Lush golden beaches, the driest climate in Ireland and an unspoiled countryside is what sets the South East of Ireland apart when it comes to planning a days hiking or biking. The beaches of the Waterford and Wexford offer great biking trails, if the sand stays compact enough, but can become rather crowded in the summer months.
The Southeast of Ireland is awash with a great selection of walking and hiking trails. A mixture of coastal walks, mountain & parkland hikes and some of Ireland's most breathtaking scenery makes the Southeast a walker's paradise.
The jewel in the crown of Ireland's highest inland mountain range (The Galtees), Galtymore is one of very few Irish peaks to enjoy Munro status, standing at 919m. Various approaches from the south offer benign routes to the satisfying views over the Glen of Aherlow from the summit. But connoisseurs and experienced walkers may enjoy the more challenging ascent from the north via Cush, Borheen Lough and Galtybeg. At 766m, Slievecushnabinnia offers another rewarding vantage point and also provides the most obvious way back for those returning to the north. Both altitude and topography dictate that this is not an area to go walking in poor visibility or high winds.
Starting at the Lake Muskry Trail Head, the ascent to Greenane West leads you past the tranquillity of Lough Muskry where a short break with a flask of Irish tea is sure to please. From the summit, head for Greenane and then Farbreaga before your final descent back towards the carpark. At about 8 miles, this enjoyable loop will take around five hours and is recommended for experienced walkers with competent map-reading skills. Be warned that this is not an area to go walking in poor visibility or high winds.
The Knockmealdown Mountains mark the border of counties Tipperary and Waterford. Of the 15 distinct peaks within the range, Knockmealdown stands the tallest at 794m. It also features the region's only glacial corrie. The most obvious loop walks start in the north and connect Crohan West, Knockmeal, Knocknafillia, Knocknagnauv and Knockmealdown. The initial ascent or final descent present themselves as a choice between Knockshane and Surloaf Hill. A loop like this would represent a challenging seven-hour hike for most experienced hikers.
Nire Valley Carpark is conveniently located to serve as a start/finish point for various loop walks in the Comeragh Mountains, famed for their distinctive glacial corries or 'coums'. Perhaps the most obvious circuit links Coumfea to Coumtay, Curraghduff, Coumlara and Coumlarthar before a descent via The Gap. At just over nine miles, a loop like this would take most experienced hikers around six hours.
A journey which circumnavigates what is perhaps Ireland's most beautiful glacial lough. Begin at Coumshingaun Lough Car Park on an ascent which will involve some rocky scrambling which should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Head for the Coumshingaun Lough Trailhead before ascending toward Fauscoum along the narrow southern ridge. The classic circuit route requires no explanation as you follow the ridgeline all the way around the Lough below. A detour to the summit of Fauscoum is a popular option.
From the greenway trails in Waterford and Kilkenny to the woodland and parkland trails dotted throughout the region, the Southeast of Ireland offers the perfect day out for families of all ages.
At the southern end of Curracloe beach, you will find Raven Wood - a charming evergreen forest bisected by a 2.5-mile track. Enjoy a family cycle here before going for a walk in the dunes at Raven Point or going along the coast to Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.
Covering 252 hectares (623 acres) on the southern slopes and summit of Slievecoiltia, the JFK Memorial Arboretum contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world, studiously grouped into 200 forest plots and categorised by continent of origin.
Some of the nuances of this may be lost on those cycling at pace, so pause by the lake to take it all in. This pot is a haven for water fowl and a great place to catch your breath over a picnic.
A number of routes following the path of the River Noew as it makes its way through Kilkenny. There are many options to choose from here, with something to suit all abilities. There are even cycle tours of the city for those who want to find out more about Kilkenny itself. Cycle hire is available from the same place.
St Mullins offers the concluding and most scenic stretch of the River Barrow Walkway, a 70-mile riverside path that runs from Athy to St Mullins via Carlow and Bagenalstown. As this path is right on the water's edge, this is not a route for families with small children. For everyone else, a lovely day's cycling can be had by heading north along the towpath from St Mullins.
Ideal for kids of all ages, the Waterford Greenway is hugely popular. The 20km stretch from Dungarvan to Kilmacthomas is perhaps the most enjoyable, featuring a long tunnel and several impressive viaducts. Cycle hire is available at the start of this stretch here.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
