Walking In Ireland

Walking in the Irish Countryside 

 I am delighted to share my favorite walks throughout Ireland with you, what you'll need to know, and the resources to plan your walking trip. I may even recommend some great Biddy Murphy goods and gifts to take with you on your trek. 

Let's get started! 

Ireland has many walking and hiking trails and this is a fantastic way to experience the stunning countrysides on foot. 

You need to know that most walking is done off-road in Ireland. You will rely on the guided signposts, such as the one here. These posts are clearly marked and keep you literally 'on track.'

Resources for Planning Your Walk

I suggest you start at Fáilte Ireland, Ireland's National Tourism Development Authority for Irish walking, hillwalking and trekking clubs. They will be able to answer your questions and point you in the right direction for the walking tour that is best for you.

Most local tourist offices will have Ordinance Survey Maps of trails for walks, hikes and treks. I suggest you check with them before planning your adventure. 

Other fantastic online resources for walking and hiking include:

• Irish Times Walking Advice & Tips
• Hillwalkers Club-Located in Dublin, they organize weekly walks in the Wicklow and Dublin mountains. 

Safety is Paramount

Please remember that being safe is the most important thing about your walk, hike or trek. Here's what I have learned from my experience:  

• Let someone know exactly where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Don't WALK ALONE.
• When you park at your starting point, be careful about leaving any exposed valuables in your car, these are likely to attract thieves.
• Wear walking boots that support and protect your ankles and breathable walking socks.
• Layer when dressing for your walk in Ireland for your comfort. Ireland's temperatures and humidity can change tremendously fast within hours and especially when you are in higher altitudes. 

My Favorite Hiking Destinations

I really enjoy hiking in the Comeraghs, a mountain range located on the borders of Tipperary, and Waterford.  I suggest getting in touch with these great folks at Comeragh Hillwalkers if you're planning a hike. They have experienced guides that you can speak to before you go, and join a Whatsapp Group.  Discover Ireland is also a great resource. 

Ballynahinch Castle is an absolutely gorgeous destination, nestled among the stunning Connemara Region, in Co. Galway. 

Another favorite is the Lough Inagh Hotel, located on the shores of Lough Inagh, a stunning lake in the Connemara Region, in Co. Galway where they have guided walking tours. The hotel is surrounded by the Mam Turks and 12 Bens Mountain ranges. 

While at Lough Ingah, I really enjoyed the Oratory at Mamean, a peaceful backroad on a traditional path to an Oratory, where legend tells us that St. Patrick lived.

Walking, Biddy Murphy Style 

Now that you know what to expect, and destinations to go for your hikes throughout Ireland, allow me to recommend some must-have items for your walking adventure.  

Our Blackthorn Walking Sticks are perfect for maneuvering terrain as you hike the Irish countryside.  Walking sticks have a rich history in the Irish culture, and were used to be settling differences, in a gentlemanly way, of course. 

Keep your head protected from the fickle Irish weather on your walk with our Flat Cap for Men with Tweed Earflaps. The earflaps can be easily tucked under the cap when the temperature warms up.

Stay dapper and distinguished in our Irish Tweed Vest from Tipperary, (which happens to be the same county where I was born and raised) on your hike. 

Be protected for any situation with our Irish Pocket Knife that includes several very helpful tools including various blades, scissors, a screwdriver and corkscrew.

Check out our entire collection for all your walking needs! 

Enjoy your Irish walk.