Acquired cabin fever? Attempt Helen Fairbairn’s 15 winter walks with a distinction
It has been a protracted lockdown.
s restrictions ease as soon as once more, we have requested Helen Fairbairn to compile 15 routes to encourage you to discover your native space once more.
From metropolis to coastal to countryside, every route exhibits the winter panorama at its greatest and features a suggestion for extending the stroll into an extended outing.
There’s one thing right here for everybody – however wherever you select to journey, please observe Covid-19 security pointers and restrictions.
1. Greatest Chook Sanctuary: North Bull Island, Co Dublin
This island was Eire’s first official hen sanctuary. Many species will be solely seen in winter; by January, as much as three,000 Brent geese, 5,000 geese and 30,000 waders all roost right here nightly. The birds are attracted by the triple habitats of tidal mudflats, sand dunes and saltmarsh. From the customer centre you possibly can stroll a circuit of your alternative. An entire circumnavigation is about 12km lengthy, or attempt a 7km loop across the southern half of the island to North Bull Wall.
The Bathing Pier at Dollymount Strand, Dublin
Whereas You are Right here… End your day with a go to to Howth Harbour. Choose a restaurant terrace (test forward for Covid opening hours) and watch the boats are available in.
2. Greatest City Lighthouse: Nice South Wall, Co Dublin
The Nice South Wall guards the southern entrance to Dublin Port, and is certainly one of Europe’s longest seawalls. It is a surreal expertise following the 18th-century causeway into theIrish Sea, virtually as in case you’re strolling on water. Moody winter situations make the journey much more atmospheric. The problem is to succeed in Poolbeg Lighthouse,2km away on the finish of the wall. This quintessential landmark offers panoramic views of the entire metropolis shoreline.
Whereas You are Right here… Dare your self to attempt an invigorating dip off the steps at Half Moon SwimmingClub in your means again alongside the wall.
three. Greatest Metropolis Viewpoint: Carrickgollogan Forest, Co Dublin
A small woodland excessive within the Dublin Mountains, Carrickgollogan has two essential attracts. First is a tall, 19th-century chimney stack left over from former lead mines, and second is a viewing rock on the summit of 276m Carrickgollogan Hill. Each spots present spectacular views, encompassing Dublin metropolis and the Wicklow Mountains. Observe the two.3km Lead Mines Approach circuit (marked with orange arrows), and be careful for the additional spur to the summit viewpoint.
Whereas You are Right here… Take a look at the 1.5km Scalp Lookout Path in Barnaslingan Wooden, simply reverse Carrickgollogan.
four. Greatest Mountain Panorama: Nice Sugarloaf Mountain, Co Wicklow
Snow-clad mountains are certainly one of winter’s most evocative sights, however the practicalities of accessing the peaks will be difficult. Roads via the Wicklow Mountains are significantly prone to closure. Keep away from the difficulties by climbing the enduring 501m peak of Nice Sugarloaf. Begin from Kilmacanogue GAA membership and observe an unsigned 5km path onto the northern shoulder of the mountain. Now veer south and scale the rocky summit slope. Full the circuit by descending across the southern and japanese slopes again to the beginning.
Whereas You are Right here… Pop right down to Bray seafront for a celebratory snack by the ocean.
5. Greatest Lake Circuit: Ardara Loop, Co Kilkenny
This circuit begins and finishes at Castlecomer Discovery Park, round 20km north of Kilkenny metropolis. The customer centre could also be closed, however the park nonetheless has a number of stunning walks to get pleasure from. Routes vary from 1.5km to 6km in size, and focus largely on the world’s woodland and lough shore. The longest choice – the Ardara Loop – is signed by purple arrows, and circumnavigates the park’s twin lakes, in addition to visiting a rocky waterfall and the ruins of Ardara Fort.
Whereas You are Right here… Verify forward to see if the park cafe is open for lunch. If not, pack the sandwiches and commandeer a picnic desk whereas the youngsters burn off vitality within the playground.
6. Greatest Wildlife Sanctuary: East Coast Nature Reserve, Co Wicklow
East Coast Nature Reserve, close to Newcastle, is Birdwatch Eire’s largest reserve. Park on the essential entrance alongside Sea Street, or additional on on the coastal automobile park at Six-milePoint. There are marked strolling trails at each entrances, exploring the completely different habitats of woodland, grassland and fen. Most circuits are between3km and 7km lengthy. Three statement hides permit discreet surveillance of the principle swimming pools; little egrets, whooper swans and Greenland white-fronted geese are key winter species.
Whereas You are Right here… Take pleasure in a winter picnic and household stone-throwing competitors onthe adjoining shingle seashore.
7. Greatest Sea-cliffs: Ballycotton Cliff Stroll, Co Cork
Coastal walks are stunning in summer season, however invigorating in winter too. The ocean has so many alternative characters, its temper and vitality can change virtually each day. About 45 minutes east of Cork metropolis, the trail from Ballycotton to Ballyandreen is likely one of the greatest coastal routes within the area. It is 4km one-way or 8km return; begin within the fairly fishing village of Ballycotton and switch round everytime you like. Highlights embrace a go to to secluded Ballytrasna seashore and views to Ballycotton Island Lighthouse.
