horse-riding and mixed IRELAND PROGRAMMES] Antrim
adventure Mountain Biking, cycling tours, walking, E smullan01@gmail.com
E info@connemarawildescapes.ie canoeing, kayaking W www.walktalkireland.com
W www.connemarawildescapes.ie E northwestadventuretours@gmail.com
W www.northwestadventuretours.ie WILDERNESS IRELAND CO. SLIGO
FOOTFALLS WALKING HOLIDAYS [ALL-IRELAND PROGRAMMES]
CO. WICKLOW [ALL-IRELAND IRELAND BY BIKE CO. DONEGAL, Hiking, Biking, Family Tours & Tailor
PROGRAMMES] (NORTHERN IRL. & NORTHWEST Made Vacations
Walking – guided & self-guided Walks TOURS) E info@wildernessireland.com
and Hikes from ½ day to multi day Cycling and Walking Holidays: Guided, W www.wildernessireland.com
E info@walkinghikingireland.com Self-Guided Tours in the Northwest
W www.walkinghikingireland.com E seamus@irelandbybike.com
W www.irelandbybike.com
IRELAND WAYS [ALL-IRELAND
PROGRAMMES]
Walking Tours, Walking Holidays
E info@irelandways.com
W www.irelandways.com
25
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