If you are thinking of visiting Ireland, walking might not be high on your list. But there are many beautiful and scenic hiking trails in Ireland that will allow you to really appreciate the scenery.
Here are some of my favorite walks in Ireland’s Midwest.
See also: Activities with Children in Ireland to the West
The best walks in Ireland’s Midwest
With its beautiful scenery, walking in Ireland is a pleasant and fun way to spend a day. Since moving to Ireland we have tried to dig up some of the best hiking trails around our area in the central to western part of the country and in the Roscommon area in particular.
Below are some of the best hiking trails from these areas that are definitely worth exploring.
Suck Valley Way
The Suck Valley Way runs through the entire County of Roscommon, a hiking trail that makes a mammoth loop of 65 miles and is also part of the famous Breifne Beara Way.
The hike leads through all sorts of changing terrain, through rugged forests, river banks and wild, large farmland.
There is so much to see along the way, one of our favorite spots winds through the Demense at Castlerea, which runs through woods on the riverbank and then into the thick forest that leads you to the terrain of the amazing Clonalis house.
Miners Way Walk
the Walk on the Bergmannsweg has its own story as it is part of the once operating Arigna coal mine. The hike is a network of walking trails that wind through Counties of Leitrim, Roscommon & Sligo. The route follows many of the trails used many years ago by the miners who worked in the Arigna coal mines.
The hike comprises a total of 118 km of trails with a classification from easy to medium and well-maintained trails.
Mote Park
Mote Park, is a 5 minute drive outside of the town of Roscommon. A breathtaking place for the family with many hiking trails, forests, fairy tale gardens and the perfect picnic area. It offers easy hiking conditions as it leads all roads.
All in all, the loop of the hiking trails forms an 11 km long stretch, all of which have very similar terrain with good and easy walking conditions.
The fairy garden is great for the kids, with a wide variety of little cottages and hanging surprises, enough to keep them entertained throughout the walk.
In late summer, the Bluebell Walkway is so beautiful because the bluebells in bloom give off such a vibrant color.
The hunger walk
The Hungerweg Walk from Strokestown House and further a mammoth 165 km to Dublin Quay.
The walk pays homage to the 1,490 men, women and children who took the walk during the Irish Famine in 1847, with the aim of reaching Liverpool, England, with New York as their ultimate destination.
The hike is mostly flat and well laid out and, due to its length, is best done in sections. The first leg takes you to Tarmonbarry in County Roscommon Strokestown.
Pro tip: Take a lunch break here Purple onion, highly recommended.
Be prepared when walking in Ireland
The weather in the west of Ireland is quite unforgiving, so it is important to be prepared. Waterproof and good shoes are important as Ireland can often experience four seasons in one day. Planning the weather in advance is also very important, as low-lying fog is common, especially at higher altitudes, and the risk of disorientation is very likely.
Bring food and fluids with you on some of the longer walks. Remember, you are in the country and in parts you can only see land and more land. Hence, it is important to be ready when you need an energy boost.
alinaf