A Stephen’s Day stroll

Indulging at Christmas is not only expectable, but also, well, expected. It is the one time of year nothing is spared when it comes to tasty food and putting your feet up is the name of the game.

However, as wonderful as everything may taste and as great as it is to take a break, often by the time St Stephen’s Day rolls around we start to feel a little sluggish and are ready to shake off the cobwebs. Many families like to get their runners on in the days after Christmas.

Depending on the clan, some aim for mountaintops, while others (like mine) prefer a gentle jaunt. If you are looking to get out in the fresh air this Christmas, Irish Country Living has some walks for you around the country.

Coole Park, Co Galway

Located five minutes outside Gort, Co Galway, Coole Park is great for a stroll.

It is a nature and wildlife reserve, so you will get to see loads of flora and fauna while you stretch the legs. Also, Coole Park is steeped in history, particularly literary, as co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, Lady Gregory, lived there.

There are two trails. The family trail is 1.75km and great for the smallest and the oldest to get out together.

This trail passes the red deer enclosure along the way. The Seven Woods trail is 4.5km and great for those wanting to get a few more steps in.

Clare Glens, Limerick/Tipperary border

Despite its name, Clare Glens is not in the Banner County. It is on the Limerick/Tipperary border.

This wooded area is named after the Clare River which flows through it and divides the two counties. It is five minutes outside Newport, Co Tipperary, and about eight minutes outside Murroe, Co Limerick.

The loop here is either side of the river. There are a couple of waterfalls on the river and one large one at the end of the loop. The whole loop is about 4km, however halfway there is a bridge crossing the river if you wish to make it shorter. While the path is not overly difficult, it can be slippery in places and as it is near a river, do take care.

Deerpark Forest, Co Cavan

Another great walk to consider tackling over the Christmas period is the Virginia Slí na Sláinte. It is in Deerpark Forest in (you guessed it) Virginia, Co Cavan. At 5.5km, it is the perfect length to get some exercise over the festive season but not overexert yourself.

This circular route starts at the forest entrance beside the carpark and follows a tree-lined path through the forest, passing Virginia Golf Club.

There are a number of heritage features in the forest including Toberpatrick Well, Lady’s Cottage and Castle Boat House.

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