Ireland Irish: Éire, pronounced [ˈeːɾʲə] ( listen); Ulster Scots: Airlann) is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island in the world.[4] It lies to the north-west of continental Europe and is surrounded by hundreds of islands and islets. To the east of Ireland is the island of Great Britain, separated from it by the Irish Sea. The Republic of Ireland covers five-sixths of the island. Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, covers the remainder and is located in the northeast of the island.
The population of Ireland is estimated to be 6.2 million. Slightly
fewer than 4.5 million are estimated to live in the Republic of Ireland
and slightly fewer than 1.8 million are estimated to live in Northern
Ireland.[3]
This is a significant increase from a modern historical low of 4.2
million in the 1960s but still much lower than the peak population of
over 8 million in the early 19th century prior to the Great Famine.[5]
Relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain epitomise
Ireland's geography with several navigable rivers extending inland. The
island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild but changeable
oceanic climate, which avoids extremes in temperature. Thick woodlands
covered the island until the 1600s. Today, it is the most deforested
area in Europe. Twenty-six mammal species are native to Ireland, with some, such as the red fox, hedgehog and badger, being very common. Others, like the Irish hare, red deer and pine marten are less so.
The population of Ireland is estimated to be 6.2 million. Slightly
fewer than 4.5 million are estimated to live in the Republic of Ireland
and slightly fewer than 1.8 million are estimated to live in Northern
Ireland.[3]
This is a significant increase from a modern historical low of 4.2
million in the 1960s but still much lower than the peak population of
over 8 million in the early 19th century prior to the Great Famine.[5]
Relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain epitomise
Ireland's geography with several navigable rivers extending inland. The
island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild but changeable
oceanic climate, which avoids extremes in temperature. Thick woodlands
covered the island until the 1600s. Today, it is the most deforested
area in Europe. Twenty-six mammal species are native to Ireland, with some, such as the red fox, hedgehog and badger, being very common. Others, like the Irish hare, red deer and pine marten are less so.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Oughterard Heritage Walk
Historical sites. Local history. Flora and fauna. Along a 1mile (1.6km) award winning walk.
Historical sites. Local history. Flora and fauna. Along a 1mile (1.6km) award winning walk.
Easy
1.2 mi
1.9 km
1.9 km
Sligo Town heritage guide
Situated at the mouth of the Garavogue river & with the backdrop of Ben Bulben, explore the beautiful town of Sligo.
Situated at the mouth of the Garavogue river & with the backdrop of Ben Bulben, explore the beautiful town of Sligo.
Easy
1.9 mi
3.1 km
3.1 km
Warren Point looped walk of Rinn Dúin
Explore the magic of this enchanted peninsula by the banks of the Shannon.
Explore the magic of this enchanted peninsula by the banks of the Shannon.
Easy
2.0 mi
3.2 km
3.2 km
Blackwater Valley Heritage Drive
From Glenribbeen to Drumore, hear about the area's rich heritage.
From Glenribbeen to Drumore, hear about the area's rich heritage.
Easy
13.0 mi
20.9 km
20.9 km
Golden Mile/Míle Órga, Léim
A stunning walk with breathtaking views of Connemara
A stunning walk with breathtaking views of Connemara
Moderate
1.3 mi
2.1 km
2.1 km
Siuloid na Cille, Dun Chaoin, Co. Kerry
Spectacular way-marked coastal walk in Dun Chaoin, West Kerry, Ireland. This is one of Ireland's National Looped Walks.
Spectacular way-marked coastal walk in Dun Chaoin, West Kerry, Ireland. This is one of Ireland's National Looped Walks.
Moderate
2.8 mi
4.5 km
4.5 km
Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney
A loop walk that follows the coast to Killiney, returning to Dun Laoghaire via The Metals
A loop walk that follows the coast to Killiney, returning to Dun Laoghaire via The Metals
Moderate
8.3 mi
13.3 km
13.3 km
A Circuit of Howth
A loop around the Howth peninsula taking in Howth village, the cliff top path and Howth Castle
A loop around the Howth peninsula taking in Howth village, the cliff top path and Howth Castle
Moderate
10.3 mi
16.5 km
16.5 km
Cosan na Naomh
An old pilgrimage road in Co. Kerry, 18km in length, which takes in breathtaking scenery and important heritage sites.
