Walking in Ireland

Senior Times

Walking has become one of our most popular pastimes, as well as being a favourite with more and more visitors. Clubs are springing up all over the country to supplement the long-established groups, and ’walks’ abroad are now one of the most effective ways to raise money for charities. The Dublin Walking Club can be contacted at (01) 8474578.

For a comprehensive list of charity walks coming up, buy a copy of the excellent magazine Walking World Ireland, on sale at most newsagents.

Walking the ways in Ireland

The Bord Failte/Irish Tourist Board has created a guide containing the information you need if you’re interested in taking advantage of walking the Ways in Ireland. The Wicklow Way, opened in 1982, was the first trail. Today, there are 31 Ways in all.

By walking the marked trails of the Ways, you’ll get the chance to meet and chat with other walkers. The trails are not crowded, so you can enjoy the beauty of the land at your own leisure. The Ways are divided into stages which can be walked in a day (15-25km). At the end of the stages, you can find restaurants and accommodations.

The different walking routes are varied; for example, you can walk through towns along canals and rivers or you can walk along the peninsulas of the South West of Ireland. Any reasonably fit person can walk any of these routes.

It is strongly recommended that you take a map or guidebook along with you on your walk because they highlight the interesting natural, historical, and archaeological features that a particular Way has to offer. The maps and guides are also useful to have on hand in the event that one of the waymarks along the Way has been hidden or uprooted.

The Grand Canal Way is the ideal Way for beginners because it’s a flat canal bank walk. This route takes you through several small towns and villages that have all of your amenities, and it is ideal for drop-off and pick-up points. The length of the Grand Canal Way is challenging for the more advanced walker also. The total distance for this route is 114km/71 miles. If you’re interested in taking the Grand Canal Way, and need information about maps and guidebooks or transport call the route contact at 01-647-3000.

The North Kerry Way is a great route to take if you enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea. The two day, 48km/29 mile trail begins in Tralee town centre and continues along the coastline to Ballyheigue and then on to the low hills of Kerry Head. The views of the beaches as well as the farming countryside are spectacular. Maulin Mountain provides a panoramic view over the ocean and land. The North Kerry Way has several accommodations and general facilities. For more information on the North Kerry Way, contact the Tralee Tourist Office at 066-7121288.

East Clare in the West of Ireland boasts a landscape of hills and valleys with lakes, rivers, boglands, and woodlands weaving in and out of them. The East Clare Way is a 180km/112 mile circular route with views of the Slieve Bernagh mountains, Lough Graney, the Slieve Aughty mountains and Lough Derg. This region is known for its heritage of folklore, historic sites, and traditional music. In addition, regular events and festivals are held in this region. If the East Clare Way appeals to you, contact the East Clare Way Ltd. at 065-6835912.

If you have any further questions about any of the Ways or wish to order the "Walking Ireland 2000- the Waymarked Ways" booklet, please contact the Bord Failte at 01-602-4000.

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