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Im based in Dublin so a lot of my hiking and walking takes place in and around the Wicklow Mountains. I feel blessed to have such a beautiful part of the world right on my doorstep. For many of these Wicklow hikes, I drive through the picturesque village of Roundwood to get to the chosen []The post Vartry Reservoir Loop Walk appeared first on Wild Irish Walks.

May is National Walking Month! More daylight, more sunshine (hopefully) and more opportunities to walk.Walking is the most accessible form of exercise there is. It costs nothing, requires no equipment beyond a decent pair of shoes, and the benefits as we touched on last month in reference to the POMNI survey are manifold, both physical, mental and emotional. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll along the coast, a forest trail with the family, or something that gets your heart pumping up into the hills, Northern Ireland has a walk for every mood and every ability.Walk with othersOne of the best things about walking is that its as good in company as it is in solitude. If youre looking for a group to get out with, the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs (UFRC) brings together walking clubs from right across Northern Ireland and is a great way to meet like-minded people, discover new routes and build a regular habit of getting outside. Over May and June, they are running a series of Walk With Us events, introducing people to their walking clubs. Find them on their website.For those who feel that walking is not always designed with them in mind, the Walking for All programme is well worth exploring. This cross-border initiative is designed to make walking more inclusive and accessible, supporting people of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoy the outdoors. It is, in their own words, a simple way to get active, enjoy the outdoors and connect with others in your community.Walk your own wayOf course, sometimes the best walk is the one you do yourself, on your own terms, at your own pace. A dander round the park. A coastal path after work. A forest trail on a Sunday morning. It doesnt have to be epic or gruelling to be worth doing, it just has to get you outside.WalkNI has almost 1,000 walks across Northern Ireland, free to access, searchable by location, difficulty and type. Whether youre after a stroll or a challenge, a mountain or a shoreline, a solo ramble or a family outing, its all there.May is your invitation to get out and explore. Find your walk here.The post May is National Walking Month! appeared first on WalkNI.

For nine years, Ive walked and documented Irelands incredible trails. Thousands of kilometres and just as many hours, Ive spent my life in the Irish elements, falling in love with our amazing landscapes and habitats. And now I want to share it with you.In 2024 I became a Lowland Leader, which means Im qualified to bring groups out on the tracks and trails Ive grown up on. This summer, Im starting small with my own series, and hopefully I might see you on one of them.A big goal of mine for these hikes is to create a space to meet new people and make friends with people who want to spend time outdoors! 1. Beginner Hike: Howth Head TrailsAccessible from Dublin City via public transport, Howth Head offers so many options for a morning walk. Beginner Group Hike: Howth Head 15.00 Come for a laid back morning walk along Howth Head. Meet others and make friends with people who want to spend time outdoors! Details: Date: 12th July 2026Meeting time: 9:15amDuration: approx. 3hrs Pace: relaxed! Trail Grade: Easy - BeginnerMainly on easily identifiable paths, with good underfoot conditions. This is a beginner friendly walk! Weather permitting, we will be taking in the gorgeous views from Howth hill and the cliffs. All walks are led by qualified and insured leaders. Feel free to email me with any questions - ellie@toughsoles.iePublic Transport:The timing of this hike has been set to give participants time to get the bus from Dublin City Centre: find the Dublin Bus Route 6 timetable here. Add to cart When: Sunday 12th JulyWhere: Howth HeadMeeting time: 9:15amDuration: approx. 