An old pilgrimage road in Co. Kerry, 18km in length, which takes in breathtaking scenery and important heritage sites.
Moderate
11.2 mi
18.0 km
18.0 km
Cashel Heritage Guide
Cashel, the 'City of the Kings,' is regarded as a great heritage jewel on this island.
Cashel, the 'City of the Kings,' is regarded as a great heritage jewel on this island.
1.0 mi
1.6 km
1.6 km
County Laois, Ireland
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Durrow and Environs Guide
Find the best attractions surrounding 30 miles of Durrow, County Laois.
Find the best attractions surrounding 30 miles of Durrow, County Laois.
Easy
Castle Durrow Grounds Guide
A leisurely stroll around a castle with a rich history.
A leisurely stroll around a castle with a rich history.
Easy
0.8 mi
1.3 km
1.3 km
Durrow Heritage Guide
Enjoy a leisurely stroll with surprises around this heritage village.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll with surprises around this heritage village.
Easy
1.1 mi
1.8 km
1.8 km
Dunmore Loop Guide
A fine walk through forest and over river in the heart of Ireland.
A fine walk through forest and over river in the heart of Ireland.
Moderate
9.0 mi
14.5 km
14.5 km
Durrow Leafy Loop Guide
Enjoy a full 13.2 mile loop around the Durrow valley.
Enjoy a full 13.2 mile loop around the Durrow valley.
Moderate
13.2 mi
21.2 km
21.2 km
South Laois Cycling Route C
Take a High Nelly bicycle around this memorable countryside trail.
Take a High Nelly bicycle around this memorable countryside trail.
Moderate
15.2 mi
24.5 km
24.5 km
County Donegal, Ireland
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Donegal Town Food Guide
Find the ideal restaurant for you from Donegal's wide variety of choices.
Find the ideal restaurant for you from Donegal's wide variety of choices.
Easy
0.6 mi
1.0 km
1.0 km
Donegal Town Bank Walk
A pleasant scenic stroll along the river Eske to Donegal bay, the town's hidden gem.
A pleasant scenic stroll along the river Eske to Donegal bay, the town's hidden gem.
Easy
1.0 mi
1.6 km
1.6 km
Donegal Town heritage guide
Take a trip back in time as we guide you around historic Donegal Town, situated at the mouth of Donegal bay.
Take a trip back in time as we guide you around historic Donegal Town, situated at the mouth of Donegal bay.
Easy
1.4 mi
2.3 km
2.3 km
Lough Eske Nature Guide
At the foot of the Bluestack mountains, discover the abundance of flora, fauna & history around the lough.
At the foot of the Bluestack mountains, discover the abundance of flora, fauna & history around the lough.
Easy
3.5 mi
5.6 km
5.6 km
Slieve League Coastal Drive Along Donegal Bay
Spectacular views and hidden gems along your way to these sea cliffs.
Spectacular views and hidden gems along your way to these sea cliffs.
