Like a hike?
Looking to get those legs moving while you explore the Wild Atlantic Way? A hike is just the ticket for you.
While there are so many to choose from here’s five we’ve randomly picked for the novice and expert. So, grab your hiking boots and get stretching!
The first is in Mayo. Wild Nephin National Park covers a vast 15,000 hectares of uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness, dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range. To the west of the mountains is the Owenduff Bog, one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Western Europe.
The team at nationalparks.ie said: “Wild Nephin National Park is a spectacular place to experience some of the most remote lands in Ireland. While the main body of the park is suitable for the more experienced hillwalkers, there are also easier walks that allow visitors of a range of abilities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife here at Wild Nephin.”
The second is Sheep’s Head Way. West Cork is known for its beauty and this spot won’t disappoint.
Discover Ireland said: “If you're looking for a spot to explore on a fun hiking getaway, check out Sheep’s Head Way in West Cork, one of the most remote hiking spots on the Wild Atlantic Way.
“Although there are plenty of trails along this route, the best views are found along the main 172km loop of the peninsula. Tucked right into the southwestern corner of the country, the trail begins and ends in lovely Bantry, taking in beautiful sights such as Sheep's Head Lighthouse, deserted famine settlements and heathered fields.
“If you're looking for a shorter hike that doesn't skimp on impressive scenery, try the Lighthouse Loop, a 4km segment off the main trail which will lead you straight to the famous landmark.”
The third hike we’ve chosen is the Lough Easkey Loop in Sligo. It’s 6km with Sligowalks.ie describing it as moderate in walk grade.
They said: “This walk traces the shores of Lough Easkey, a peaceful and scenic lake surrounded by forest plantations. The blanket bog on this route is designated a special area of conservation boasting rare types of moss and threatened bird species like the Greenland white fronted goose and Irelands only native reptile the common lizard has also been spotted here.”
Our fourth hike is taking us to Donegal. It’s the Slieve League Cliffs.
Hillwalktours.com says to start the hike in Teelin and follow what’s known as the ‘pilgrim path‘, a steep path among the green mountains.
They said: “You can then return the same way or have the option to take One Man’s Pass, a very narrow and steep ridge (if you don’t like heights – definitely avoid!). Once over the pass, you can follow the cliffs back to Bunglas before returning to Teelin along the country roads.”
It’s rocky in some places and muddy in others and will take about four to five hours.
Our fifth and final hike is in Kerry. It’s the famous Kerry Way at more than 200km starting and finishing in Killarney.
Kerryway.com says it loops around the Iveragh Peninsula and goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country.
The team at Kerryway.com said: “The trail is intended to quickly progress through a variety of different landscapes and experiences, giving the walker a wider appreciation for the county. Although it is quite common for people to walk the trail over nine days, this can be extremely demanding. To those wishing to make their Kerry Way experience more of a holiday than an endurance test, our advice is to allow for some extra time - either by including rest days or decreasing the distance walked each day.”
Happy hiking, folks.