Irish walking trails

A series of new walking trails throughout Ireland’s cities and rural areas are luring travellers and locals out to explore the stunning beauty of Ireland’s countryside.

Known as ‘loop walks’, the trails offer a circular route on which one may stroll in its entirety, or explore in shorter sections, making trails ideal for visitors who enjoy getting out and about, but are not inclined towards a dedicated walking holiday.

Routes are scattered across all parts of the country and offer a wealth of different experiences, to be savoured at the participants preferred pace.

There’s coastal and island loops, mountain and hill climbs, bog and moorland meanders, as well as historical and archeological one-day circuits suitable for serious and leisure walkers alike.

Each walk ranges from five to 16 kiometres, weaving through areas of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance.

Killarney National Park, in Ireland’s south west, offers a choice of walks which wind through one of Ireland’s most precious habitats past cascading waterfalls, quiet lakes and ancient woodlands.

Most Killarney walks start from Muckross House, which is a local landmark a few kilometres from Killarney Town on the famous Ring of Kerry.

Most paths move around Muckross Lake and will take a minimum of around three hours to complete. Optional side trips can add another hour or more to this estimate, but avid bushwalkers will relish the opportunity to spend more time in this amazing countryside.

The walks trek along paved walkways and earthen paths, so there is no risk of getting lost. They also involve minimal hills or climbing, so are quite easily accomplished by anyone with an average level of fitness, and are well worth the effort with visits to stunning gardens, historic buildings and plenty of birdwatching opportunities.

Most walks provide rest stops along the way to re-stock refreshments.

For more information visit http://www.discoverireland.com.au