5 Fantastic Walks In Leinster This Summer
Everyone loves summer it’s one of my favourite times of year. 
You can’t beat the feeling that Summer puts in the air.
Summer walking feels great – finally some warmth in the air, it’s lighter outside and there’s plenty of colour replacing the damp greys and browns of Winter.
And if you enjoy a walk, brushing cobwebs off your walking boots is like a love affair renewed.
Now, everyone has their favourite local walks, but sometimes it’s fun to explore somewhere different while the sun’s out.
So I’ve decided to share with you 5 beautiful places to walk this Summer in the East Of Ireland, which have features than come alive in Summer.
Whether if be woodlands carpeted with Bluebells, wildflowers along river valleys, mountain peaks or coastal paths… There’s a walk to suit every mood.
Here’s The Top 5 Walks I’ve Picked For You:
Best For Views Of Dublin
Where: Fairy Castle Loop, Co Dublin.
What: This route packs in plenty of height gain and rough mountain terrain into a relatively short distance all within a stone’s throw of the M50. From the car park in Ticknock Woods, follow the tarmac road steeply uphill through the forest to the granite tors and towering aerials that mark the top of Three Rock Mountain. The trail continues uphill, following the rocky track to the huge cairn at the summit of Fairy Castle. Here you have a 360 degree panoramic view with the city to the north and the Wicklow Mountains to the south. From Fairy Castle a muddy track heads west before you turn north and descend along the edge of the forest and back to the car.
Start/Finish: Ticknock Wood.
Best For Sea Air
Where: Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, Co Wicklow.
What: The narrow coastal path linking Bray and Greystones travels through some spectacular terrain. From the Promenade in Bray, you climb around the side of Bray Head, quickly leaving behind the busy seaside town. For the next 3km the path winds its way along the edge of the hillside while below your feet the cliffs drop steeply to the Irish Sea. Eventually the path descends back to sea level and a final flat stretch leads to the recently refurbished harbour in Greystones. To return to Bray either jump on the Dart or, if you’re feeling energetic, retrace your steps.
Start/finish: Bray Seafront/ Greystones Harbour.
Best For Wilderness On Your Doorstep – Howth
Where: The Bog of Frogs Loop.
What: This route, the longest of the four signposted trails in Howth, links the coastal path with a climb over the Ben of Howth. Starting from Howth village, it isn’t long before you leave behind all signs of civilisation and it’s easy to forget you are only a stone’s throw from the city. It’s only as you make your way south that Dublin Bay is revealed, but the view is even better from the top of the Ben of Howth where you can see almost the entire east coast from the Mournes in the north to the Wicklow Mountains stretching southwards.
Start/finish: Howth Dart Station.
Best For Families
Where: The Scalp Lookout Trail, Co Dublin.
What: This short loop around Barnaslingan Wood is a great place for the kids, particularly when the weather isn’t great as you are never too far from the car. If you tackle the loop in an anti-clockwise direction, you start by descending through a pine forest before climbing up a track lined with beautiful beech trees. You then emerge on to open ground and follow the path to the highlight of the walk, the viewing point overlooking the Scalp. Perched on the edge of the steep rocky slopes you have an almost bird’s eye view over the Enniskerry Road and, if you are lucky, you may even spot wild goats grazing on the opposite side. This walk can also be easily linked with a circuit around the Leadmines taking in the iconic chimney as well as the rocky dome known as Carrickgollogan.
Start/Finish: Barnaslingan Wood near Kilternan.
or
The Carlingford Omeath Greenway
Where: The Carlingford Omeath Greenway
What: The Carlingford Omeath Greenway is the latest addition to Carlingford’s and Omeath’s walks and cycle trails. The purpose built greenway between Carlingford and Omeath is a section of “The Great Eastern Greenway” currently being developed along the east of Ireland coastline. Built on the old Dundalk Newry & Greenore Railway (D.N. & G.r.) alignment the greenway along the shoreline of Carlingford Lough is the perfect place for a walk or bicycle ride and suitable for all fitness levels.
With five different access points along the Greenway’s route between Omeath and Carlingford it is possible to choose both the distance and time that you wish to spend walking or cycling.
Start/Finish: Carlingford / Omeath
So, there you have it! 5 different places to walk in the that suit everyone.
Get outside as much as you can this Summer, walking is a great way to keep active and mobile – it doesn’t have to be a hard hike. Enjoy a gentle stroll, and enjoy what the East of Ireland has to offer.
