Favourite Facts from a Irish Hiking Guide

Co Kerry’s Tom Crean, ‘The Arctic Explorer’ of Ireland, was a member of Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition in 1911–13 in a race to the South Pole (they lost to Amundsen and ended in the deaths of Scott and his polar party). Crean’s third and final Antarctic venture was the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition on Endurance led by Ernest Shackleton. It became stuck in ice and sank; Crean and three others travelled 800 nautical miles in an open boat from Elephant Island to South Georgia. On arrival, they undertook the first land crossing of the island, without maps or proper mountaineering equipment, to get aid, before returning to rescue his men, all of whom survived. Today, visit The South Pole Inn for a pint of Crean’s beer in while hiking in Dingle, both throwbacks to the famous explorer.

Hiking the Causeway Coastal Way Northern Ireland in search of Narnia

Belfast local CS Lewis was so enchanted and taken with Northern Ireland despite living most of his adult life in England that he based many of the magical lands in The Chronicles of Narnia off his native lands. In his words, “I have seen landscapes, notably in the Mourne Mountains and southwards which under a particular light made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge. I yearn to see County Down in the snow, one almost expects to see a march of dwarfs dashing past. How I long to break into a world where such things were true.” He is also said to have used Dunluce Castle, Co Antrim, when creating the royal palace of Cair Paravel, and Carlingford Lough as the Narnian countryside. Try to find the Narnia of CS Lewis’ imagination while hiking in Northern Ireland along the Causeway Coast.

Yep, Malin Head fits right into Star Wars!

Co Donegal, recognised by National Geographic Traveller as the Coolest Place on Earth, is also home to a galaxy far, far away. Many of the scenes depicting Luke Skywalker’s island hideout in 2017’s Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi were shot on the alien landscapes of Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point. And from here, you can see another form of royalty: Tory Island, home to the locally-elected King Patsy of Tory Island, an artist’s island heaven. All visitors are greeted by the king as they arrive off the ferry!

Hiking at Malin Head, a galaxy not so far away in northern Donegal.

Knocknarea Hill at evening, the tip of Queen Maeve’s tomb just visible at the top

Co Sligo is thick with legend. One states of legendary warrior Queen Maeve, who is buried under a neolithic cairn (she’s probably not the first occupant of the tomb) at the top of Knocknarea Hill. Another tells the story of Diarmuit and Grainne, Ireland’s own Romeo and Juliet, eternally running from the giant Finn McCool, who ultimately died in Diarmuit and Grainne’s Cave in the shadow of Ben Bulben Mountain. Both hills are amazing places to hike – check it out on our biking and yoga escape in Sligo. All of this inspired poet WB Yeats, who wrote page after page of romantic poetry largely about and inspired by Sligo.

Hiking in Connemara’s stunning Diamond Hill

The rural and rugged coastlines of Connemara were once ruled by the ferocious Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. A rebel to the bone, the 16th-century Gaelic pirate ruled Clew Bay and Galway Bayfor decades, demanding tolls by all who passed. Her castles litter the islands (notably Clare Island) and shorelines. She gained several of these by marrying then divorcing her wealthy husband 366 days later (due to a loophole in Gaelic law), and keeping the castles, and also cheated the English Queen out of her share! Today, the best way to meet Grace is by paddling to the islands and hiking on shores to her castles.

Hiking on the windswept headlands of the hauntingly beautiful Achill Island

Achill Island, off the coast of Co Mayo, is one of the most eerie places in Ireland. Desolate and windswept, the island contains the ruins of the Deserted Village of Slievemore. But even more chilling is the prophecy. The tale tells of an old oracle claiming ‘carts on iron wheels would carry the souls of dead Achill Islanders on their first and last journey.’ 

In 1894, the new railway to Achill Island was about to open. An overfull boat of emigrating potato planters overturned in the bay, and the islanders drowned. So, the ‘cart on iron wheels’ first service carried the bodies of the Clew Bay Drowning back to Achill for burial. The railway ran to Westport as normal until the 1930s, when it was deemed too costly, and its closure was announced. In 1937, another tragedy struck – a new group of emigrants to the mainland were killed in a terrible fire. The 10 victims were carried back to their native Achill Island for burial – on the railway’s very last service. The train service ended that day.

• Goosebumps? Head out to Achill Island to check it out for yourself!

Now you know the facts – how about visiting Ireland and witnessing the culture and history for yourself?

We have a range of amazing walking and hiking holidays in the stunning landscapes of Ireland. Check out below to explore our upcoming trips.