Hug the shoreline by following the 4km path from Ballycotton to Ballyandreen in Co Corkwinter
Whereas You are Right here… Linger some time in Ballycotton village, which provides cafes and eating places for adults (test forward), and an important new playground for the youngsters.
eight. Greatest Mountain Forest: Gougane Barra Forest Park,County Cork
Gougane Barra Forest is a major contender for the title of most spectacular woodland in Eire. Enclosed by wild mountain peaks, the park lies on the shore of lovely Gougane Barra Lough. There are six strolling trails to select from, various from a 500m nature path to a 2.5km route that climbs excessive into the mountains for spectacular views over the valley. Different highlights embrace paths alongside the financial institution of the nascent River Lee.
WhileYou’re Right here… Do not miss a go to to St. Finbarr’s Oratory, the lough’s island church, rounded off by lunch at close by Cronin’s Bar & Café.
9. Greatest Summit Views: Torc Mountain, Co Kerry
Mountains will be inhospitable locations in winter, however Torc Mountain, simply south of Killarney, is an exception to the rule. A collection of paths, tracks and boardwalk present agency surfaces all the way in which to the 535m summit. It is an 8km out-and-back hike, that includes actually spectacular views over the Killarney Lakes. Begin from Torc Waterfall, and be careful for purple deer – winter is the right time to identify them within the higher Owengarriff Valley.
Whereas You are Right here… Deal with your self to a horse-drawn carriage experience round Muckross Lake. Like Santa’s sleigh however completely different.
10. Greatest Lough Island: Killykeen Forest Park, County Cavan
Cavan is famend for its maze of lakes and waterways, and Killykeen is likely one of the greatest locations to expertise it by foot. Set over a number of island-like peninsulas protruding intoLough Oughter, this forest park is an outside playground that is significantly fashionable with households. Select from four signed strolling routes between 500m and4.5km lengthy, all winding via combined woodland and alongside the lake shore.
Spot a neolithic landmark at Poulnabrone Dolmen within the Burren
WhileYou’re Right here… Verify the services at nearbyFarnham Property Lodge. A spa remedy and dinner turns the stroll right into a day of luxurious.
11. Greatest Underground Caves: Cong Forest nature Path, Co Mayo
From Cong Abbey automobile park, cross the pedestrian Abbey Bridge into Cong Forest. The signed three.8km Nature Path loops via the woodland, previous mature and unique timber that had been previously a part of Ashford Property. You go a number of subterranean caverns, together with Pigeon Gap Cave, which is accessed through a flight of steps. The water on the backside is an underground river connecting Lough Corrib and Lough Masks. There are historic websites too, together with stone viaducts, the 20m-high Guinness Tower and the Monk’s Fishing Home, which has a trapdoor to the river.
Whereas You are Right here… Make sure that to discover the spectacular ruins of 12th-century Cong Abbey, as soon as dwelling to the final Excessive King of Eire.
12. Greatest Limestone Hill: Mullaghmore Loop, Co Clare
The moonscape hills of the Burren are distinctive, and nice to discover at any time of the 12 months. As long as it is dry, the limestone pavement offers a agency strolling floor in winter too. 4 signed routes begin on the trailhead in Burren Nationwide Park, however the longest one – the blue Mullaghmore Loop – might be the most effective. It is 7.5km lengthy and makes a circuit alongside the shore of Lough Gealáin and over the summit of 180m Mullaghmore. The in depth fissured pavement is splendidly scenic, however take care to not flip an ankle.
Whereas You are Right here… Take a look at close by Poulnabrone Dolmen, certainly one of Eire’s most spectacular Neolithic tombs.
13. Greatest Christian Heritage: St Fechin’s Path, Co Westmeath
St Fechin’s Path concentrates on the early Christian heritage across the village of Fore, inWestmeath. In the course of the seventh century, this distant valley was dwelling to one of the crucial necessary monastic communities in Europe. The ruins of an impressiveNorman priory can nonetheless be seen, together with a mausoleum, church and different stays. From Fore Abbey automobile park, the signed, 3km circuit explores the principle sights and surrounding panorama.
WhileYou’re Right here… Prolong your historical past lesson with avisit to close by Loughcrew Cairns, the place hill-top burial chambers date to 3300BC.
14. Greatest Seashore and Dunes: Killaspugbrone Loop, Co Sligo
One for the skilled hiker, significantly in winter — Slieve Snaght within the Derryveagh Mountains, Co Donegal
Strandhill is certainly one of Sligo’s hottest seaside cities. The city seashore will be busy, however this 7km circuit explores the little-visited coastal habitat to the north. From the promenade automobile park, head north alongside the coast, following purple arrows. The trail leads via sand dunes and previous the runway of Sligo Airport. Cross the ruins of 12th-century Killaspugbrone Church, a sandy seashore and pine forest earlier than following roadside pavements again to the beginning.
Whereas You are Right here… Go to the retailers and cafes alongside Strandhill seafront. Everybody deserves a deal with after a winter stroll.
15. Greatest Wild Hillwalk: Slieve Snaght, Co Donegal
For skilled hillwalkers, chilly winter snaps are an ideal time to discover peaks which are usually boggy underfoot. And what higher frozen goal than Slieve Snaght, Donegal’s second-highest mountain? This 678m summit lies on the coronary heart of the Derryveagh Mountains, and is a superlative viewpoint. From the beginning alongside the R254 (grid ref: C 965,155), the simplest choice is a 6km out-and-back ascent via Horseshoe Valley. If the climate is evident, an extended circuit over Drumnaliffern Mountain (596m) and Crockfadda (485m) can be potential.
Whereas You are Right here… Convey your binoculars -Slieve Snaght lies inside Glenveagh Nationwide Park, the epicentre of Eire’s reintroduction programme for golden eagles.