With international travel now back on the table it’s worth considering where your next overseas walking holiday should be and we reckon we’ve found the perfect spot. Ireland!
In part one or our four-part series we focus on the wonderful country and explore how to explore it on foot.
Besides having the friendliest people and best pubs on the planet, there a hundreds of kilometres of fantastic walking trails to discover on foot. Try therse six gorgeous coastal walks on for size.
The Gobbins Cliff Path, County Antrim Wrapped around the sea cliffs of County Antrim, The Gobbins is the only guided adventure-walk of its kind in Europe. This incredible 5km path snakes through dramatic tubular bridges and smugglers’ caves, and above crashing waves. Graded strenuous, this is a truly elemental experience.
Slieve League Pilgrims' Path, County Donegal Wild, dramatic, majestic, the Slieve League Cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. A moderate 2.8km hike, the steady path becomes rocky as it winds its way up to about 420m. On this hike, you’ll be treated to exceptional Atlantic views, racing skies, and craggy rocky landscapes that tumble down to the sea.
Howth Cliff Path, County Dublin With a history that traces back to the Vikings, the town of Howth 30mins from Dublin is known for its friendly seals, seafood and scenery. It’s also home to one of the best coastal walks around – the 6km Howath Cliff Path. Expect sheer drops, jagged cliffs, boggy fields and a lighthouse perched at the end of the peninsula.
The North Engine Loop, County Cork The colourful village of Allihies is the perfect base for exploring some of West Cork’s best walking routes. From rocky fields, crashing waves and vast sea views along the coastal part of the walk to farm buildings and a disused copper mine inland, this moderate 7km loop doesn’t disappoint.
Dundrum Coastal Path, County Down A short and pleasant walk with lovely panoramas across Dundrum Inner Bay and Mourne Mountains, the 2.5km Dundrum Coast Path weaves along an old railway line through grassland, by brackish pools and sand dunes. A popular walk among birdwatchers, you should wait until the tide is out to spot the best birdlife along the estuarine sands.
Inishbofin West Quarter Loop, County Galway Sitting 8km out in the Atlantic, large parts of Inishbofin island are an Area of Special Conservation. Starting at the pier, the Westquarter Loop leads around the western section of the island past blowholes and sea arches, cliffs, a beach and the haunting ruins of an Iron Age promontory fort. It’s an invigorating walk with great Atlantic views and a real feeling of isolation and escape.
See parts two, three and four of our Ireland special and for more info on travelling in Ireland click here.