5 Picturesque Countryside Walks for Spring

Dreaming of open pastures, rolling hills, fields of daffodil? There's nothing quite as breathtaking as the Irish countryside in Spring, especially when the sun shines. 

One of the best things about our island is that no matter where you live, you're never far away from someplace fit for a picnic. So, here are some routes to discover post-lockdown, rain or shine...

The Barrow Way: Stage 4 ~ Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow

Stage 4 of the Barrow Way takes you from Carlow to Bagenalstown.

Milford, an area 7km south of Carlow, is one of the most attractive stretches along the River Barrow. Set in an idyllic location with three bridges, mill buildings and a large wooded area, it is famous as a triangle with regular spottings of herons and kingfishers. 

This stretch of the walk is rich with historical buildings, castles and industrial gems in the town of Bagenalstown.

Distance: 17km

Difficulty: Moderate

Diamond Hill ~ Letterfrack, Co. Galway 

Much steeper than the last, this trail in Connemara National Park takes you on gravel paths, a boardwalk and steps up the slopes of Diamond Hill to the summit where there are spectacular views all around. 

Enjoy the amazing scenery of the Connemara coastline with its islands of Inisthurk, Inishboffin and Inishark, the Twelve Bens, Mweelrea, Tully Mountains and down to Kylemore Abbey.

Distance: 7km approx.

Difficulty: Moderate

Glanageenty Loop ~ Tralee, Co. Kerry

A truly immersive countryside walk, the Glanageenty loop is marked by lush woodland covering either side of a steep glen that carries a river of the same name. Thanks to the efforts of the local community, a network of waymarked trails have been developed in recent years for the enjoyment of all. 

The mixture of tree species from broadleaf to conifer and age class makes for pleasant walking. There are seats and picnic tables dotted around the forest at opportune points to allow you to catch your breath and to take in the views. Towards the end of the trial, you will also find panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with the Slieve Mish mountains on the horizon. 

Distance: 3.8km 

Difficulty: Moderate

Blackwater Duntaheen Loop ~ Fermoy, Co. Cork

This is a wonderful walk that takes in most of the town while following the course of the River Blackwater. This walk can be difficult in places and should not be attempted if the river is high or in bad weather. 

The first part of the walk is cross-country and it eventually brings you back to the road near Glenabo Woods for the final stretch through the town — ideal if you've worked up an appetite and fancy a hearty brunch with plenty of nearby cafes to choose from.

Distance: 5.1km

Difficulty: Difficult

Menlo Walk ~ Menlo, Co. Galway

This walk starts at the pier and takes you along rural roads. As you walk along the route, Lough Corrib will be on your left, providing you with some stunning views. 

As you loop around to the pier you can visit Menlo Castle, which was home to the Blake family for over 400 years. The Castle was destroyed by a fire in the early 1900s. At the end of the walk, you can explore the little wooded area and old Menlo Graveyard.

Distance: 7km

Difficulty: Easy

Get turn-by-turn directions, a walking guide and more information on these trails in the 'Hikes and Trails' tab of the Xplore app.