The 43km Old Rail Trail links Athlone and Mullingar along a disused section of the Great Western Railway line under arched bridges and through calm countryside. The trail is flat throughout as it weaves its way from Athlone through the quiet village of Moate, past Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park to Mullingar. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a big day out, the Old Rail Trail is a great choice.
Get your walk off to the perfect start with breakfast in one of Athlone’s amazing restaurants or cafés. This riverside town has a reputation as a foodie hotspot so there are plenty of places to choose from including Beans and Leaves and Craft Bistro.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the market town of Nenagh in Tipperary. Check out the 12th century Nenagh Castle and stock up on some tasty snacks from one of the local cafés, before setting off on the Slí Eala route just north of the town. The 10.4km walk meanders along the edge of the Nenagh River and leads you through lakeside country abuzz with singing birds, swans and river wildlife to the village of Dromineer.
Watch the Shannon flow into Lough Derg and see boats sail by as you reach the end of Slí Eala. Reward yourself with a delicious meal in a local pub and bask in the relaxing calm of Lough Derg.
Portumna Forest Park on the water’s edge is a beautiful place for a walk at any time of year. Explore the stunning woodland, watch as fallow deer dance around spruce trees and listen to the rippling River Shannon as it flows into Lough Derg.
Bring your furry friend and choose from the 10km dog-friendly Bonaveen Trail or the 12.5km Rinmaher Trail, or the shorter Forest Friendly and Woodland walks. Treat yourself to some artisan produce at CaToCa in the grounds of Portumna Castle, or a delicious dinner at Modena Restaurant back in Portumna.
Extend your stay in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and take off on a multi-day walk along the 98km Hymany Way or tackle the challenging 75km Ormond Way, both starting just outside Portumna.
Set off on an epic walk through east Clare or start in Killaloe and walk a section of the East Clare Way. This enormous 168.8km long trail has some challenging steep pitches, but otherwise the trail is very manageable.
Hike through quiet country lanes, ramble through boglands and discover magical forest trails. See historic churches once frequented by High Kings of Ireland, look up to catch colourful birds flying past overhead and once back in Killaloe, visit Bless Café for a well-deserved break.
If you still have energy left, book a kayak tour with UL Sport Adventure Centre and discover another side of Killaloe.
Linking Dublin with Shannon Harbour in Offaly, the Grand Canal Way passes through Tullamore, Edenderry and Sallins. Spend a great day out walking the Grand Canal from Shannon Harbour on the edge of the River Shannon deep into the countryside to see the best of The Faithful County. Admire panoramic views of striking boglands and unwind in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
If you still haven't scratched that hiking itch, plan a whole walking and hiking holiday in Donegal, a haven for some of the country's best routes and trails. And be sure to play your part in preserving Irish landscapes by Leaving No Trace on your travels.
