2 weeks in Ireland with concentration on walking - this question is about walking in Dublin area

Hello -
We are 2 couples (in our early 70's) planning a 2-week trip to Ireland in September 2018 - renting a car for travel, but walking every day.  This year we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary and we feel so lucky that we are in good shape to be taking walking trips.  (Last year we walked in the Cottswolds and Dorset Coast in England for two weeks - but I digress...)  We are planning on flying into Dublin and spending one night nearby before heading to Galway/Sligo and travelling the Atlantic coastal route - ending up in Killarney/Kenmare before going to Shannon for our flight home - walking every day, hopefully.  We would like to find a nice walk near Dublin (Wicklow Mountains perhaps) for our first night's stay.  (We're picking up a rental car at the airport - presumably - and have no desire to drive in the city of Dublin.)  We are in excellent shape, but we ARE 70 and probably aren't up for difficult hikes.  We prefer a 6 to 8 mile walk to enjoy beautiful scenery - we can handle 10 miles as well.  My main question is where in the Dublin area would you suggest we go to begin our journey.  We plan to stay in B&B's along the way as we head northwest from Dublin toward Sligo, Achill Island, Connemara, Galway, Doolin, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park and Kenmare - flying out of Shannon on our last day.  My main question is what would you suggest as a great walk near Dublin?  We have some walks in mind on the west coast, but if anyone has some unique suggestions for that area, I would love to get your thoughts as well.  Thank you.

Hello Ennis

Ireland is the dream destination for a walking holiday and I am delighted to hear that you are staying in B&B accommodation during your adventure trip to the stunning Emerald Isle! Bed and Breakfast homes are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the real Ireland. From itinerary planning, to insider tips on the best walking routes, your B&B host will lead the way.  
Wicklow B&B properties
Walking trails not to be missed along the Wild Atlantic Way

We have B&B homes that specialise in walking holidays. There is nothing nicer than staying in accommodation that is in sync with your interest or hobby. That is why Walkers Welcome B&B accommodation is the perfect choice for anyone considering a walking, hiking or rambling holiday/vacation to Ireland.
Why stay in a Walkers Welcome B&B

Our B&B Locator Map is a fantastic way to search for Walkers Welcome B&B homes. Just click on the link that says 'Walkers' and up will pop all the B&B homes in their respective counties. It is so easy to use and fun!
Walkers Welcome B&B Locator Map

You are going to love Ireland Ennis. Your B&B hosts will make you feel at home from the minute you arrive. Have a great vacation! :)

Kind regards
Claire
B&B Ireland

Hi Ennis,

What a great occasion for a visit!

Hope that Claire's information will help you get the perfect accommodation during your travel.

You have plenty of choices when it comes to walks around Dublin area.
Howth Black Linn Loop might be the best-known walk at a short distance from the city. It's about 8km with great views along the coast.

Below we have a couple in the Wicklow area that other members recommended:
For breathtaking scenery, you have the blue route  - Glendalough. It's around 2 to 4hours and pretty spectacular.
The Scarr & Loch Dan walk is also a great option and is about 3hours long.

You will love the walks around Killarney National park! I've spent over a day enjoying the scenery and walks last time I was over.

Have you already looked at the renting companies regarding the car?

Hope this helps with your planning Ennis. 😊

Hello Ennis
I know you are looking for east coast suggestions for now, but (excuse the pun) with a name like yours, you simply MUST come to Clare ;)
The North Clare region is a hillwalkers' haven, whether it is in the unique landscape of the Burren, out on the Aran Islands, or along the world famous Cliffs of Moher.

Here is some information on walking trails in the Burren



This article gives a lovely description of walking on Inis Oirr, the smallest of the Aran Islands


And last but not least, the Cliffs of Moher 360 tour, which gives visitors spectacular views from the sea, the edge and the top of the cliffs, with an amazing guide, local farmer and historian, Pat Sweeney



Enjoy your walk in Dublin and Wicklow, Ennis, but hopefully this will entice you to the Wild side... the Wild Atlantic Way side, anyway!
All the best
Joan

Thank you very much for this information, Joan.  We are definitely spending our 2 weeks on the west coast, just flying into Dublin and decided we should at least spend one day there.  (We are flying out of Shannon.)  I'm so excited about going back - have been to Ireland  before, but we haven't done the walking trips - and our friends who are going with us have never been there.

Ennis

Excellent, we look forward to meeting you both Ennis!  Safe trip,
Joan

Hi Ennis, it sounds like you’ve planned a wonderful holiday.
The below information has been passed on to me by a colleague of mine - I hope it helps - 

There’s a great walk called the Bog of the Frogs that circumnavigates Howth Head, a peninsula approximately a 30 drive minute from Dublin airport.
You won’t have to drive through the city centre to get to it, but the walk allows stunning views of Dublin Bay and city. There are several variations to the walking route and below is a link to the Discover Ireland website which gives more details.
The walk starts and ends in Howth fishing village, which boasts a number of lovely cafes and restaurants.  http://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/bog-of-the-frogs/71522
My colleague would also highly recommend Glendalough for walking and hiking. Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and from the car park you can access several walking routes and trails that are all well marked and easy to follow.
http://www.glendalough.ie/

Have a good holiday and let us know how you get on!

Thank you so much for this helpful information.  This sounds like something that would be the perfect outing for us.  I appreciate your enthusiasm!

Hello Ennis, 

I hope you are well. 

What a lovely idea for you and your wife, with its spectacularly rugged coastline, and endless surges of emerald-green hills peppered with ancient ruins, and vast collection of clear blue lakes and waterways, Ireland is the ideal location to explore on foot.

There are so many walking and hiking routes around Ireland for you to enjoy: 

• Wicklow, Co. Wicklow: 

Ireland’s first waymarked trail, due to its proximity to Dublin, has remained one of the most popular walking routes in Ireland. Despite being only 90 minutes from Dublin Airport, the walk contains 130 kilometres of beautifully unspoilt mountain trails. This is a good route for beginner hikers and families as you can decide which route you want to take.

• The Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry: 

At over 200 kilometres, this is Ireland's longest signposted walking trail and is also one of the most popular. Beginning and ending in Killarney and looping around the Iveragh Peninsula, the Kerry Way passes through some of the most isolated and awe-inspiring countryside in Ireland.

• Castlegregory. Connemara, Co. Galway & Co. Mayo: 

This trail, beginning in Oughterard, 30 minutes north of Galway City, and ending at Westport in Co. Mayo. This is a popular route for walkers who love the stunning and scenic wilderness that is Connemara.

• Beara Way: 

Beara Way is a 196km long circuit of the south of the Beara Peninsula. Where you will come across archaeological and historical sites. Stop off at stone circles and ring forts and remember to stop once awhile to take in the scenic islands. While on the route, you will be able to pass beaches and fishing harbours, you are in for a treat as when you finish your trials, you will be able to country’s finest traditional Irish meals.

We do hope this helps. 

From all of us at Car Rental Ireland, we do hope you enjoy your trip.

Hi Ennis,

We were just wondering how your recent trip over to see us went and what you manage to see and do with your time.

Did you find some walking trails in and around the Dublin area?

We would love to hear about your adventures.

Speak soon,

Martin