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    Why You Should Hike in Ireland

    7 min read

    Author: Dawn Rainbolt, PR Manager
    More by Dawn

    Top 5 Reasons

    Not everyone is keen to head out the door for a long walk or hike – and not everyone defines ‘a long walk’ the same way.

    Below are five reasons why you should hike in Ireland. Don’t be scared – it’s time to strap on a sturdy pair of boots and start mucking through the Irish countryside!

    1 | You'll experience life slower

    So you may ask, why hike in Ireland? Well, in this modern age, we’re often very demanding when it comes to wanting things now. But is this addiction to immediacy and instant gratification healthy?

    Slowing down your travel pace by choosing to hike in Ireland (instead of driving) will give you more time to get to know the Irish landscape, connect with the locals, learn local traditions and soak in the beauty of the Emerald Island. Zipping through Ireland in a car doesn’t give you the same interaction with the country the way walking does!

    2 | Your experiences will be more meaningful

    Walking is tough; there’s no hiding that. And yet – the harder something is, the more we appreciate accomplishing it. So, this challenge is all the more reason why you should hike in Ireland!

    The challenge of hiking through Ireland will increase your appreciation of Ireland because you know that if it had been easy, you’d feel little sense of accomplishment.

    Valentia Island, Ireland hiking

    3 | You’ll get to see places others may never see or even know exist

    Even when visiting natural places like parks, many people never venture beyond a few hundred yards from the road. Thus, most miss out on memorable adventures.

    So, leave the car behind and tackle the trails that are only accessible by foot, bike or other human-powered means. If you take to the trails, you’ll be privy to a whole other world that car-dependant travellers will miss. And chances are, you’ll have it all to yourself.

     

    4 | You’ll feel connected to the island – and the people who call Ireland home

    For much of history, walking is how the Irish travelled their own country. Discover tiny villages, forgotten castles, abandoned stone cottages, Neolithic ruins and impressive Cairns dotting the Irish hills. Delve into Ireland’s wilderness and connect with Ireland’s rich and expansive cultural history:  St Patrick, the giant Finn McCool, the Hag of Beara and more!

    As you walk across the rugged landscapes, follow in the footsteps of this ancient country’s ancestors. Arriving at each mountain’s summit, enjoy the same view once appreciated by the people who built the nearby ruins. Take a moment to try to understand what life was like for the Irish people once living here.

    Hikers on Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

    5 | You’ll experience Ireland the way it was meant to be

    Ireland has always been a rugged, magical place. And while it has many interesting towns and cities such as Dublin, Limerick, Cork, and Galway, the true spirit of Ireland resides in its wilderness – which is why you should hike in Ireland.

    By walking in the wild, you’ll be able to experience Ireland’s true nature – its wild side. However, this isn’t to say that Irish towns aren’t worth a visit! There are many quaint towns rich in history, culture, music, food, and of course pubs that are well worth your visit!

    Find Your Next Adventure

    Are you ready to trade in your shiny work shoes for a pair of sturdy hiking boots? We are too. Check out some of our hiking trips throughout Ireland.

    Meet the Author: Dawn Rainbolt

    American by birth but European in spirit, Dawn has called the US, Costa Rica, Spain, England, Poland, France and now Ireland home over the years. While she has travelled to more than 30 countries, she has fallen in love with the rich Irish culture and sweeping landscapes of Ireland. Armed with a Masters Degree in Tourism Marketing and a love of writing and photography, she has been a part of Wilderness Ireland's marketing team since 2017.

    View profile More by Dawn

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