Seven Scenic Walks Within 10km of Town

Wherever in the country you visit this year, there's bound to be at least one scenic walk with a stone's throw of the town centre. It's one of the things that make our small towns and villages so unique and one of the reasons why we're so lucky to call this beautiful little island home. Check out some of our picks from Xplore Local towns:

The Rose Walk - Tralee, Co. Kerry

Tralee Town Park, known locally as "The Green," is a public park located in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland. Covering an area of 35 acres, it is one of the largest urban public parks in Ireland. 

Located just across from the Rose Hotel, the beautiful Rose Walk links the Hotel to Tralee town centre via Tralee Town Park. A lovely leisurely stroll allows you to explore Tralee Town Park famous for its beautiful roses and historical landmarks. 

Distance: Approx 2km 

Difficulty: Easy

Woodland Trail at Portumna Forest Park - Portumna, Co. Galway

This looped trail can be used by family walking groups. The surface is gravel and tarred forest road, wide timber boardwalk and there is a narrow section of trail. The gradient is minimal. It begins along a two-way section and includes:

~ an open picnic area

~ a viewing platform 

~ a duck pond.

The viewing platform looks out across Lough Derg and its islands and southwards towards Terryglass while to the right the main expanse of the lake can be seen.

Distance: 2km

Difficulty: Easy

Bagenalstown to Leighlinbridge, Columban Way - Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow

Follow in the footsteps of the revered early Catholic Church Saint Columbanus (543-615 CE) with this 9km (there and back) walk along the beautiful River Barrow. Head from the Quay in Bagenalstown and follow the river bank past Allens Lough all the way to Main St in Leighlinbridge. A very special and scenic stretch of the 250km Columban Way.

Distance: 4.5km each way

Difficulty: Moderate

The Boardwalk - Youghal, Co. Cork

This is a lovely walk along the beachfront and takes you from the Front Strand across the beach to Claycastle Strand. With uninterrupted sea views, the boardwalk is one of Youghal's most prized amenities. The decking is wide enough to accommodate strollers, wheelchair-users and small groups. When not impacted by restrictions, benches and a public toilet are available.

This route is along the coast, and accessibility can be affected by high tides. Please take care along the shore and respect the water.

Distance: 470m

Difficulty: Easy

Muckross Abbey & Muckross House Loop

Located only a quick drive from Killarney town centre, the Muckross House Loop is one of the most scenic walking routes within Killarney National Park.

The walk takes you past the magnificent 15th-century ruins of Muckross Abbey (you'll need to venture slightly off course to spot them), past the historic Muckross House, and back along the banks of the lake to the Ring of Kerry road.

Distance: 4.7km

Difficulty: Easy

The Pike Walk - Fermoy, Co. Cork

The Pike Walk is one of the most popular walks in the town. Some of the highlights include views of the gorgeous Blackwater River and 19th-century Christ Church.

This 3.8km trail keeps you within town limits and takes you over the iconic bridge and down along the Blackwater via Rathealy Road, then up a steep hill on the Pike road to the top of the town. At the top of Pike Road, turn on to the Dublin Road and it's downhill from there.

Distance: 3.8km

Difficulty: Moderate

 Salthill Promenade - Co Galway, Ireland

Take a stroll along the iconic Salthill Promenade and kick the wall just like the locals do!

The Salthill Promenade (The Prom) takes you along the shores of Galway Bay past a number of beaches to Blackrock, where it is customary to Kick (tap the wall with your foot) the wall. The Prom holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Galway. Every day people set out along the prom to breathe in the fresh sea air of Galway Bay and get some exercise.

Distance: 3.5km

Difficulty: Easy

Find turn-by-turn directions, elevation and walking guides on all of these trails in the Xplore Local app.