Walking
Whether you’re travelling in a group, a club, with your family or solo, walking is a pleasant and accessible way to explore Ireland’s varied terrain. From quiet trails, canal-side towpaths and family-friendly greenways to grassy banks, scenic harbours and woodland trails, there's an incredible diversity of routes to enjoy. Varying from 1 km to over 100 km in length, and generally well-serviced and easy to traverse, there's a walk to suit every age and level of ability.
The River Barrow region, including the historic treasures of Rathangan, Athy, and Carlow, offers a tranquil escape into nature with its wildlife-rich riverbanks. It’s ideal for walking, with flat riverbanks and a peaceful route down the Barrow Way. Or, hike its hillier contours, passing charming cottages and lively weirs. Pack a picnic, take a stroll and enjoy a break from fast-paced modern life.
Lough Erne is a beautiful lakeland area that offers countless trails into some of the island’s most attractive woodland. The area is ideal for walkers, boasting stunning walking routes around the shores of both Upper and Lower Lough Erne, from leisurely strolls to longer, more challenging hikes. Visit remarkable locations like Ely Lodge Forest and Tully Castle Loughshore.
The Grand Canal Way is a 117 km scenic route stretching from Lucan Bridge near Adamstown in Co. Dublin all the way to Shannon Harbour on Ireland’s longest river. The route is an informal linear park dotted by locks that characterise canal technology, carefully restored lock-keepers cottages, and a variety of towns and villages who owe their existence to the canal trade of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Explore the peaceful countryside around the Lower Bann with short walks that traverse ancient woods, canal banks and forests, offering serene landscapes steeped in Mesolithic history. Discover the earliest known human habitation site in Ireland at Mountsandel Wood, enjoy the tranquil beauty of the region and savour panoramic views of Lough Neagh on the Toome Canal Walk.
Immerse yourself in nature around Mullingar and the Royal Canal, where the Royal Canal Greenway offers a picturesque 130 km trail showcasing stately homes and charming landmarks. Explore additional diverse trails at the Old Rail Trail.
Explore the scenic beauty of the Shannon-Erne Waterway with diverse walking trails through serene forests and historic mountains. The Shannon-Erne Blueway offers a range of treks, from canal-side strolls to hikes in ancient woodlands.
Discover serene walking trails around Lough Ree and the Shannon, rich in history and natural beauty. Explore varied routes like Portlick Millennium Forest, Warren Point, Lough Boora Parklands, Portumna Forest, Ballycuggaran's Crag Wood, Millennium Cross, Graves of the Leinstermen, Killaloe Historic Town, Garrykennedy Forest, and the 64 km Lough Derg Way, offering scenic landscapes and historical sites.