Walk Away the Blues in the Emerald Isle

Oct. 17, 2009 — -- Ireland's gorgeous landscape and mild year-round temperatures make it the perfect location for a hike or stroll. The quiet country roads of Ireland are perfect for casual walkers, while the mountains and forests provide great trails for extreme hikers.

There are many established routes and trails throughout the country. You can take a guided walk through the beautiful Killarney Valley in Kerry, a looped walk through the woodland trails of the Walled Garden Loop in Co. Kilkenny or a strenuous climb up the Wicklow Mountains.

Gallery/ Scenic walks in Ireland / Click here

Ireland also hosts numerous walking festivals. For example, Castlebar in Co. Mayo hosts its International Four Days' Walking Festival in July for walking clubs and individuals. The festival is all about walking, talking, rambling, music and fun.

The Mourne International Walking Festival, based in the pretty seaside town of Warrenpoint, Co. Down, takes place every June. Walkers gather from all over the world for scenic mountain rambles and ambitious mountain hikes in this picturesque area of the North.

From the mountains and glens to the loughs and canals, there's a host of outdoor options for ramblers to choose from. Here are your choices:

Looped walks, or circular walking routes, can go anywhere in Ireland; along the coast, through mountains and across bogs and moorlands.

This type of walk is perfect for the visitor who doesn't have time for a designated walking holiday, but still wants to stroll and take in the scenery.

There is a wide variety of looped walks including coastal, island, mountain and hill, bog and moorlands, historical and archaeological one-day circuits suitable for both serious and leisurely walkers.

Ranging from 3 miles to 10 miles, these walks focus on areas of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance.

To find a specific loop walk, click here.

There are a number of Irish specialist walking operators who can arrange your vacation, if you'd prefer to travel down that route (ha-ha).

As with cycling, going with a guide has lots of perks, particularly as it means you get the benefit of someone else's expertise as you are walking.

You simply need to get up each day and walk with your knapsack. And if you can't get out of bed the morning after a famous Irish pub session, you can take a lift to your next night's accommodation with your luggage.

If flat land walking is too boring for you, not to worry; Ireland offers some challenging peaks and hills for you to climb.

Irish mountains may be a bit low compared to many of the world's towering peaks, but some still present a hardcore challenge.

Note: Some climbing experience or a guide is necessary as marked trails are few and far between, and when the mist and fog swirls in, navigation can get seriously tough.

And to the experienced climber, the rough terrain and the unpredictable weather all combine to make the perfect climb.

To find any type of Irish walk, click here.