
PICTURE:
APRIL 12 2023
No better time than spring to head out on a cliff walk or a nature trail!
Save this weekend's Free-kend Map and download the PDF here for the full list of free outdoor activities in Ireland 🥾🌳
Murlough Bay Nature Trail (Antrim)
The Murlough Bay Nature trail is a coastal walk that presents a few steep points, but that will bring you through dunes, hills and stunning beach views. Grab your backpack and be ready for a quiet, scenic trail!
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.4km
- Start point: Murlough Road car park
The Ballyhoura Attychraan Loop (Clare)
A walk along riverbanks and country roads, with a gorgeous landscape of mountains and legends: this is the Ballyhoura Attychraan Loop in Clare, which crosses the Funshion and Attychraan rivers. Be particularly careful in the case of rainfall, but be ready to enjoy a nice walk out in nature!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 5kms / 1.5 to 2 hours
- Start point: Galtee Woods car park
The Ballycotton Cliff Walk (Cork)
The Ballycotton Cliff Walk offers two different trails, a shorter and a longer one. You will be able to enjoy the view of the namesake lighthouse in both cases, but the shorter trail will allow you to avoid any roads.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 7km/2.5 hours
- Start point: The cliff walk car park
The Tollymore Forest Trails (Down)
Tollymore Forest, Northern Ireland’s first state forest park, is located close to the Mourne Mountains and is the perfect pick for begginer and expert trekkers alike. If you're looking for a day out in nature, this is the perfect place for you.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Length: 0.7km to 13.6km
- Start point: Tollymore Forest Park car park
The Howth Cliff Walk (Dublin)
You have surely heard of the Howth Cliff Walk, as this trail is one of the most popular in Dublin due to its scenic views and coastal landscape. Among the many available trails, the Bog of Frogs Purple Route is the longest and most difficult one - but there's no lack of easier walks, either!
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Length: 6km to 12km
- Start point: Howth Village / summit car park
Mountbellew Forest (Galway)
The Mountbellew Forest in Galway offers a 3.9-km loop trail, suitable for all trekkers. If you're a fan of bird watching, hiking or running, this is a perfect choice for a day out in nature.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 3.9km
- Duration: 57 minutes
Rossbeigh Hill Loop Walk (Kerry)
The Rossbeigh Hill Loop is a naturalistic walk that will bring you through woods, dunes, mountains and gorgeous landscapes along the Ring of Kerry. This trail is most suitable for expert walkers.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Length: 10km
- Start point: Rossbeigh Beach Car Park
Brittas Lake (Laois)
For water lovers, the Brittas Lake in Laois offers one of the quietest and easiest lake loops - the perfect choice for families and kids, too. And if you like a bit of a challenge, you can try out the Clonaslee Trail!
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Length: 6km
- Start point: Brittas Forest Entrance
Clogherhead Cliff Walk (Louth)
Park your car near the Clogherhead harbour and follow the namesake cliff walk for a stunning view of the Mourne Mountains. You will end up at the beach after quite a muddy trail, especially after rainfall, so make sure you bring good walking shoes!
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 7.5km
- Start point: Clogherhead Harbour car park
Ness Waterfall (Londonderry)
Near the Ness Waterfall in Londonderry, you'll be able to enjoy a 3.7km loop, suitable for all trekkers. With little more than one hour, you will have the chance to explore a peaceful, naturalistic walk.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 3.7km
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
The Benbulben Forest Walk (Sligo)
If you are looking for a mostly flat, clear walk, the Benbulben Forest trail in Sligo is the perfect pick for you. With its own car park, it's a moderate-difficulty route surrounded by nature and trees, enjoyable any time of the year.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 5.5 km / 1.5 – 2 hours
- Start point: Benbulben Forest Walk car park
Giant's Grave (Offaly)
The Giant's Grave is a 10.9km loop trail located near Letter, in County Offaly. The route is a long but easy one and it is suitable for all kinds of walking, including hiking and running. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, but you can check out the rest of this Free-kend Map for puppy-friendly nature walks!
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 10.9km
- Duration: 3 hours 18 minutes
Marble Arch Caves (Fermanagh)
The Marble Arch Caves trail is located in Fermanagh, near Enniskillen. It's an easy route suitable for walkers with any level of experience, offering both busy and peaceful stretches. And if you're in for a bit of exploring, you will also have the chance to visit the namesake caves!
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4km
- Duration: 1 hour 11 minutes
Dun Ui Faolain Loop (Tipperary)
The Dun Ui Faolain Loop is located within Glenbawn Wood, a Coillte-owned forest near Clonmel. The forest itself offers 3 different trails, and this is the longest one of the bunch. Running along riverbanks and woodland stretches, this walk is mostly flat and is suitable to trekkers with a moderate degree of experience.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 5km
- Duration: 2 hours
Pomeroy Forest Circular (Tyrone)
If you find yourself near Dungannon, you can enjoy a quiet walk at the Pomeroy Forest Circular. Renowned as an easy route, it will give you the chance to indulge in your favourite kind of trekking, whether it's running or walking.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 4km
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
The Ardmore Cliff Walk (Waterford)
The Ardmore Cliff Walk will bring you on a breathtaking coastal route. This easy trail will give the chance to walkers with all levels of experience to witness the beautiful seaside and cliff landscape without too much of an effort. Just be mindful of the wind!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 4km
- Start point: Cliff House Hotel
Portlick Millennium Forest Castle (Westmeath)
The Portlick Millennium Forest Castle Walk is a loop trail loved by bird watchers, hikers and runners alike. Enjoyable all year, it also allows dogs and pets on its premises, with some dedicated off-leash areas.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 5.8km
- Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes
The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk (Wicklow)
The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk will bring you on a gravel route along one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes. Bring a pair of good shoes, be mindful of the wind, and enjoy the views of this gorgeous trail!
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 7kms
- Start point: Bray or Greystones