The best winter walks to enjoy with family this Christmas

Glen of Aherlow, Tipperary

With a number of loop and lake walks for all ages and abilities, the Glen of Aherlow has a stroll for everyone. This time of year the lake walks promise gorgeous views over the valley to the Galtee Mountains. It isn’t too strenuous but is still long enough to feel like you deserve that Christmas sandwich and mince pie at the end.
For more information check out aherlow.com

Sheep’s Head, Cork

This narrow peninsula between Bantry and Drimoleague bays means you really cannot get away from the Wild Atlantic Way. Open walkways through heathered fields and boreens give way to magnificent cliffs sea views and coastal wildlife. While the full Sheep’s Head Walk might be too long (it’s 88km in total so don’t attempt unless you’re fully prepared!), there are plenty of shorter signposted hikes that’ll give you the best of the scenery.
For more information check out livingthesheepsheadway.com

Connemara National Park, Galway

In the small village of Letterfrack, you’ll find the Connemara National Park boasting a number of trails around the park’s mountains and hills the toughest of which is Diamond Hill. However, it’s well worth the final ascent for the truly spectacular 360 views over Kylemore Abbey, the Twelve Bens, and Killary Harbour.

Ardra Loop, Kilkenny

Located on the site of the old Ardra Castle, this is an easy forest track that meanders around two small lakes. Although it doesn’t lend itself to buggies, it’s a great trail for young kids with its wild woodland and playground.

Bray-Greystones Coastal Trail, Wicklow

A perfect afternoon stroll, the Bray to Greystones path can be walked and then you can take the DART back or just stop by the Happy Pear for a coffee and walk back again after. With gorgeous views back over Dublin Bay and towards Wicklow, if it’s a coastal walk close to Dublin you want, this is one of the best. The route has been temporarily closed due to fallen rocks but save this one for future reference.

Killeshandra Lakes Loop, Cavan

A mix of forest, woodland paths, rivers, and lakes, this scenic seven-kilometre walk is a moderate one with rolling hills and plenty of gorgeous views over the lakes. Begin in the town of Killeshanrda for an enjoyable stroll through the forests.

The Causeway Coastal Path, Antrim

This long, low-lying relatively easy walk can be split up into shorter walks along The Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. It offers a wide range of beach, trail, and pathways and you can adjust it to whatever level walker you are.
For more information check out www.causewaycoastway.com

Greenway, Mayo

Specifically designed as a bike and walking trail you can choose to complete the entire 42km trek from the gorgeous town of Westport to Achill or split it up. Every section of the walkway is beautiful but the most breathtaking is Mulranny to Achill. The 13km hike will take up to two and a half hours walking and the path is ideal for children wanting to test out the new bike Santa brought.
For more information check out greenway.ie

We hope you enjoy your Christmas break whether you’re choosing to hibernate or get out. Now, where is that tin of Roses?

This article was originally published in 2021.