Our Walking Bucket List

Myself and Ciaran have recently got into walking, we always did walk mind you but it’s more mindful walking as it’s definitely part of Ciaran’s overall recovery. It’s been such an enjoyable part of the day and definitely a time we look forward to – phones down, great chats, fresh air!! If you follow me on instagram you will see we made the trip to Howth this weekend and did 5000 steps of the Cliff Walk. Howth has always been one of our favourite spots to walk, I grew up not too far away so it’s part of going home for me. It was so beautiful and with the weekend coming to a close I can confirm it was my favourite part of the weekend.

While on the walk we were both struck with how many people were out and about walking – tourists and locals alike and of all ages – some even had all the gear on, walking poles… the works (on reflection denim shorts and freshly washed white converse were not ideal attire, so maybe think about that)!! As we will not be in a position to travel out of the country for quite some time we have talked about staycations over the next few weeks but the walk made us think…. this is just one walk that’s our favourite… how many other walks like this exist in Ireland. I put the question out to you guys and we got some really great suggestions and so our Walking Bucket List was born. Here is the list you guys help me build of 10 walks myself and Ciaran would like to do before the new year. I have included distance in time so you will get an idea of how long it should / could take. We have 18 weekends left until 2020 so I’m determined to complete this and have a great time along the way;

Howth Cliff Walk – slightly cheating here because technically we did this walk already but I had to include it for any of you that have not ventured out to this side of Dublin! Its breathtakingly beautiful and the views are out of this world – Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Dublin Bay and a chunk of the Wicklow Mountains. If you are a really annoying person to walk with like me you will find yourself stopping and saying to anyone within earshot “isn’t this fabulous”. I wouldn’t consider it a tough walk – I did wear converse!! Some parts can be a little scary if you are afraid of heights and if you are afraid of bees and wasps maybe hold off a few weeks because let me tell you swotting a bee away at the side of a cliff is dangerous!!! We only did 5000 steps this time but the walk can range from 6 – 8 Kilometres. Treat yourself to fish and chips down at the pier after.

County: Dublin – Distance 1 – 3 hours

Ardmore Cliff Walk – this has inspired our next staycation as we are heading to The Cliff House Hotel this week and we are really looking forward to this walk. So many of you suggested it. From my research it’s a loop and only about an hour so that is perfect for us and it starts and ends at the hotel!!! It’s more cliff-top paths so I’ll be sure to plan my walking attire when packing my bag 😉 Apparently on the walk you see Ardmore Round Tower (one of the best preserved in Ireland), a 12th Century Cathedral and a lookout post to view the stunning coastal scenery. I’ll keep you posted on Instagram and share a little of the walk this week 🙂

County: Waterford – Distance 1 hour

Cliffs of Moher – because this is a really honest place I’m just going to blurt it out now – I’m Denise and I’m 34 I’m, Irish, living in Ireland and I’ve never been to the Cliffs of Moher!!! I know!!! I’m really looking forward to this one. When researching I found out that the cliffs were actually winner of Ireland’s Top Tourist Attraction 2019. They are situated in County Clare along the wild Atlantic Way – another thing I’ve never done ekkk. Apparently you need to visit and experience the cliffs to understand why it is Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction. The pictures look so beautiful.

County: Clare – Distance 1:30 – 6 hours

Cuilcagh – Boardwalk Trail – I’m not even joking when I say I had no idea this place even existed up until about 3 years ago when someone posted a pic on social media and I thought wow!! So many of you recommended this and looking at the pics I can understand why! The route meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, traversing over tracks, boardwalk and staircase. A steep climb is required to reach the viewing platform which provides breath taking views of the surrounding low lands. I thought this was an interesting fact –  It is the 170th highest peak on the island of Ireland, and Ireland’s only cross-border county top.

County: Cavan/Fermanagh – Distance 5 – 7 hours

Powerscourt Waterfall and Gardens – We love Wicklow it’s so close to home and they don’t call it the garden of Ireland for nothing. One of our fav hotels in Ireland is Powerscourt. Powerscourt house and gardens occupy 19 hectares!! The gardens are so looked after and loved. We usually do a small loop here no more than an hour and make our way to the waterfall its about 6km from the house so we usually drive (don’t judge us). Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m (398ft.). Bring a picnic and enjoy.

County: Wicklow – Distance 1 – 3 hours

Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk – Jeepers there is a lot of cliff walking going on here!!! Again this is a walk I’ve never done and I’s so glad you all reminded me of it and it’s now added to the list. This linear walk takes you from Bray to Greystones along a stunning coastal path. The path is well maintained – by the looks of pictures there is a fence :). You can return by DART to the start point (THANK GOD). Greystones has plenty to offer in terms of food – we will more than likely try The Happy Pear after this walk. 

