Walk off your worries
It may be wet and windy outside, but as the old wisdom goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Why not try out the most natural form of exercise and check out the wintry beauty of some beautiful landscapes?
Ardmore Cliff Walk, Co Waterford
is is an easy 1½ hour walk with spectacular coastal views. Starting from the Cli House Hotel, continue past an early Christian Church and Well of St Declan along the winding path around dramatic Ardmore Head, where the wreck of a ship, which foundered in 1988 can still be seen. ere are also the ruins of St Declan’s monastery nearby, with its impressive round tower and cathedral.
Caherconree Mountain and Fort Walk, Dingle (7½/3.5hrs)
e historic trail to Caherconree Stone Fort and Mountain is a moderate 6km (3hr) return trip to the summit, a 4km (2hr) return trip to the fort or a 7.0km (3.5 hour) one-way walking route in the Slieve Mish Mountains in Co Kerry. Starting just outside Tralee, Caherconree has great views of Tralee Bay and this section of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is o en used as a midsummer sunrise ritual, but is also rewarding in winter. e route starts or ends on the mountain road known as Bóthar na gCloch south of Camp where roadside parking is available and signs show you the trail head. It takes in An Géarán Mountain (792m) before descending to Derrymore,
Cliff Path Loop, Howth, Co Dublin
Accessible by DART from Dublin city centre, this is a popular walking route all year round, but will still a ord you a breath of fresh air and some great views of Dublin Bay and along the east coast as far as the Mourne mountains. Howth actually has a number of walks with views, for all abilities. Follow the green arrows for the Cli Path Loop from the village to reach the popular trail with spectacular coastal views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye. A er 3km, you can continue on the more along the Bog of Frogs Loop or head to the summit car park, to take the downhill path back to Howth, where you will be spoiled for choice for cafés, bars and restaurants, especially if you fancy some seafood.
Commons Loop, Carlingford, Co Louth
Starting at Carlingford Tourist O ce, follow the green arrows of the Commons Loop into the foothills of the Cooley Mountains with views along Carlingford Lough to the Mourne Mountains. Back in the village, there are many options for food and drink.
Coumshingaun Loop Walk, Comeragh Mountains, Co Waterford (7.5km/4hrs)
Coumshingaun Loop Walk is a moderate four-hour (7½ km) walking route around a natural amphitheatre formed by the Coumshingaun corrie and the Comeragh mountains in County Waterford. The lake is the best example of a glacial corrie in the country and well worth the approach through some beautiful landscapes. This route starts at Kilclooney bridge or at a car park in the woods. On the route, you might see birds such as red grouse, hen harrier, wheatear, siskin and crossbill.
Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Path, Westport, Co. Mayo (7km/3.5hrs)
Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Path is of course famous for the annual Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, when thousands of people climb to the peak (764m) and its spectacular views of Clew Bay (if the cloud permits). You’ll have more space on a winter climb from the tourist town of Westport on Wild Atlantic Co Mayo’s third highest mountain
Durrow Castle Loop, Co Laois
Starting at the picturesque Castle Durrow Hotel, which itself has famous walled gardens, the Leafy Loop takes in rustic lanes, riverside trails and woodland tracks. e full route is 23km (5 hours) around the village of Durrow, which means the route can be shortened at a number of points by simply going back to town. castledurrow.com
Errigal Mountain and Mackoght Loop Trail, Co. Donegal (6km/3.5hrs)
Errigal (751m) is one of the most distinctive natural objects in Ireland and the perfect backdrop to a wild walk. e Errigal and Mackoght Mountain Trail is a moderate to strenuous 6km (3.5 hr) loop walk to the peak of Errigal, just beyond Gweedore via the Derryveagh Mountains
Rock a Thorabh Loop, Aherlow, Co Tipperary
is trail (2 hours) follows woodland paths through the Glen of Aherlow Nature Reserve. Follow the arrows for the Rock a orabh Loop from the Aherlow House Hotel, through woodlands before emerging at the outcrop known as Rock an orabh, witth views of the Golden Vale and the Slievefelim Hills.
Sawel and Dart Mountain Loop, Sperrins, Co Tyrone (16.5km/4.5hrs)
This long loop walk is one of the most beautiful walks in the Sperrin Mountains and takes in the peaks of Sawel (678m) and Dart (619m). It is a demanding walk over sometimes boggy ground during and after wet weather. However, it is fairly easy to follow as fences act as a guide for navigation in poor visibility.
Torc Mountain Walk, Killarney (7.5km/2.5hrs)
Torc Mountain is a popular, scenic and moderate walking route to the summit with spectacular 360 degree views of Killarney town and lakes, Muckross House, the Killarney National Park and the McGillicuddy’s Reeks. It starts from the upper Torc Mountain car park which is also the starting point for the Old Kenmare Road Walk, a stage of e Kerry Way, as well as some shorter loop walks in the area. e famous Torc Waterfall is at the base of Torc Mountain o the main Ring of Kerry Road about 5 miles (8.0 km) from Killarney.
Wood Loop, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare
is two-hour loop beginning near the pretty village of Ballyvaughan provides classic views of the rocky landscarp of the Burren, taking in quiet roads through stonewalled elds, and taking in the Aillwee Cave.