Moderate
33.1 mi
53.3 km
53.3 km
Lough Derg
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Nenagh Medieval Food Tour
Take a step back in time to explore Nenagh and learn about life in medieval times
Take a step back in time to explore Nenagh and learn about life in medieval times
Easy
0.9 mi
1.4 km
1.4 km
Clare Glens Loop Walks
This easy forest walk journeys past waterfalls, rock pools and rapids, and presents stunning photographic opportunities
This easy forest walk journeys past waterfalls, rock pools and rapids, and presents stunning photographic opportunities
Easy
2.5 mi
4.0 km
4.0 km
O'Briensbridge Parteen Weir Loop
This easy loop follows the Shannon River to view the historical Parteen Weir Hydro Dam, returning via the Headrace Canal
This easy loop follows the Shannon River to view the historical Parteen Weir Hydro Dam, returning via the Headrace Canal
Easy
2.9 mi
4.7 km
4.7 km
Killaloe Historic Town Trail
Immerse yourself in the history, antiquities and traditions of Brian Ború, the O'Brien Clan and the Bishops of Killaloe
Immerse yourself in the history, antiquities and traditions of Brian Ború, the O'Brien Clan and the Bishops of Killaloe
Easy
3.4 mi
5.5 km
5.5 km
Slí Eala Riverbank Walk
A tranquil nature walk along the Nenagh River through an area of true natural beauty and rolling Tipperary countryside
A tranquil nature walk along the Nenagh River through an area of true natural beauty and rolling Tipperary countryside
Easy
6.5 mi
10.5 km
10.5 km
Lough Derg Cruising Trail
Take to the waters to discover the idyllic lakeshore villages and stunning scenery that surrounds Lough Derg
Take to the waters to discover the idyllic lakeshore villages and stunning scenery that surrounds Lough Derg
Easy
65.0 mi
104.6 km
104.6 km
Lough Derg Drive
Explore the spectacular scenery, historic sites, visitor attractions and fascinating towns & villages around Lough Derg
Explore the spectacular scenery, historic sites, visitor attractions and fascinating towns & villages around Lough Derg
Easy
79.7 mi
128.3 km
128.3 km
Knockanroe Wood Loop
This forest walk loop explores a beautiful part of Tipperary's Silvermines Mountains
This forest walk loop explores a beautiful part of Tipperary's Silvermines Mountains
Moderate
2.8 mi
4.5 km
4.5 km
Graves of the Leinstermen
This Loop Walk follows minor roads and laneways to ascend Tountinna (459m) where breathtaking views of Lough Derg await
This Loop Walk follows minor roads and laneways to ascend Tountinna (459m) where breathtaking views of Lough Derg await
Moderate
3.5 mi
5.7 km
5.7 km
Ballycuggeran Loop
This 5.6km loop walk ascends along forest paths to a height of 270m, offering spectacular views of Lough Derg
This 5.6km loop walk ascends along forest paths to a height of 270m, offering spectacular views of Lough Derg
Moderate
4.3 mi
7.0 km
7.0 km
Ballycroum Loop
A magical walk in the heart of East Clare, passing by megalithic tombs, ancient tumbledown houses and mossy hazel groves
A magical walk in the heart of East Clare, passing by megalithic tombs, ancient tumbledown houses and mossy hazel groves
Moderate
4.7 mi
7.5 km
7.5 km
Ballyhourigan Woods Loop Walk
A pleasant 9km forest loop around the shoulders of Keeper Hill, Co. Tipperary
A pleasant 9km forest loop around the shoulders of Keeper Hill, Co. Tipperary
Moderate
5.6 mi
9.0 km
9.0 km
Cahermurphy Loop
Walk by lakeshore, riverbank & through forest and enjoy splendid views of Lough Graney and the surrounding countryside
Walk by lakeshore, riverbank & through forest and enjoy splendid views of Lough Graney and the surrounding countryside
Moderate
6.0 mi
9.6 km
9.6 km
O'Briensbridge Loop Walks
Follow peaceful canal towpaths and river banks to discover the wonderful heritage of the old Limerick Navigation system
Follow peaceful canal towpaths and river banks to discover the wonderful heritage of the old Limerick Navigation system
Moderate
7.1 mi
11.4 km
11.4 km
Keeper Hill Trek
Keeper Hill (694m) is the highest peak in the Shannon Region and offers majestic views of the surrounding countryside
Keeper Hill (694m) is the highest peak in the Shannon Region and offers majestic views of the surrounding countryside
Moderate
10.2 mi
16.4 km
16.4 km
Portumna Forest Park Woodland Trails
Great lakeshore views and quiet wooded glades await discovery through 4 multi-access trails open to walkers & cyclists
Great lakeshore views and quiet wooded glades await discovery through 4 multi-access trails open to walkers & cyclists
Moderate
14.4 mi
23.2 km
23.2 km
North Tipperary Cycle Routes: Loop 2 - Nenagh to Garrykennedy
A pleasant 30km loop which includes some of the finest scenic views of Lough Derg
A pleasant 30km loop which includes some of the finest scenic views of Lough Derg
Moderate
18.4 mi
29.6 km
29.6 km
North Tipperary Cycle Routes: Loop 1 - Nenagh to Terryglass
Cycle the Tipperary shores of Lough Derg through charming lakeshore villages and peaceful rural countryside
Cycle the Tipperary shores of Lough Derg through charming lakeshore villages and peaceful rural countryside
Moderate
40.4 mi
65.0 km
65.0 km
North Tipperary Cycle Routes: Loop 3 - Nenagh to Cloughjordan & Borrisokane
Cycle to Ireland's first eco-village in Cloughjordan on a 67km loop bringing you into the heart of rural Ireland
Cycle to Ireland's first eco-village in Cloughjordan on a 67km loop bringing you into the heart of rural Ireland
Moderate
41.5 mi
66.8 km
66.8 km
Lough Derg Way
With breathtaking scenery and fascinating heritage, this is one of Ireland's greatest lakeside long distance walks
With breathtaking scenery and fascinating heritage, this is one of Ireland's greatest lakeside long distance walks
Moderate
42.9 mi
69.0 km
69.0 km
Lough Derg Cycleway
What better way to experience the beautiful countryside and charming villages around Lough Derg than on two wheels!
