Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Want to head outdoors this weekend? Here are some hiking and biking trails

Explore the great outdoors this Easter.

MANY PEOPLE WILL be enjoying an extra day or two off work for the Easter bank holiday so we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for those looking to explore the great outdoors.

Coillte has mapped out forest parks and recreational sites people of all ages can enjoy in locations across the country.

coillte Coillte Coillte

The organisation runs 12 forest parks – covering Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Galway, Kildare, Wicklow, Limerick and Cork  – and a number of recreational sites and trails for walkers and cyclists. A county-by-county breakdown can be found here.

shutterstock_234753322 Shutterstock / inigocia Shutterstock / inigocia / inigocia

Coillte also runs mountain bike trail centres in Co Wicklow, Co Limerick, Co Galway and Co Dublin.

Walking and Hiking

In terms of walking, the Pilgrim Paths Easter festival is ongoing until Tuesday, 29 March.

Local guides will lead walking events on medieval trails throughout the country.

PilgrimPaths

John G O’Dwyer, chair of Pilgrim Paths Ireland, said: “National Pilgrim Paths Week was created to raise awareness and use of Ireland’s historic pilgrim routes.

“The event is targeted not only at those who enjoy exploring and learning more about the intriguing history of Ireland’s ancient tracks, but also the growing number of people seeking to escape the daily grind of life and take some time out for reflection while enjoying the great outdoors.”

12768372_1709395229302379_679800276135862417_o Facebook Facebook

Westport’s 8th annual Easter Walking Festival Weekend is also taking place in the Mayo and Connemara mountains. Gerry Greensmyth of Croagh Patrick Walking Tours will guide walkers up Mweelrea mountain – the highest peak in the province – on Saturday, and Leenane Mountain on Sunday.

Would you recommend any other outdoor trails or events happening this weekend? Let us know in the comments.

Hopefully the weather will play ball.

*crosses fingers*

Read: Have you heard of the app which helps you fix and maintain your bike?

Read: 7 advantages of training in a small group in the gym

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
10 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerald Kelleher
    Favourite Gerald Kelleher
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 10:24 AM

    Even people in ancient societies, Christian or otherwise, had to periodically take time out so as not to develop rut thinking which makes life stale. It is not necessarily for everyone but places like Lough Derg with its mild form of physical challenges does break a person down and perhaps spark a person out of apathy or some issue that has taken up a lost of their time.

    Going for a long walk does make a difference as the person comes back from a walk is not often the same person who began it as it does clear the head but such is one side spirituality even if society forgot it.

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean O Sullivan
    Favourite Sean O Sullivan
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 8:47 AM

    I wouldn’t walk these paths in case people mistake me for a religious person

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Honeybadger197
    Favourite Honeybadger197
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 8:49 AM

    @Sean O Sullivan: A slayer t-shirt & a witchdoctors rattle will sort that. The views on the Kerry walk are incredible.

    102
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Greg Kelly
    Favourite Greg Kelly
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 9:10 AM

    @Sean O Sullivan: or people might notice the massive chip on your shoulder about religion . Ffs! Who gives a sh!t

    180
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean O Sullivan
    Favourite Sean O Sullivan
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 12:42 PM

    @lochinvar56: ooh have i upset some religitards

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Redmond
    Favourite Pat Redmond
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 10:08 AM

    Cars are constantly being broken into at Wicklow car parks. The councils need to put in parking attendants. Motorists would happily pay.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Knight
    Favourite Michael Knight
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 10:22 AM

    Pilgrimage to the pub on Good Friday, get in!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute WoodlandBard
    Favourite WoodlandBard
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 1:59 PM

    Pilgrim’s Path to and over Slieve League, in Donegal, not listed here, including the One Man Pass, is my favourite, but I do not have the head for One Man Pass myself. Still beautiful and quite a walk before that pass anyway. Surprised there is not a more established walk around Gartan and Doon Rock as a Columcille Pilgrimage in Donegal … but the 15 station Columcille Pilgrimage walk at Glencolomcille should be listed, very popular. Takes over 3 hours to complete, so not a multi day walk … though could be if Gartan was included.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jean Swift
    Favourite Jean Swift
    Report
    Mar 18th 2018, 7:42 PM

    You just never know what you will experience when you start on a pilgrim path but it will change you in ways that you may not expect. I have walked the Camino twice, the first time in 1992 starting in St Jean Pied le Port. I was alone at a time when the number of pilgrims were few and very far between. The most valuable experience for me was that despite many obstacles I found the courage to achieve my goal and secondly it is vital that you take one day at a time, do not look forward, do not give in to the temptation to envisage how little you have done and how far you still have to travel. Keep a diary. Thanks to the experience I now know that when things are tough I will with patience and staying power get through.

    8
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds