Urban Walking Escapes

Tourist Information

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As it turns out, the cities of Ireland are not quiet the urban jungle one might think. Often there are a range of looped walks available that are easily accessible and will offer you the chance to stretch your legs and enjoy some of the Ireland’s fantastic scenery.

All walks suggested here are looped, meaning you start and finish where you park your car. The other great benefit is that they come with multiple options, ranging from walks suitable for everybody to longer walks that require the correct equipment and present a greater challenge.

To help encourage you to experience these fantastic walks, Thrifty Car Rental will offer a discount of 7.5% to all people who rent a car as a result of this email (click here). Thrifty Car Rental has a range of cars, from the small to the large that can safely carry your travelling party to the start of these walks. What more can we do to encourage you?

The Bog of Frogs, Howth Head, Dublin

Howth, located in Dublin 13 offers beautiful scenery, sea views and historical landmarks that make this looped walk a real joy. Walkers can park in the ample marina car park in the heart of the village. The loop first takes you along the pier before talking the cliff walk. From here you will encounter magnificent views getting better and better as you ascend. Other sights you will encounter along the walk include Lambay Island, Howth castle, National Transport museum and the Bailey Lighthouse. The second half of this walk benefits from being in the main downhill back towards the village. As you pass the DART station on your left you will see the car park where it all began just in time to get an ice-cream or a cold drink from the parlour before setting off for home.

Achill Island

Achill Island is Ireland’s largest island, and is home to five blue-flag beaches and can be accessed by road. There is a multitude of things to do and see, all set in a stunning landscape that is soaked in history. The landscape features spectacular cliffs, mountains, lakes and secluded beaches with enough on offer either those looking to relax or get active.

Dromore Wood Loop, County Clare

If you are visiting the south-east then I suggest this walk as it takes in some of the amazing natural landscapers and historical artefacts Ireland has on offer. Set in a huge 400 hectare natural reserve the peace and tranquillity obtained is unrivalled anywhere else in Ireland. Sights along the walk for you to discover include the 17th century O’Brien Castle, Kilakee Church and Cahermacrea Castle. All while on the banks of the lake this walk is a real pleasure. Parking is available on site within the grounds of this natural heritage resort.

Curran Loop, County Clare

The Burren is one of the most interesting pieces of natural landscape you are likely to find in Europe. Covering an area in access of 100 square miles, the Burren is a sea of rolling limestone where very unique animals and fauna survive. With parking located near Cassidy’s pub, take this as your starting point. Some of the sights you may encounter on or slightly off piste of the trail include St Fachtnan’s Holy Well, a megalithic tomb which is older than pyramids in Egypt and even an original turlough. A turlough is also known as a disappearing lake and is an area that floods during winter forming the lake but is completely dry during the summer. A final short trek leads you back in the direction of Cassidy’s pub and a welcome sit down before setting off.

Other loop walks around the county include Ballycroum Loop (County Clare), Errinagh Bridge Loop (County Clare) and Black Head Loop (County Clare).