The 6 Best Hikes In Ireland A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE If you’ve spent any time hiking in Ireland, you know that we’re blessed with some of the most awesome trekking landscapes in the world. We’ve got it all – awe-inspiring mountains that peak above the clouds, thick forests with meandering trails, and views to beat the band, whether you’re looking out at rolling green fields, or beaches with sand so white they could pass for Caribbean shores. While we’re all grounded, a lot of us are dreaming about the epic treks that we’ll be able to take as soon as restrictions are lifted. But while we all might know about the traditional big hitters, there are so many hikes all around Ireland that you may have never heard of. We asked experienced mountaineer John Healy to share his wisdom, and spill the beans on the best hikes you can take in all of Ireland… Mweelrea, Co Mayo Mweelrea, Co Mayo Mweelrea is the highest mountain in 814m Connaught “When it comes to hiking, you can’t beat County Mayo. MMwewelreae is ae wolnrdeerfual mo,u nCtaino an dM is actaualyly tohe highest in Connaught (take that, Croagh Patrick!) It rises from the Atlantic coast of Mayo and the views from all sides are simply amazing. To the West you have the ocean, hundreds of islands and the beaches of the western edges of Galway and Mayo. To the North you have Croagh Patrick, and to the south Killary Harbour, while inland the mountains of Mayo and Connemara stretch out before you. If you are looking for a ‘quick hit,’ the ascent from the coastline to the west of the mountain is short, but steep and unrelenting. For me, the nicest approach is to walk from the Doolough Valley, first climbing into the northern corrie of Ben Lugmore and then following the path beneath the cliff, known as the ramp. The simplest thing to do is return by the same route, but if you have two vehicles you could leave one in the Delphi Valley and return along the easterly ridge of Ben Lugmore. For a more challenging day out, the complete horseshoe around the valley east of Mweelrea is magnificent. This is a rugged and complex mountain subject to the full fury (and majesty!) of the Atlantic weather. If you are not experienced in hillwalking and mountain navigation, you really should consider using a guide – we have some suggestions later on.” MwMeuellalrgeham, Ceeon M, Caoyo Westmeath Mullaghmeen is the largest beech plantation in Ireland 258m “This is one of Ireland’s hidden treasures. What this hill Mlacksw in sieze, eit mlorree thaan m,a kCes uop fo rM in chaarmy anod beauty. The highest point of County Westmeath, Mullaghmeen is also the largest beech plantation in Ireland and is a Coillte Forest park, too. The woodland has several marked walking loops taking in the summit cairn, archaeological sites, picnic spots and more. The view of the surrounding lakelands is well worth the hike to the top, and the marked and well- maintained trails make it suitable for all the family. Whether you’re after a trail run through the forest, a gentle but scenic stroll or simply a forest picnic, Mullaghmeen can cater for you.” Check it out here… MBwirereeelrnecao,r rCaog hM, Caoyo Mayo If you’re looking for some headspace, this could be the 698m perfect hill for you. “I have many favourite mountains, and most of them Mare pwopulear, weelll-krnoewna de,st inCatioons f oMr walkaersy. Soo I wanted to include one you probably haven’t heard of… Birreencorragh is right in the heart of the Nephin Mountains in Mayo. If you’re looking for a little bit of headspace, this could be the perfect hill for you. It certainly won’t be crowded – in fact, the chances are you will have it to yourself. My route of choice is the southern ridge rising from the backroads between Newport and Lough Beltra. The ridge undulates pleasantly, is never too steep, and has fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and forestry the whole way up to a lofty exposed summit. You can continue along the ridge before turning towards Knockaffertagh and complete a horseshoe walk, but I would probably advise simply retracing your steps back down, for a lovely jaunt with southerly views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick.” MMwoeuenlrt eBara, nCdoo nM, aCyoo Kerry Mt. Brandon is one of Ireland's ten 952m highest peaks “From a mountain you may never have heard of, to one Mof thew moset well klnrowen –a nex,t uCp is oMou nMt Braandoyn, on the Dingle peninsula. As a large mountain on Ireland’s west coast, it is subject to some savage weather. However, on a fine day it is possibly one of the most accessible of all of our high mountains. The well-worn Cosan na Naoimh path on the western slopes makes this mountain a walk that’s straightforward enough on a good day. If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge, then an ascent from Cloghane on the eastern side will prove more rugged. But if you fancy a full-on day of mountain magnificence, consider the full traverse from the Dingle Way above Brandon Creek to the Conor Pass. This is surely a contender for Ireland’s finest mountain day, but you will encounter some narrow ridges, and you’ll need to navigate with a map and compass if the weather is poor. An evening in one of Dingle’s many fine pubs or restaurants (remember them?) will surely ease any tired or aching muscles when you’re done.” MTwhee Sehlreeeap’,s C Hoe aMd,a Cyoo Cork You can choose from short strolls to hilltops, picnic sites and more. 93KM M“Owkay, eI coeuldnl’rt weritea thi,s aCs a Coork mMan anad nyot o include an option from West Cork. The Sheep’s Head is a thin finger of land projecting out into the ocean south of Bantry Bay. Over the last few years, a network of waymarked paths have been developed along the length of the peninsula. You can choose from short strolls to hilltops, picnic sites and more, or a longer looped walk around the peninsula. Suitable for families and without the need for navigation or hillwalking experience, the Sheeps Head Way really does have something for everyone.” Click here for more info… MwCoeuemlrsehain, gCaou nM, Caoyo Waterford Coumshingaun is a great spot for a gentle forest walk, a 7.5KM fantastic hillwalking circuit, or a picnic on the wilder side. M“Pewrhapes thee finlerste moaunt,a inC cororie i nM the caounytryo, Coumshingaun is a great spot for a gentle forest walk, a fantastic hillwalking circuit, or a picnic on the wilder side. You could stay within the Coillte forest facility (it’s easily accessible from Kilclooney Wood), but an easy walk across the open hillside brings you to Coumshingaun Corrie and lake. It’s a stunning sight if you haven’t been here before, and you don’t need to be a hillwalker to either get there or to appreciate this amazing place. The lakeshore is a great spot for a picnic beneath the cliffs, or a dip in the lake if you can brave the cold water! Hillwalkers will naturally be drawn to the obvious walking route around the ridges that form the spectacular corrie. But be warned, it is exposed with a little bit of scrambling and difficult navigation if the clouds close in.” Click here for more info.. MFowr moree ineformlratieon oan I,re laCnd’so hig hM mouantayinso, check out Mountaineering Ireland’s publication ‘Irish Peaks’. Remember, conditions on Irish mountains can change in seconds. You should never venture out to mountains alone. Having mountaineering and navigation experience is essential. Make sure to go with a friend with hill-walking experience or with an experienced guide. Here’s how you can find out more about John Healy… Website: www.simplymountains.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @johnh ealyclimbing John Healy.