The Ireland Way, or Slí na hEireann, is a walking and cycling route 900 km/500 miles long which begins in the rugged south-west coast of Ireland in the small fishing village of Castletownbere and ends in the north coast of Northern Ireland, just past the famous Giants Causeway. Along The Ireland Way you will explore seven mountain ranges, woodland, farmland, bogland, coasts, rivers and lakes across Ireland and Northern Ireland. It covers 14 counties from Cork to the Giant’s Causeway and takes roughly 40 days to walk.
Stage one of the trail takes walkers through the south of Sligo allowing them to experience some of our beautiful landscapes, mountain ranges and attractions.
The Lough Gara way takes you through Monasteraden village which is located on the shores of Lough Gara. Take in the views of the lake from Moygara Castle before continuing on towards Ballinafad. Ballinafad village is nestled at the foot of the Curlew mountains overlooking the spectacular Lough Arrow. A worthwhile visit off the Miners Way and Historical Trail is Ballinafad Castle, a small military castle built in 1590.
Miners Way takes you to Castlebaldwin where you continue to Keadue, Knockvicar and Leitrim.
A slight detour will take you to the Caves of Keash which are set in the white limestone rock face on the western shoulder of Keshcorran Mountain. There are sixteen caves and you can enter the majority to experience views from a different perspective. From the summit you are treated to breath-taking views and on a clear day you see as far as Nephin in Mayo and the mountains of Donegal.
The Miner’s Way takes in the stunning Bricklieve Mountain range. The range consists of two major hills, Kesh Corann and Carrowkeel hill which contains the Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery which consists of fourteen passage graves topped by stone cairns. The quartz rock, which remains on the outside of the cairns, causes them to sparkle in the sun. This challenging walk is the perfect way for seasoned hikers to take in the Bricklieve’s dramatic landscape and fascinating cairn tombs at the top. The challenging terrain is worth it once you set your eyes on the breath-taking surrounding scenery. The trail leads on to Castlebaldwin.
Is The Ireland Way on your list of things to do in 2018?…
