Hike Across Ireland?

[John Hussey]

It is not so Camino related but I have been wondering if there might be a hiking trail across Ireland? I vaguely recall hearing of one across the UK. There are a number of them in the USA and, we are all aware of those in Spain. Anyway, I have been watching public television of late and enjoying the Irish folk music and those wonderful scenes they show of the Emerald Isle has me wanting to see more, especially the wild coast. So, does anyone have any idea where I might find some info on hiking trails in Ireland?

[cairde]

H?la John,
The good news is that there are many walking trails across Ireland both north and south, especially along the eastern and more rugged western seaboards of the island (my own favourite areas being those in West Cork, Kerry Galway and Mayo).
I am not sure what type of walk you have in mind.....is it one where you want to head off alone?.... in a group?.... have your gear brought forward each evening?....type of accommodation?
There are an extensive range of books available on all walks, but some which may be useful for you to get started are:

1. Walking in Ireland by Sandra Bardwell, Helen Fairbairn, and Gareth McCormack;
2. Best Walks in Ireland (Best Walks Guides) by David Marshall;
3. The Independent Walker's Guide to Ireland (The Independent Walker Series) by Frank Booth;
4. The Irish Coast to Coast Walk (Walking UK & Ireland) by Paddy Dillon;
5. Northern Ireland: A Walking Guide by Helen Fairbairn

If they can't be sourced in your local bookstore, the chances are that you may be able to pick them up on Amazon.

Also some useful sites that you could look at that might give you a feel for the type of walks, facilities, etc. available to walkers in the Emerald Isle are:

http://www.southwestwalksireland.com/
http://www.discoverireland.com/ire/

In terms of available maps, have a look at the Discovery Series of 89 maps, issued by the Ordnance Survey Ireland, covering the entire island, at a scale of 1:50,000. The maps contain enough information to cater for all walkers' needs, with both on and off routes being everywhere clearly marked.

Hope this info is of some help and C?ad M?le F?ilte

[John Hussey]

H?la John,
The good news is that there are many walking trails across Ireland both north and south, especially along the eastern and more rugged western seaboards of the island (my own favourite areas being those in West Cork, Kerry Galway and Mayo).
I am not sure what type of walk you have in mind.....is it one where you want to head off alone?.... in a group?.... have your gear brought forward each evening?....type of accommodation?
There are an extensive range of books available on all walks, but some which may be useful for you to get started are:

1. Walking in Ireland by Sandra Bardwell, Helen Fairbairn, and Gareth McCormack;
2. Best Walks in Ireland (Best Walks Guides) by David Marshall;
3. The Independent Walker's Guide to Ireland (The Independent Walker Series) by Frank Booth;
4. The Irish Coast to Coast Walk (Walking UK & Ireland) by Paddy Dillon;
5. Northern Ireland: A Walking Guide by Helen Fairbairn

If they can't be sourced in your local bookstore, the chances are that you may be able to pick them up on Amazon.

Also some useful sites that you could look at that might give you a feel for the type of walks, facilities, etc. available to walkers in the Emerald Isle are:

http://www.southwestwalksireland.com/
http://www.discoverireland.com/ire/

In terms of available maps, have a look at the Discovery Series of 89 maps, issued by the Ordnance Survey Ireland, covering the entire island, at a scale of 1:50,000. The maps contain enough information to cater for all walkers' needs, with both on and off routes being everywhere clearly marked.

Hope this info is of some help and C?ad M?le F?ilte

Thank you so much for your reply.

I don't believe I wish much to walk as part of an established group or in some 'vehicle supported' manner. I truly wish to see the island and walking across it would be a great way to do so. I would carry a backpack and all essentials and resupply in towns along the way. I am particularly interested in the SW coast, specifically County Kerry.

Originally I had hoped to find some long trail stretching the length of the Island, much as the Appalachian, Continental Divide, or the Pacific Coast Trail does in the US, or the numerous Caminos in Spain but was unable to find one. So, it would appear that my best compromise would be to combine a few of the already established trails into a 'longish' one, which just might prove to be quite interesting in itself.. I am considering it.

I will look into your suggestions.
Thank you

Go n-?ir? an b?thar leat
Go raibh an ghaoth go br?ch ag do ch?l
Go lonra? an ghrian go te ar d'aghaidh
Go dtite an bh?isteach go m?n ar do ph?irceanna
Agus go mbuailimid le ch?ile ar?s,
Go gcoinn? Dia i mbos A l?imhe th?.