Six great coastal walks for the sunny Bank Holiday weekend

What an amazing few days it’s been? Wall to wall sunshine and our fair weather friends the weathermen have forecast it to last the next few days at least. With the Bank Holiday weekend upon us, it’s a great opportunity to to head outside for a bumper dose of vitamin D. Time to load up on sunscreen to avoid lobsterification (not sure that’s the technical term) and bring a water bottle and explore our beautiful Irish coast. So the only other question is where to go?

Here’s six great coastal walks around Ireland for the sunny Bank Holiday weekend!

1. Rosses Point Coastal Walk, Sligo

Out Sligo way? Well this is a good one. There’s no guarantee of the blue skies but you can be sure there’ll be lots of great scenery. Starting from the Church of Ireland the walk takes you along the promenade where the Garavogue meets Sligo Bay.  At the end of the scenic walk you can walk across the beach or turn right and follow the beach road back up to the Yeats Country Hotel. Nice and relaxing way to walk off the fry up.

Distance: 4-6 km (if you add on the beach walk)

Rating:  Good for all ages, mostly flat.

 

2. Howth Cliff Trail, Dublin

On the East coast, Howth is easily one of the best walks. It’s really easy to get to, just jump the Dart to Howth and 5 minutes on foot from the station the walk begins. It’s got some stunning cliffs and is mostly a straightforward walk. The route is along the harbour before climbing away from the village around the farpoint of Howth and onto the clifftops. From there you can see Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye. Further on you’ll see the Baily Lighthouse before you ascend towards the car park and return to Howth Village along a path running parallel to your outward route.

Distance:  6 Km

Rating: Very mild ascent and suitable for most

3. Bloody Foreland Walk, Donegal

The Bloody Foreland is a seriously impressive spot. Along the route you’ll see sea stacks, inhospitable coves, shear faces and massive waves crashing on the rocks far below. If you’re into bird watching, keep on the look out for Kittiwakes, Gannets, and Puffins. The walk mainly consists of quiet road, bog road and rough track. It can be through some boggy sections and it gets a bit tougher if the weather is not great but you get a real sense of being very far from the maddening crowd.

Distance 13 km

Rating: Intermediate, some boggy areas,

4. Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, Clare

At the iconic Cliffs of Moher there is an enjoyable walk that links the villages of Liscannor and Doolin. The trail starts on the road from Liscannor and on protected paths at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, but further along it becomes more remote and demanding trail, with no seaward fencing. Trail features include an exposed cliff-top path, steep ascents and descents, and narrow flagstone steps.

Distance: 13 Km

Rating:  For the experienced walker with the ability to changeable weather.

 

5. Ballycotton Head Looped Walk, Cork

Ballycotton Head Looped Walk is a gentle and easy walk, starting and finishing in the scenic village of Ballycotton. It extends westward to Ballytrasna and takes about two hours. Tons of great vistas and cliffs so bring your camera. Also, lots for the birdwatchers. Some great places to have lunch in Ballycotton so reward yourself after your walk!

Distance: 9 Km

Rating: Relatively easy

 

6. Tramore Dunes Walk, Waterford

This walk starts at the carpark opposite the Majestic Hotel and takes in the lakes and the Promenade, en route you have the wonderful views over Tramore bay and town. Tramore beach leads to a line of some of the highest sand dunes in Ireland with a salt marsh and interesting wildlife. The sand dunes have been developing for over 5000 years and so treat them with respect as you go!

Distance: 5 Km

Rating: Gentle and Easy

 

We missed out your favourite walk? Send us an message and we’ll add it!