3hrs Pace: relaxed! Trail Grade: Easy - Beginneron easily identifiable paths, with good underfoot conditions. Learn more about trail grades here.Public transport: Dublin bus route 6This is a beginner friendly walk to enjoy the fantastic trails around Howth Head at a leisurely pace. Hopefully with good weather will let us also see the great views out over the Irish Sea. Total group size will not exceed 10 people. Tickets 15 per person. 2. Beginner / Intermediate: Wild Nephin National Park Loop Group Hike: Wild Nephin Loop, Mayo 25.00 Explore some of Irelands wilder trails in Wild Nephin National Park! along this 12km adventureDetails: Date: 1st August 2026Start Time: 10am Start Location: Letterkeen Trail Head (Google Maps)Distance: 12kmApprox. Duration: 3 hoursAll walks are led by qualified and insured leaders. Feel free to email me with any questions - ellie@toughsoles.ie Add to cart Along this 12km adventure well experience the desolate beauty and wildness that still exists in Ireland, as well as finding some of Irelands only bothies.Date: 1st August 2026Start Time: 10am Approx. Duration: 3 - 4 hoursTrail Grade: Easy - ModerateLearn more about trail grades here.This route is inspiring whether you're new to the trails, or a dab hand at the hills. The Wild Nephin National Park is a stunning setting. Group will be kept small to minimise impact to the natural landscape. Tickets 25 per person. 3. Intermediate: St. Kevins Way, Wicklow St. Kevin's Way - Wicklow 36.00 St. Kevins Way is a gorgeous 26km trail that winds its way through the heart of Wicklow. Details: Date: 11th JulyStart time: 9am at the Glendalough Upper Car Park (Google maps)Finish time: approx. 6pmIncluded in the ticket price is an Irish Camino Passport, car parking at Glendalough, and shuttle bus. This is a full day event, and all attendees will need to bring a packed lunch and lots of snacks.All walks are led by qualified and insured leaders. Feel free to email me with any questions - ellie@toughsoles.ie Add to cart St. Kevins Way is a gorgeous 26km trail that winds its way through the heart of Wicklow.Date: 11th JulyStart time: 9amFinish time: approx. 6pmTrail Grading: Easy - ModerateThis is a waymarked route with some road walking, as well as more informal paths, rougher, boggy and more uneven terrain.Learn more about trail grades here.Included in the ticket price is an Irish Camino Passport, car parking at Glendalough, and shuttle bus. This is a full day event, and all attendees will need to bring a packed lunch and lots of snacks. What makes this trail difficult is not the underfoot terrain, but the length of the day. Tickets 36 per person. 4. To Be Announced: Boyne Valley Trails Festival 2026Date: mid-september Trail grading: easy-moderateDetails will be updated once events are announced - all I can say for now is that I am so excited to get to come back to the Boyne Valley Trails Festival again this year for some more fantastic hiking. For the most up to date info, check out the Boyne Valley Trails Website. Important notes:Plans in the Irish outdoors are subject to our wild weather and the sustainability of the habitat - Ive already changed one hike location due to recent fires. This is to give the habitat adequate time to recover this summer, and to make sure that we have the best possible experience.Pre-booking is essential. My permits for events and safety planning are based on specific numbers of attendees. If youve any questions, please email hello@toughsoles.ie .Checking the Tough Soles Events Page is the best place to find up-to-date information on upcoming events.