What better way to experience the beautiful countryside and charming villages around Lough Derg than on two wheels!
Moderate
80.2 mi
129.1 km
129.1 km
Dublin
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Shopping, Markets, Street Performers and Afternoon Tea.
A jaunt in a horse drawn carriage, vintage clothes, market stalls, buskers, ending with afternoon tea at the Westbury.
A jaunt in a horse drawn carriage, vintage clothes, market stalls, buskers, ending with afternoon tea at the Westbury.
Easy
1.0 mi
1.6 km
1.6 km
Museums, Art and Genealogy
Bronze Age Gold, Picasso, Monet and Carravaggio, The Dead Animal Zoo, and your Family History, all for free.
Bronze Age Gold, Picasso, Monet and Carravaggio, The Dead Animal Zoo, and your Family History, all for free.
1.0 mi
1.6 km
1.6 km
Kilkenny
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Castlemorris Wood Walk, Ireland
A beautiful walk through the woods of the old Castlemorris Estate. 3 looped walks available - 7km,6km + 3km.
A beautiful walk through the woods of the old Castlemorris Estate. 3 looped walks available - 7km,6km + 3km.
Easy
3.7 mi
6.0 km
6.0 km
Kilmacoliver Walk, Ireland
A beautiful 6km walking trail incorporating hill-top views and a megalithic tomb.
A beautiful 6km walking trail incorporating hill-top views and a megalithic tomb.
Moderate
3.7 mi
6.0 km
6.0 km
Thomastown to Inistioge Walk, Ireland
One of three sections of the Nore Valley Walk. The trail follows the River Nore from Thomastown to Inistioge.
One of three sections of the Nore Valley Walk. The trail follows the River Nore from Thomastown to Inistioge.
Moderate
6.8 mi
10.9 km
10.9 km
Kilkenny to Bennetsbridge, Ireland
One of three sections of the Nore Valley Walk,following the River Nore and featuring members of the Food and Craft Trail
One of three sections of the Nore Valley Walk,following the River Nore and featuring members of the Food and Craft Trail
Moderate
7.5 mi
12.1 km
12.1 km
County Mayo
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo Town Heritage Walk
Find some of the 'hidden gems' in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. Join us for a walk around this Historic town.
Find some of the 'hidden gems' in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. Join us for a walk around this Historic town.
Easy
5.0 mi
8.0 km
8.0 km
Dublin-Wicklow Mountains
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Hell Fire Club and Massey Woods
A half day exploring one of the spookier parts of the Dublin Mountains.
A half day exploring one of the spookier parts of the Dublin Mountains.
Moderate
5.7 mi
9.2 km
9.2 km
Exploring Glendalough
A full day in the Glendalough valley visiting the historic ruins and enjoying the beautiful scenery
A full day in the Glendalough valley visiting the historic ruins and enjoying the beautiful scenery
Moderate
11.9 mi
19.1 km
19.1 km
Tomb Raiding in the Dublin Mountains
Exploring the prehistoric ruins of the Dublin Mountains
Exploring the prehistoric ruins of the Dublin Mountains
Moderate
12.1 mi
19.5 km
19.5 km
Guides
One of three sections of the Nore Valley Walk,following the River Nore and featuring members of the Food and Craft Trail
A beautiful 6km walking trail incorporating hill-top views and a megalithic tomb.