County: Wicklow – Distance 2.5 hours

It looks like one of the more safer cliff walks to me 🙂

Ticknock – another walk on our doorstop we have never done!! This is one of Dublin’s most popular climbs!!! About 200 of you sent me in walks and every 4th or 5th was Ticknock!! You tell me the views over Dublin and the Irish Sea are stunning. Nestled in the hills just beyond Sandyford in south Dublin, you can drive to Ticknock from the city centre in around half an hour but by the looks of the walk even so close to Dublin you will feel like you’re lost in the wilderness.

County: Dublin – Distance 1.30 – 7 hours

Killkee Cliff Walk – GUYS another cliff walk (I’m laughing). From research it looks beautiful it is described as a scenic loop walk along the Kilkee Cliffs. This stunning walk starts from the unmissable natural swimming pools known as the Pollock Holes and passes places of interest, a natural amphitheatre carved into the cliff face by formed by the waves over thousands of years, a natural blow hole in the rock face known as the Puffing Hole and Intrinsic Bay, named after a ship which sank along with all 14 people on board in 1836.

County: Clare – Distance 2 – 7 hours

Kinsale Loop Walk – I was actually at a work event in the Old Head Golf Club a few years ago and it was breathtaking!! I am so excited to do this walk. This was another recommendation that came in quite a bit. This walk promises panoramic views of blue sea. Ruins from an ancient Celtic fort and a 17th century lighthouse are also visible on the trail. It’s listed as an easy walk but extremely beautiful. Must try and do this on a good day weather wise 🙂

County: Cork – Distance 1.30 hours

Causeway Coast Walking Route – Again embarrassed to say l’ve never done this!!! By taking this route we will take in two of Northern Ireland’s premier tourist attractions, the Giants Causeway and the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge. This walk is listed as ‘moderate’ and includes walking on various terrain including beaches, across rocks and along cliff top paths. I’m definitely going to build this into a bigger Northern Ireland plan. So much I want to do and see up there.

County Antrim – Distance 4 hours

Let me know if you recommend a walk in the suggestions below and we will start building our walking bucket list of 2020!! We live in such a beautiful country we should all really take advantage of what is on our doorstep and get out there. Let me know if you do any of these over the next few weeks and be sure to share any tips you pick up along the way.

Happy walking xox

10 Comments

  1. Katie Derham
    August 25, 2019 / 9:28 pm

    Killiney Hill, Bray head and Glendalough also all fab 😍

    • August 26, 2019 / 10:04 am

      Katie I had so many people mention Killiney!!! Another walk I have never done!! We will add this to the list.

  2. Dolores
    August 25, 2019 / 9:53 pm

    Girley ecobog co Meath is just amazing. I always feel better after doing it. There’s a loop of five km but you can do shorter if you need to. It’s different every time I go there.

    Stop in Athboy in cafe sabrosa for a bite to eat. You won’t get better.

    • August 26, 2019 / 10:03 am

      This sounds so fab <3 we really do have so many special walks in Ireland

  3. Teri
    August 25, 2019 / 10:31 pm

    Hi Denise, another suggestion for you in the neighbouring county of Meath. The walk up the Loughcrew Cairns is truly spectacular, it’s the oldest megalithic site in Ireland & on my doorstep, they’ve a lovely cafe & a friendly guide who’ll show you round, if you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can stay overnight in their beautiful, very comfortable yurts. They’re on Instagram. Another beside me, though more testing, is Mullaghmeen forest walk, my house sits at the foot of this highest mountain in Meath, it’s an uphill walk with a number of trails you can take according to your abilities… both of these just an hour down the M3. I drive to our business in Dublin daily from here, so it’s no big deal… good luck & hope to see you in my little corner of Ireland 🇮🇪 ps I’m from Glasnevin originally, chased a fella to here many moons ago… 😉🤗❤️

    • August 26, 2019 / 10:02 am

      Oh what a fab recommendation – we will def add this to the list for next year. I’m a Glasnevin blow in I’m originally from Baldoyle but I love it here xox

  4. Yvonne
    August 25, 2019 / 10:50 pm

    When you go to the cliffs in clare, it would be worth your while to drive a short bit down the road to moher cottage. Its a lovely little cafe & gift shop with the best views in co. Clare. There on insta give them a look. Enjoy

    • August 26, 2019 / 10:00 am

      Oh we will definitely check this out xox

  5. Dana McGothigan
    August 26, 2019 / 6:20 pm

    You should definitely do glenariffe forest in northern Ireland it’s just absolutely stunning and you get to see the waterfalls!! Also white park bay in northern Ireland!! Xx

    • August 31, 2019 / 3:23 pm

      OHHHH how fab will def check this out xx