Seven Gorgeous Countryside Walks for Spring

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 from natural beauty. So, here are some walks and hikes to discover on your travels this spring:

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 (one of Galway's tribe families) 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

Ross Island Copper Mines Loop - Killarney, Co. Kerry

This picturesque trail within the grounds of Killarney National Park is perfect for laid-back Sunday strolls. A looped, forested path takes you past the shores of Lough Leane to the ancient and abandoned copper mines, where you'll find gorgeous views of the lake and of the mountains on the horizon. 

The circuit can be combined with the Library Point or the Governor’s Rock trail to extend the length to over 5km. There is ample parking at Ross Castle, a 400-year-old tower house, which you should also take the chance to explore on your way back. 

Distance: 2.5km

Difficulty: Easy

Diamond Hill - Connemara, Co. Galway

Much steeper than the last, this trail in Connemara National Park takes you up the slopes of Diamond Hill via gravel paths and a boardwalk. The summit provides some of the best panoramic views in the county which makes it well worth the long hike up. 

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

Distance: 7km approx.

Difficulty: Moderate

Cuskinny Nature Reserve to Ballymore Village - Cobh, Co. Cork

Located about 4km from the charming town of Cobh is this nature trail that's perfect for springtime walks. Beginning at the beautiful Cuskinny Nature Reserve and Marsh, walk via Cuskinny Strand to Ballymore Village. While the nature reserve itself is private property, there are nonetheless a couple of viewpoints where you can observe the local wildlife. 

The views from Cuskinny Strand (a popular swimming spot for locals) are also pretty striking, while the tree-lined route is peaceful despite taking you along the main country road (caution is advised). To end your walk, enjoy a refreshment at Cobh's only Traditional Country Pub, The High Chapparal.

Distance: 1.9km

Difficulty: Easy

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. 

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 and surrounding countryside 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 cafés to choose from.

Distance: 5.1km

Difficulty: Difficult

The Barrow Way, Stage 4 - Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow

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

Along the route, you'll stumble across Milford, an area 7km south of Carlow, which 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 hidden gems near the town of Bagenalstown.

Distance: 17km

Difficulty: Moderate

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