If you are flying into Dublin and planning a campervan trip around Ireland, the process is simpler than most people expect. Our Greystones depot is 45 minutes from Dublin Airport on a clear run, and picking up from there rather than trying to find a hire company in the city itself is genuinely more straightforward.This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get from Dublin Airport to our depot, what happens when you arrive, what to bring, and where to go on your first night.Campervan hire near Dublin AirportGetting from Dublin Airport to our Greystones depotOur depot is at Knight Park, Charlesland, Greystones, Co. Wicklow (postcode A63 WW87).From Dublin Airport, the most practical route is: take the M50 southbound towards Bray and Greystones, exit at Junction 14 (Bray North / Greystones), follow the signs for Greystones Town via the R761, and continue through Greystones Town towards Charlesland. The journey is around 45 minutes in normal traffic, a little longer during Dublin commuter hours (7-9am and 5-7pm on weekdays). If you are arriving on a weekend morning, you will likely be with us in 40 minutes.You can get an Uber or taxi from the airport directly to the depot for around 40-50. There is also a DART train from the Airport Bus stop at Spencer Dock (short Aircoach ride from arrivals) to Greystones Station, and the depot is a short taxi from there.What to bringYou do not need much beyond what you are already carrying. A few things worth having ready:Your driving licence. You will need the original, not a photo. If you completed our online check-in before arrival, you will already have uploaded a copy, but we check the physical licence at pickup.Your booking confirmation, either on your phone or printed.If you are bringing a dog, let us know in advance. Our fleet is pet-friendly and we are happy to accommodate well-behaved dogs.Payment for any extras you have added (table and chairs, bed linen) if you have not already paid online. Most customers sort this in the check-in email two days before pickup.What happens when you arriveChristopher or another member of the team will meet you at the depot. Plan for about 30 minutes for the full handover. It is thorough but not complicated. We will:Walk you through the van: how the gas works, how to set up the sleeping areas, how the heating operates, where the water connections are, how to dump waste at campsites.Go through the rental agreement and confirm your return date and time.Take the security deposit. You will have already chosen your deposit option in the check-in email (2,000, 1,000, or 500, all fully refundable) so this takes a moment.Point you in the right direction. Christopher is happy to recommend a first-night campsite or route based on where you are heading.By the time you leave, you will know the van well enough to feel comfortable. Most people are surprised how quickly it all makes sense.What is included in your hireFull 24-hour breakdown cover across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK. Included in the price, not an extra charge.Full gas cylinder. Fresh water in the tank. Clean bedding if you have opted for that extra. A full kitchen setup: hob, oven, fridge, freezer, crockery and utensils. Hot shower. Private toilet area. 12V power inverter for charging phones and electronics wherever you are parked.You bring your personal gear, food, and anything specific to your trip.View our full fleetWhere to go on your first nightFrom Greystones you have several good options within 90 minutes:Head south along the coast through Wicklow and Arklow towards Wexford. There are excellent campsites near Courtown and Rosslare.Head west over the Wicklow Mountains on the Military Road. It is spectacular scenery and a memorable first drive. Stop at a campsite near Laragh or Rathdrum.Head north-west towards Kildare and onwards to the Midlands if you are making for Roscommon or Galway on your first day.If you want to do the Wild Atlantic Way, most customers leave Greystones and head straight for Galway on day one, stopping somewhere around Athlone or Ballinasloe overnight. You will be well into Connemara by the next morning.Returning the vanReturn is the reverse of pickup. Arrive at the agreed time. We will ask you to agree a return time when you collect. We check the van together. Empty the waste, top up the water if possible, and bring it back broadly as you found it. Christopher does a full check with you present, and if everything is in order, your deposit is released the same day.Planning your routeWe are happy to help with route planning. Christopher at the Greystones depot and Joe at our Roscommon depot both know the Irish road network from years of customer conversations. If you want suggestions for a 7-day route, a weekend break, or a trip built around specific areas, just ask when you arrive or drop us an email before you travel.The whole of Ireland is genuinely accessible from Greystones. The west coast is under three hours. The southwest is four. The north is three and a half. You have more flexibility than most people realise when they start planning.For more answers, visit our FAQ page.Campervan holiday offersThe post Campervan Hire Near Dublin Airport: Your Complete Pickup Guide appeared first on Craic N Campers.

This guide to the best walks in Derry aims to give you some inspiration for your next visit. My first ever trip to Derry combined a friends stag do with the Fleadh Cheoil music festival being held in the city. As you can imagine, I didnt get to see a whole lot of the surrounding []The post Best Walks in Derry: 7 Scenic Trails Worth Exploring appeared first on Wild Irish Walks.