A beautiful walk through the woods of the old Castlemorris Estate. 3 looped walks available - 7km,6km + 3km.
One of three sections of the Nore Valley Walk. The trail follows the River Nore from Thomastown to Inistioge.
Situated at the mouth of the Garavogue river & with the backdrop of Ben Bulben, explore the beautiful town of Sligo.
Cashel, the 'City of the Kings,' is regarded as a great heritage jewel on this island.
Explore the spectacular scenery, historic sites, visitor attractions and fascinating towns & villages around Lough Derg
Take a trip back in time as we guide you around historic Donegal Town, situated at the mouth of Donegal bay.
Find the ideal restaurant for you from Donegal's wide variety of choices.
At the foot of the Bluestack mountains, discover the abundance of flora, fauna & history around the lough.
Enjoy guides on heritage & food, two nature walks, a coastal drive, its hidden gems & the county's best places to visit.
Your essential guide to Ireland's most beautiful county.
Community Trips
Coumshingaun Loop Walk, Commeragh Mountains, Waterford, Ireland
Rathgormack mahon bridge, County Waterford, Ireland
4.4 miles
4.4 miles
The Wicklow Way is a 131 km long distance walking route that starts in Marlay Park and finishes in the village of Clonegal, Co. Carlow. It is the oldest such route in Ireland, having opened in 1981. It was originally devised in 1966 by J.B. Malone, an author who wrote a regular column on hillwalking for the Evening Herald newspaper. The Wicklow Way forms part of the European long-distance walking route E8...
This walk starts from the car-park at the end of the tarmac
road which runs through Glenmalure valley. The walk takes across the river, and
along the gravel road past the hostel, before -Turning after the hostel. Follow
the forest track all the way to Fraugh Rock Glen, and then ascend the waterfall
to the top of the glen. From here, take a well earned break to enjoy the
scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife,...
A short hike to the summit of Maulin (570m) in the Wicklow Mountains along the Maulin Mountain Trail.According to Coillte Outdoors:"Records show that as early as 13th century the steep sides of Crone in the Glencree valley were set aside as a Royal Hunting Park. Powerscourt Estate documents reveal that the name Crone was in use as far back as 1757 and may derive from Cruasdhne or hard ground. This area became...
This trip is now also available as a guide: here.A day's hike around the Bronze Age sites found around Kilmashogue, Two Rock and Tibradden in the Dublin Mountains. The following sites are visited along the way:Kilmashogue Wedge Tomb:This Bronze Age wedge tomb lies on the Northern side of Kilmashogue Mountain. It was excavated in 1953 by members of the Royal Irish Academy and was found to consist of two chambers - a large...
Users may also find this guide useful: Exploring GlendaloughA quick spin around the White Trail in Glendalough.The recent bad weather has done some damage to the paths and trails around Glendalough. The bridge connecting the Green Road and the Monastic City has been swept away, some parts of the Miners' Road have collapsed and been swept into the Upper Lake and the Miners' Village was under about 2cm of water (the Glenealo...
From Glenmacnass carpark, cross the river and head uphill a little to the right of the forest; the ground is rough with fairly heavy vegetation and hints of trail come and go. After a little while you will come to a stony trail running roughly East-West from the forest area; follow this West for a while, then veer off on a well-worn trail SW up the mountain. The slope is gentle and...
The second stage of the Wicklow Way passes through some of the most spectacular scenery along the route.The day starts in Seskin Wood where the trail meanders along the river on the floor of the Glencree valley. It then climbs rapidly at Crone Wood to Ride Rock overlooking the Powerscourt Waterfall. The Way then descends briefly into the lonely Glensoulan valley where it crosses the River Dargle before climbing again along the...
A fairly straightforward there and back again to Djouce and War Hill, via the Coffin Stone.Djouce (725m), or Dubh Ais ("Black Back") dominates the lonely Glensoulan Valley through which the Dargle River passes before flowing over the waterfall at Powerscourt, the highest in Ireland. Panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains and across the Irish Sea are possible from the summit.On the north-west slopes of Djouce lies The Coffin Stone, the remains of...
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