When the weather is good, there is so much to do outdoors in Ireland – solo, or with family or friends. Here are seven activities - with locations, descriptions, tips and some maps for a general guide.
Below you can read John O'Dwyer's pick for a great walking path, Conor O'Keeffe on a running route, Rozanna Purcell recommends a hiking trail, Mary McCarthy on an outdoor swimming location, Ian O'Riordan picks a cycle trip, Sylvia Thompson on a family-friendly park and Fiona Alston selects a popular outdoor gym.
And remember, whatever you do and wherever you go, please be safe. And enjoy.
Name Mesolithic Loop, Lough Boora
Distance 9km
Approximate duration 2.5 hours
Difficulty Easy
Starting point Google Maps Lough Boora Visitor Centre (grid reference N 182 188)
Amenities Parking and cafe
Easy trail marked by red arrows along well-constructed walkways leading through a fascinating nature reserve consisting of a rewilded bog with lots to see. Ideal for family outings.
Name: Kinnitty Castle Loop
Length: 4km
Markers: Green
Services: Kinnitty Village (3km)
Terrain: Easy Forestry Tracks
Footwear: Road or Trail Runners
Route Information: Start from the trailhead at the forestry entrance. After 30m keep left at the Y-junction of forestry roads following the green arrow. You are also following the blue arrows of the Glinsk Castle loop, and the yellow arrows for the long-distance Slieve Bloom Way. After a little more than 1km you reach a three-way junction with a wooden gate on your left. [Going through the wooden gate will take you into the grounds of Kinnitty Castle – well worth a visit.]
Your loop turns right (uphill) here, and continues to ascend along a forest track for almost 1km before rounding a right bend and reaching a Y-junction. Veer to the right here – still following the Slieve Bloom Way and the red and green loops. After 500m the blue loop and Slieve Bloom Way turn left onto an uphill woodland trail – but you continue straight on here. Continue to follow the forest track downhill to reach a three-way junction – veer right here. It is only 300m back to the trailhead. (Aided by: Slievebloom.ie)
Hike name Giant's Grave Loop
Distance 11.2km
Elevation gain 516m
Approximate duration 2.5-3hours
Difficulty Beginner/intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Giant's Grave Megalithic Tomb Walk
Amenities Parking
Dog-friendly? No
Tips Rocky to muddy path: don't underestimate proper walking shoes.
Name: Banagher outdoor pool.
Location: Google Map: Banagher outdoor swimming pool. In Banagher take a right turn and drive across the river bridge turn in on your left
Description: Pool is in the River Shannon, Galway on one side and Offaly on the other
Amenities: Picnic tables, parking, toilet in canal house near pool
Lifeguard: No
Water quality: Moderate –EPA (report for river, lakes 2013 - 2018)
Tips: Swimming generally possible only in summer as current is too strong and river level much higher in winter. Family friendly in summer with a real Mediterranean vibe.
Name: Grand Canal Way
Start location: Edenderry
Route: The Offaly section of the Grand Canal Greenway (117km in full) that stretches from Edenderry in the east to and via Tullamore to Shannon Harbour in the west of the county.
Distance: 70km
Time: 3-3.5 hours
Highlights: Ideal for a relatively flat and rewarding slice of the county along sections of the tranquil canal towpath.
Look out for: Lough Boora Discovery Park, which has its own 22km traffic-free gravel track.
Tips: Another mixed-use route so cyclists should use a bell to alert walkers.
Park name: Lough Boora Discovery Park
Amenities: This former industrial bogland between Tullamore, Birr and Clonmacnoise has restored wetlands, woodlands and lakes interspersed with walkways and cycle paths.
Special features: A fantastic range of sculptures dotted throughout the park evoke the former industrial activity and natural environment on the bog. You can hire bicycles to take longer trips through the park.
Access: Car park costs €4. Google Map "Lough Boora Discovery Park".
Dogs: Dogs on leads only.
Tip: Bring insect repellant to protect yourself from midge bites.
Name: Fitness Zone in Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore
Equipment: Dip bars, ab station, walker, cross trainer, chest press (standing and seated), hand cycle, body twist, shoulder flexor, pull-up bars, cycle.
Location: Google Maps
Information: Plenty of other activities available in this park with walking routes, adventure play area and wheelchair swing and roundabout.
Get Active Series
- 32 great walking routes in Ireland - one in each county
- 32 great hikes in Ireland
- 32 great running routes
- 32 great outdoor swim locations
- 32 great cycling routes
- 32 great parks
- 32 great outdoor gyms