Sligo is an incredible county for hiking - if youre looking to get outdoors and explore, the north-west is consistently underrated. Today, Im sharing 16 walks and hikes around Sligo that Ive really enjoyed, and why I think youll like them too. These hikes are divided into the kind of area they traverse (eg. coastal or forest), and within that are listed from easier to harder. Have I missed somewhere? Let me know! Coastal Walks 1. Raghly LoopThe Raghly Loop is a lovely place to head for a sunset walk. With stunning views of the Sligo coastline, this modest trail is a lovely place to relax away from busier areas. This trail is very accessible - underfoot it is either a well maintained gravel path, or old laneways. Distance: 3.6kmFormat: Looped TrailTime: 30 - 90 minutesWho is it for: someone looking for a gentle walk with nice views and sit spots along the wayread the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 2. Aughris HeadThe Aughris Coastal Walk is a lovely 4km looped trail accessible for all the family. Take in the history of the small headland through the many inboards they have installed along the trail - covering promontory forts, WWII lookout posts, holy wells, and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well kept and waymarked, with no climbs or descents. There are a few kissing gates along the way, so not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Distance: 4kmFormat: LoopedTime: 45mins - 90mins (depending on route, fitness, and how long you want to take in the views)Who is this trail for: History enthusiasts or anyone looking for a gentle stroll. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 3. Killaspugbrone Coastal Loop Killaspugbrone Loop is easy to miss when standing on the busy footpaths of Strandhill. But spy the tidy infoboard, follow the purple arrows, and youll find yourself wandering along a rocky shore with small planes swooping overhead. Find the ruins of a centuries old church and learn the strange folklore of St. Patricks visit to the area. While the trail is fairly flat as it is a headland loop, the ground underfoot can be quite uneven and broken along some of the rocky beach sections. Distance: 7kmFormat: Looped trailTime: 1.5 - 2hrsWho is it for: anyone wanting to stretch their legs along the coast. The trail is easy, but a little rougher underfoot. Possibly a good one for any plane enthusiasts as the trail curtails the bottom of Sligo Airport runway, offering fantastic views.read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER Forest Walks 4. Hazelwood Hazelwood is a gorgeous woodland just outside of Sligo town. The forest is on a headland that juts out into the lake of Lough Gill, and so as the trails gently meander, viewpoints and follies emerge from the foliage around every bend. As its close to Sligo I often meet other people there, but I still find it peaceful. Distance: 3kmFormat: looped trailsTime: 45mins - 90 mins Who is it for: those looking for a gentle stroll through mixed woodland. Great for families - and a nice spot for birders, as I heard quite a few on my last visit. read more details on Sligo Walks | download the Coillte Map | find the route on HiiKER 5. Benbulben Forest WalkBenbulben is one of Irelands most distinctive mountains, surrounded by cliffs and ringed in mythology. This forest walk is a family friendly trail that gives you the best views you can get of this peak. With three different route options, you can go as far as you like, with get vantage points over to Donegal. The two highlight sections for me were the very northern corner for views of the cliffs, and the twisting trail through the southern edge of the mixed woodland.Distance: 6kmFormat: Looped trailsTime: 1 - 2 hrs (depending on route and fitness)Who is this trail for: those who want to see the incredible cliffs that Benbulben is famous for, without having to scale the mountain itself. All of the routes are gravel trails, with benches spaced out around the forest. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 6. Slish WoodAcross the lake from Hazelwood youll find Slish Wood, hugging the shoreline and climbing up onto the hills behind it. There are two options here - you can complete the forest loop (4km), or continue on along the lakeside and onto boardwalk to the Isle of Innisfree Jetty (8km out and back). Another lovely lakeshore stroll, this is the first of the forest walks with a climb (if taking in the upper trail of the 4km loop). Personally, I would walk out the whole way to the Jetty as the boardwalk section just after the forest is lovely as it crisscrosses the hillside above the lake.Distance: 4 - 8kmFormat: 4km looped; 8km out and back (can incorporate the loop of the 4km on the way back).Time: 1hr - 3 hrsWhos it for: By sticking to the lower paths this is still a very approachable trail for all fitness levels. If you are