When you think of visiting Ireland, going for walks might not be at the top of your list. But there are many beautiful and scenic walks in Ireland that allow you to truly appreciate the landscape.
Here are some of my favorite walking tracks in Ireland’s Mid West.
The best walks in Ireland’s Mid West
With its beautiful landscapes, taking walks in Ireland is enjoyable and as fun way a way to spend a day as you can get. Since moving to Ireland, we have tried to dig out a few of the best walks in our local area in the mid to west of the country and especially the Roscommon area.
Below are some of the best walking tracks from these areas that are certainly worth getting stuck into.
Suck Valley Way
Situated and running through the whole of County Roscommon lies the Suck Valley way, a walk that goes for a mammoth 105 km loop and also joins and forms part of the famous Breifne Beara Way.
The walk takes in all sorts of changing terrains, through rugged woodlands, riverbanks and wild large farmland.
Along the way there is so much to see, a favourite spot of ours is winding through the Demense at Castlerea which runs along the river bank through woodlands, and then leading out to the dense forest which brings you to the grounds of the amazing Clonalis House.
Miners Way Walk
The Miners Way walk has its own history as it is part of the once operational coal mine of Arigna. The walk is a network of walking paths which meander through the counties of Leitrim, Roscommon & Sligo. The route follows many of the paths that would have been used by the Miners going to work in the Arigna Coal Mines back many years ago.
The walk in total is 118 km of pathways, with a rating of easy to moderate with well maintained tracks.
Mote Park
Mote Park, situated 5 minute drive outside the town of Roscommon. A stunning spot for the family to come with many a walking track, forest, fairy garden track and the perfect picnic spot. It offers easy walking conditions as its all pathed.
All in all the walking tracks loop makes up an 11km track, all very similar terrain with good and easy walking conditions.
The fairy garden is great for the kids, with a wide selection of little houses and hanging surprises, enough to keep them entertained for the whole walk.
In late summer, the bluebell walkway is so beautiful with the blossoming bluebells giving off such a vibrant colour.
The Famine Walk
The famine way walk, starting at Strokestown House and continuing a mammoth 165 km to the Dublin Quay.
The walk is a tribute to those 1490 men, women and children who made the walk during the Irish famine in 1847, walking all that way with the target of reaching Liverpool in England with a final destination of New York the main aim.
The walk is mainly flat and well pathed and is best taken in sections due to the length of it. The first stage keeps you in the county of Roscommon Strokestown to Tarmonbarry.
Pro Tip: stop off here for some lunch at the Purple Onion, highly recommended.
Be prepared when going for walks in Ireland
The weather in the west of Ireland is fairly unforgiving, so being prepared is key. Waterproofs and good footwear is important as Ireland can often see four seasons in one day. Also planning ahead for weather is very important as low lying fog is often common, especially in higher areas and the chances of getting disorientated is very possible.
With some of the longer walks, bring foods and liquids. Remember that you’re out in the countryside and there can be stretches of just seeing land and more land, so being ready when you need an energy boost is important.
