The Sperrin Mountains, within 10 minutes of Ardtara Country House are simply brimming with opportunities to hike in some of the most beautiful unspoiled countryside anywhere in the world. Hikes are laid out and different lengths and difficulty can be planned ahead.
Take a walk with Ballyfin's expert guide and explore deep into the ancient woodlands of the Demesne, passing the winter waterfall, visiting the gate lodges, the church and graveyard. This guided tour explores the history and development of the demesne.
Gentle strolls can be taken around the ponds and woodlands of the Ballymaloe grounds, where something is always in flower, be it a carpet of bluebells or vibrant rhododendrons. Maps are available for longer walks around the grounds. Idyllic walks can be taken on the Ballycotton cliffs, and in local woodlands, along the beaches and on the quieter country roads in the area.
For the active, the Sheep's Head peninsula boasts miles and miles of scenic walks.
One of Ireland's most stunning natural wonders, The Giant's Causeway is just two miles from the Bushmills Inn and can be reached by walking.
Killarney has walks to suit all interests from a short scenic stroll through Killarney National Park to exhilarating hiking in the MacGillicuddy Reeks - the highest mountain range in Ireland. Walks of Killarney National Park can start from the hotel or bicycles are available for guests who may prefer to cycle. Why not bring a picnic, supplied by the hotel, along with you? Details of hikes in the Kerry area are available for guests or private guides can be arranged through the hotel.
Following (reasonably closely) the route of the Ring of Kerry, but taking in even more tranquil areas and breathtaking scenery, is the Kerry way. The Kerry Way is the longest way-marked trail in Ireland, taking in Killarney National Park, mountain passes, and coastal paths. Its circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula is 215km (135 miles).
Situated in the heart of Connemara, on the west coast of Ireland, Cashel House Hotel is set in 50 acres of award-winning gardens containing many woodland walks.
The nearby Durrow Leafy Loops walks offer the serious walker a loop of 20 kilometres (12,5 miles). There is also a variety of shorter walks for the more casual stroller. Castle Durrow is the ideal starting point from which to take long walks in the spectacular Slieve Bloom Mountains and follow the Heritage Trails of Laois.
With its 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is a picturesque rural destination for those in search of an outdoor experience. There are a variety of exceptional walks, from short jaunts to long leisurely strolls, both on the Estate grounds, around the village of Glaslough and in the local area.
Clare Islands' remarkably varied topography offers the ideal terrain for both the serious hill-walker and the casual visitor out for a relaxing stroll. Maps of suggested walking routes and looped trails are available for walkers and hill-walkers at the harbour.
Coopershill, with its delightful paths through acres of woods and deer pastures, is a walker's paradise. For those on a walking holiday, some of the more popular walks are clearly signed, particularly in Yeats' County. Coopershill provide walking guide books with marked walking routes for the more adventurous
Ghan House is the ideal base for beautiful walking trails. Just behind the house is Slieve Foy, a hiking lovers dream. When the tide is out, borrow a pair of wellington boots and walk along the seashore, through rock pools and over glistening seaweed. Just a five minute drive away is Ballagan Shore, which is a single track road winding its way through the ancient old Irish farmhouse town of Whitestown, past Lily Finnegan's pub then onto the open shore, with panoramic views of the Irish Sea, Carlingford Lough, Hallbowline Lighthouse, the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Foy.
The Burren is one of Ireland's surprises for the stroller or the serious hiker. A special area of limestone mountain scenery, with a distinctive beauty and holding a wealth of treasure for the botanist and explorer of historic ruins. In the midst of this wilderness lies Gregans Castle Hotel, at the foot of the Corkscrew Hill, with breathtaking views over the mystical Burren mountains and Galway Bay.
There are many interesting walks ranging in difficulty, depending on how far you would like to go. The Ice House can provide you with all the information and equipment you need, so simply stroll on down to reception and get started.
The beautiful Killarney National Park uses a self-guided nature trail which follows in the footsteps of the English agriculturist Arthur Young who visited Muckross in 1776. You start and finish the walk at Muckross House. The terrain is mainly level paths and roads. Walking in Killarney will bring you to see nature and unique wildlife wherever you go. 2007 saw the start of a reintroduction programme of the white-tailed sea eagle in Killarney. Today you can regularly see these eagles in the Killarney/Kerry area and beyond.
A short stroll from the King Sitric and you can reach the Howth cliff path walk with its stunning sea views.
Breathe in the fresh country air and take in the stunning scenery as you stroll by the glittering and ever-changing lake at Liss Ard Estate. Succumb to the breath-taking views over Lough Abisdealy. The woods are awash with golden light in the mornings as the sun rises! There are a whole host of exceptional walks, from short jaunts to longer leisurely strolls on the Estate and around the local townland.
Longueville House offers scenic walks throughout the estate. For the more active, there are many designated longer-distance walking trails within 25 minutes, including the Duhallow Way, The Blackwater Way, The Ballyhoura Way, the Nagle Mountains and the Boggeraghs. Bike, walk or climb - the choice is yours.
The long white sandy beaches of the east coast and the many walks and trails through the hills and lakes of Wicklow provide ample choice for the avid walker.
For many walkers, Donegal is second to none amongst Ireland's generous collection of places to explore. Donegal's mountains are quite modest in height but they offer the chance of some truly superb panoramas. Within an hour's drive from Rathmullan House, the following walks are recommended Ards Forest Park, Ards Forest Park, Lough Salt Mountain, Melmore Head, Slieve Snaght...
The Connemara Loop is situated in breathtaking North West Connemara in County Galway. From Rosleague Manor, follow the Loop and be taken on a journey through an ever-changing landscape of majestic mountains, spectacular beaches, the wild Atlantic, mist covered lakes, pre-historic bogs and shady glens.
The stunning landscapes of County Longford are ideal to explore through walking. The north of the county is untamed and wild, with lakes and hills; the south of the county has Lough Ree on the River Shannon. And, for leisurely woodland strolls, there is Derrycasson Wood at Mullanleaghta and Newcastle Wood at Ballymahon, areas particularly noted for woodland walking.
There are four main walks that cover various aspects of the Virginia Park gardens and grounds. The Woodland and Avenue Walk, The Devils Corner Walk, The Boat House Walk, and The Well Walk. Walking times range from a leisurely 20-minute stroll to a more strenuous two-hour wander.