looking to incorporate slightly more challenging or heart-raising sections, you can take in the top loop and the further boardwalk while still being on accessible terrain. read more on the Sligo Walks website | download the Coillte Map | find the route on HiiKER 7. Union WoodUnion Wood is a small forest that sits between the villages of Collooney, Ballysadare, and Ballygawley, with a mixture of old native woodland, and more recent active forestry. This place is teeming with wildlife - as well as walkers, cyclists, families and trail runners. With trails from 4 - 12km, in this woods youll find a trail for everyone.Distance: varies by trail, average 5kmFormat: LoopedTime: 1 - 3 hrs, depending on route, fitness, and how often you stop to take in the views. However, I quite liked how the info board at the main car park answered this question: Union wood is a place you can easily spend a half day in, so we wont tell you how long each trail takes. That will be up to you, your level of fitness, or how soon you want to go home.Who is this for: there are trails here for nearly everyone, whether on pedal or foot. Stay to the low trails if youre looking for a gentle walk, or head up to lough Loman if youre looking for a more energetic hike. It is somewhere that is always busy no matter the day of the week, so not for someone seeking solitude.read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 8. Devils ChimneyThe Devils Chimney name in Irish is Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, which roughly translates as stream against the height. The Irish name reflects the fact that when a strong southerly wind blows, the water can sometimes be blown back up over the cliff-face, looking like its defying gravity. The hills in this area are known as the Dartrys. The most famous of their peaks is Benbulben, a table-top mountain of cliffs and a plateau summit. However, Benbulben isnt the only visually striking hill in the range. So many of these hills undulate in ways you would never expect, making them look far more lofty than they are. In true Dartry style, this trail is short but steep, twisting and turning with the erratic flow of the land.Distance: 2.5 kmFormat: Out-and-back / Looped Time: 30mins - 90minsWho is this for: if you love a waterfall and twisting forest trails, and are looking for somewhere more peaceful than Glencar Waterfall further up the valley, this is for you. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER Upland Walks 9. Knocknashee Knocknashee is a small hill in the middle of Sligo and the eastern edge of the Ox Mountains. This local walk highlights the great places you can find in your own back yard. Distance: 2km round tripElevation gain: 100mFormat: Out and backTime: 30 - 90 minsWho is this for: a short walk, this is for someone looking for a quiet place to enjoy an evening stroll, taking in the views of the undulating terrain of Sligo. The climb is not long but it is steep, and so highlights an unusual tightrope of suiting a walker with good knees, but also someone not looking for a long or serious hike. Might be an enjoyable outing for families.read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 10. Caves of Kesh The Caves of Kesh feel otherworldly, and yet are just a hop skip and a jump up the hillside. While the trail up is vert steep, its approx. 750m from the car park to the caves. As you climb, it feels like youre not making any progress - until suddenly it levels out after a few switchbacks, and gently rolls towards the entrance to the largest of the caves. Once up, the paths linking the different caves are a little narrow and muddy, so I always wear boots when stopping by. Distance:1.5km - 3km (depending on how much wandering you do between the caves). Format: Out and backTime: 20 mins - 60 minsWhos it for: The caves are a great add-on to a day trip to the area. I personally really like visiting for sunset, as the views and light is gorgeous. I think they will be most appreciated by those who love history and folklore, but are an enjoyable exploration for everyone, as long as youre happy getting your shoes muddy. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the route on HiiKER 11. CarrowkeelSomewhere that I usually refer to as being part of Roscommon, the Carrowkeel megalithic complex of tombs is actually on the Sligo side of the border, and offer great views of the surrounding hills, lakes and farmland. The valley is sharply U-shaped, offering surprisingly hilly-feeling terrain for somewhere less than 300m tall. Distance: 5km Format: out and back Time: 1 - 2 hrs Whos this for: History and archeology fans will find the many tombs spread across the two hilltops incredible - while walkers will appreciate the uniqueness of the valley and the wild boggy hillsides. By following the Miners Way signage (mentioned more below), you can explore a bit more of