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Coastal and Island Walks
Coastal and Island Walks
With its unspoilt landscapes, stunning scenery and breath-taking views, exploring the west coast of Ireland is a truly magical experience. Walking is one of the best ways to appreciate its natural beauty as you are able to soak up your magnificent surroundings in a peaceful, enjoyable and memorable way. The west of Ireland, home to the Wild Atlantic Way, boasts an incredible array of coastal and island walks, ranging from routes that last an hour to ones that will take care of half the day. The following selections of trails are well sign-posted and what’s more, they start and finish in the same place.
Children of Lir Loop, Co Mayo
This 10k, walking trail starts in Carrowteige Village, Co Mayo and is of moderate difficulty. The fantastic route should take approximately between 2-2.5 hours to complete and will lead you through a range of terrains, including laneways, grassy tracks and bog roads. This loop walk even ties in a visit to the Children of Lir monument and stunning views are guaranteed when you reach the cliff top at Alt Breac.
Where to Stay: B&Bs in Mayo
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Cloonamore Loop, Co Galway
Inisbofin is a small, stunning island off the coast of Connemara, Co Galway and offers 3 fantastic looped walks. Each walk is of moderate difficulty, 5km in length and should take between 2-3 hours to complete. The walks follow minor roads, laneways, bog roads and green roads and are an excellent way to explore the island’s natural beauty. Along the way, you will get the opportunity to see the ancient ruins of the 14th century
St Colman’s Church.
Where to Stay: B&Bs in Galway
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Black Head Loop, Co Clare
The Black Head Loop in Fanore, Co Clare is 26km in length and is rated hard for walking difficulty. It takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and incorporates a wide array of terrains such as, green laneways, walking tracks and mountain paths. This trail cannot be faulted for its beauty as it leads you through the Gleninagh Pass, and into Feenagh Valley along the shoulder of Cappanwalla mountain, providing some
glorious views along the way.
Where to Stay: B&Bs in Clare
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Bolus Head Loop, Co Kerry
This moderately difficult loop walk can be found in Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry and is 10km in length. Taking approximately 2.5-3 hours to complete, the route leads you along minor roadways, mountain paths and green tracks. Highlights of this walk include the breath-taking views of the Skellig Rocks and the ruins of a military barracks and lookout post. You will reach heights of up to 280m along this trail, so expect some stunning,
panoramic viewpoints along the way.
Where to Stay: B&Bs in Kerry
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Gleann Loop, Co Cork
This 7km looped walk around the magnificent Cape Clear Island in Cork cannot be missed. It is of moderate difficulty and will take approximately 2-2.5 hours to complete. It is a wonderful chance to explore the coastal paths and green tracks, while soaking up the gorgeous ocean views in tranquil surroundings. The South Harbour and the Fastnet Rock are just two of the spectacular views you will be treated to along the trail.
Where to Stay: B&Bs in Cork
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Fanore Beach Image by: Raymond Fogarty
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