Western Ireland
Western Ireland delivers a star-studded line-up of walking regions. Really, you could walk blind-folded into western Ireland and chances are you would find yourself in a choice walking location. The fractured west coast with its innumerable peninsulas, coves, inlets and precipitous cliffs is a large part of the reason, but western Ireland is also replete with mountains, lakes, rivers and woodlands that make for outstanding walking terrain.
To name a few of the choice walking regions (at random) - the Connemara Peninsula, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, the Dingle Peninsula, the Inveragh Peninsula, the Beara Peninsula, Sheep’s Head Peninsula, the Aran Islands. The list goes on.
Western Ireland’s peninsulas feature prominently on any Irish walker’s list of favourite walk regions. Jutting out assertively into the wild Atlantic ocean, they provide an intoxicating mix of diverse interior countryside, rugged coastlines, ancient monuments, castles and hospitable villages.
Some of the best walks in Western Ireland are set out below
The Dingle Way
A circular trail that starts and finishes in the seaside town of Tralee. The walk loops around the famed Dingle Peninsula over its 179 kilometres course and generally takes 9 or 10 days to walk. The Way includes the western most point of Ireland.
The Beara Way
Another circular trail that loops around its namesake peninsula. The Beara peninsula is generally thought of as having the most remote and unspoilt country of the west coast peninsulas. The entire path is a lengthy 206 kilometres, so many walkers choose segments.
Kerry Way
This 210 kilometre circular long-distance trail starts and finishes in Killarney and loops around the rugged Inveragh Peninsula. Highlights include the lakes and woodlands of the Killarney National Park. The walk is generally undertaken over 9 or 10 days.
Bluestack Way
A 65 kilometre walk through picturesque County Donegal in the north-west of Ireland. The trail traverses the Bluestack Mountains (a range of low rounded hills) and into true wilderness areas. Starting in Donegal Town and finishing in Ardara.