the surrounding area. read the Miners Way write-up here | watch the video | Read more on the Sligo Walks website 12. Lough Talt LoopNestled in the Ox Mountains, the Lough Talt Loop channels the desolateness of the west of Ireland. Taking in grassy lakeside paths, old roads, and gravel forest trails, there is a lot of variety on this newly developed trail. Distance: 8km round tripElevation gain: 100mFormat: loopedTime: 2 - 3 hoursWho is this for: a quiet corner of the north-west, this trail is for those looking for some solitude. The trail is a long-feeling 8km, so its not a short wander. read the full write-up here | watch the video | read more on the Sligo Walks website 13. Knocknarea Knocknarea is one of Sligos most iconic peaks. Sitting on the south-west corner of the bay containing Sligo Town, this hill is small but mighty. While there have been walking routes around and across Knocknarea for years, it was in 2015 when the current trails were put in place. The route is now known as Queen Maeves Trail; named after the legend that the huge cairn and tomb on the summit of the hill is her resting place. Distance: 8km Format: LoopedTime: 2 - 3hrs Whos it for: Ive walked and run this route several times since moving to the North-West of Ireland, and its still one of my favourite spots to go for a couple of hours of energetic walking. Depending on how challenging an outing youd like, you can pick different car parks and trailsread the full write-up here | watch the video 14. Truskmore Truskmore is the County High Point of Sligo and Leitrim, and is the highest point in the Dartry Mountains. This lovely peak is part of the same plateau range that is home to the more famous mountain, Benbulben - which will hopefully conjure up the right mental image of cliffs and dramatic sweeping landscapes that this small mountain is nestled within. Distance: 10kmDifficulty: Easy - ModerateIf you follow the mast road up to the summit of Truskmore, it is an easy route.If you follow the route that we describe, it is a moderate hike. The trail up onto the plateau is distinct, however once up onto the main plateau, there is no trail to follow, and involves some bog navigating. Learn more about trail and hillwalking grading here.Whos it for: if not using the mast road, then this is a hike and requires some hill experience and knowledge of how to use a map. The Dartrys are stunning hills, and are less travelled than many other ranges in Ireland, so there are few worn paths linking summits and access points (like you might find in Wicklow). Our chosen route for this hike was to start at the Eagle's Rock viewing area car park, and follow the old miners zig-zagging trail up onto the mountain plateau. From there, we followed the stone wall towards the towering mast station that sits atop Truskmore itself.Please Note: this area (the Glenade valley) has had on-going access issues. At the time of hiking, to the best of our knowledge access to Truskmore via this route was accessible. This may not always be the case, and its important to check beforehand. There is currently no recognised access route to the dramatic free-standing rock pillar, Timpaun Mr. read the full write-up here | watch the video Long Distance Walks 15. Sligo WayThe Sligo Way is a trail that will take you through the lowland forests of poets, winding up to windy hillsides and desolate lake shores. It passes through many of the forests that I mentioned above - such as Slish Wood, Union Wood, and Lough Talt Loop. Distance: 75kmFormat: Linear trail from Dromahair - Lough TaltTime: 3 Days Who is this route for: a walker looking to experience the inland hills of Sligo, away from the busier areas. There are few resources (like shops and accommodation) located directly on the trail, and so will require some pre-planning. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER 16. Miners Way & Historical Trail A real hidden gem of the north-west, the Miners Way takes in the counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. Again, it takes in one or two of the places mentioned above (Carrowkeel), as well as showing off other incredible spots that Ive not singled out here. Distance: 120+kmFormat: A strange figure-eight shaped trail, lends itself to choose your own adventure when planning how far you want to go. Time: 1 weekWhos it for: someone looking to find the hidden forests, unseen lakes, and generally under appreciated midlands of Ireland. There are no lofty peaks along this long distance route, but there are plenty of wild places nonetheless. read the full write-up here | watch the video | find the GPX on HiiKER And so ends my list of great walks and hikes all around Sligo. For more inspiration and information, check out the Sligo Walks website.Find an overview of trails by county all over the country here.

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