Take a hike

From here on in, the days are only getting longer. So, it’s time to dust off those hiking boots and take to the trails, writes Anne O’Donoghue

Anne O'Donoghue

30 January 2019

Cuilcagh Walkway, Co Fermanagh.

Is that a small stretch in the evening I see? It may only be a couple of minutes, but the evenings are getting noticeably longer. And, although it’s still a while off, spring is definitely on the way.

Is that a small stretch in the evening I see?

It may only be a couple of minutes, but the evenings are getting noticeably longer. And, although it’s still a while off, spring is definitely on the way.

In celebration of this and in the hope of a bit of fine weather at the weekends, Irish Country Living has profiled four locations around the country, taking in a range of different difficulties, where you can go take a hike. Always remember to research your route, check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

Cuilcagh, Co Fermanagh

One of Ireland’s most iconic hiking spots, most people are familiar with Fermanagh’s ‘Stairway to heaven’. There are an array of trails making up the Cuilcagh Way for different abilities. The boardwalk and steps make up the most popular part of this route. From the top, the meandering stairs look endless, but in fact they are not and conquering them gives a great sense of satisfaction. Be sure to fully research your route before setting off, as parts of the boardwalk are closed for conservation at present.

Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo

Arguably Ireland’s most famous mountain, Croagh Patrick is no walk in the park by a layman’s standards – that is unless you are from Mayo, where people seem to be programmed to climb the Reek from birth. At 764m above sea-level, it’s by no means the country’s tallest mountain, but is among the most difficult to climb. In places there are loose rocks and the upper portion is very steep. However, climbing Croagh Patrick has been a ritual since pagan times and continues to be a popular rite of passage in the modern day.

Slieve Gullion, Co Armagh

The highest point in Armagh, Slieve Gullion is at the heart of the Ring of Gullion, which has deep connections with Irish mythology, including associations with Cú Chulainn and Fionn MacCumhaill. The trail starts in the Slieve Gullion Forrest car park and at around eight miles, the hike up Slieve Gullion is quite long, but not very steep and takes in some beautiful landscape. At the summit there is a lake and two ancient burial cairns.

The Great Sugarloaf, Co Wicklow

Located just a short jaunt off Wicklow’s N11, the Great Sugarloaf is not too difficult for those of average fitness.

Roughly it takes about an hour to ascend and descend. The path up the mountain is easily climbed until the last section, where care should be taken as the incline gets very steep. Despite this, it’s still very much a climb for everyone, except young children.

From the top, there is a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, including the coastal towns of Bray and Greystones.

A last hurrah for hilltop heroes

How about a staycation?