Walking in and near Birr

If you’re planning a hiking and walking tour of Ireland, use Birr as a base to explore some of Ireland’s most spectacular countryside. Hiking and Walking in Birr gives you the chance to appreciate the beauty of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Hiking and Walking trails in the Birr area include both long-distance treks and shorter routes.

Slieve Bloom Walks

The Slieve Bloom Mountains offers some of the best walking opportunities in Ireland, whether you want just a leisurely stroll or you are looking for a more challenging hill-walk. This peaceful retreat has a wide variety of mapped walks. ... more

With its mountains, sparkling lakes and spectacular coastlines, Ireland offers the best terrain for hiking and walking. The cool climate is ideal walking weather, and Ireland's rugged mountains provide a challenge for the experienced hiker while the lovely rolling hills are perfect for a gentle stroll.

You'll be able to see historic monuments and spectacular natural wonders along your way, and it's a peaceful and relaxing way to explore the country. Walking tours - both self guided and accompanied - abound in nearly every part of the country. Even if you're not up for strenuous treks, there are hundreds of day trails available and your trip would not be complete without at least one amble in the countryside. The whole country is a hiker's paradise, so pull on your hiking boots and head to the green and beautiful Irish countryside for a walking adventure!

There are several long-distance walking tours available for intrepid walkers who'd like to explore Ireland on foot, stopping off at historic villages along the way. It's possible to traverse these routes on a guided tour or hike the trails yourself. You can also choose smaller sections of the route for enjoyable day or overnight hikes.

County Wicklow is one of the most attractive mountainous areas in Ireland, and is known as the 'Garden of Ireland' for its lush green valleys and beautiful plant life. Walking in Dublin, visitors have access to the well-known, multi-day Wicklow Way route. The trail starts just outside Dublin and then winds its way through 132 km of upspoilt countryside before it ends up in the village of Clonegal in county Carlow.The trail was the first of Ireland's way-marked, long-distance hiking routes to be formally established, and is one of the most scenic. The trail takes walkers past impressive mountains, upland lakes, steeply-cut glacial valleys, stunning mountain streams, forests and farmland. Part of the trail also has hikers walking in Glendalough Valley, where the fascinating remains of an early Christian monastic settlement lies in quiet ruin.

Those walking in Glenbeigh might want to try the Kerry Way. Another wonderfull waymarked route, this trail follows old mountain trails and comprises of sections on quiet country roads, as well as leisurely ambles throught unspoilt hills. The trail takes you across the Iveragh Peninsula or Ring of Kerry, an area crammed with spectacular historic attractions and natural splendour. The entire trail covers 215km and lasts 8 days, the last of which is spent walking in Killarney and its surrounds.

Those looking to do a spot of walking in Dingle will not be disappointed. Also situated in the South West, the Dingle Way waymarked hike offers an unparalleled variety of scenery and terrain as it traverses the Dingle Peninsula. You'll be able to enjoy breathtaking ocean views, and a diversity of rare birds and plants along the way, including seabirds such as shearwaters and chough. You'll also trek past many significant ancient sites, left behind by the ancient Bronze Age and Celtic peoples. Overnight stops at villages along the way will allow you to meet friendly locals and enjoy traditional Irish music, dancing and cuisine.

Those walking in Boyle should make a point of including the Miners Way & Historical Trail in their itinerary. Situated quietly off the beaten track, this 188 km, multi-day trek starts in Arigna near Boyle, passes through three counties (Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo) and proceeds to end in Drumshnbo. The hike can can either be done in one six to seven day stretch, or sections of the trail can be used as day hikes. There are several sites of historical interest along the route, relating to the coal mining heritage of the Arigna mountains.

The Ireland Coast to Coast trail, from Dublin to the Dingle Peninsula, allows walkers to appreciate a variety of Irish landscapes and passes by Ireland's most impressive landmarks. Walking in Wicklow, many hikers have stood astounded before the majestic granite peaks that make up this rugged landscape, while those walking in Kilenny shared the quietude of its fertile river valleys. After traversing these areas, the route then crosses Tipperary's lovely Golden Vale, before heading across to the three spectacular peninsulas of Ireland's South West, the mountainous Beara Peninsula, Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula and the dramatic Dingle Peninsula.

Whether you decide on a relaxing day hike in the Irish countryside or a multi-day adventure through diverse and challenging terrain, walking in Ireland is sure to be a special inclusion in your holiday.