Leinster

Hiking

Immerse yourself in nature by hiking on the charming Howth Peninsula, a treasure of the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere. Attune your senses and spirit to the outdoors. Feel a real connection with the land and people around you. A gnarly and beautiful coastal adventure in any season. Discover Howth off-road with passionate and expert local guides, nobody knows it better. Be ready for 10 kms to 15 kms (6 to 9 miles) in about 4 hours. Relive history as you walk through the ages and explore unique habitats that vary by day and season.  Submit to the ancient romance and resonance of Aideen's Grave, a druidic altar and gateway to the Otherworld, as old as the pyramids. Climb to HG Wells' most beautiful view in the world. Clear your mind and ignite your creativity with the salty air and cool breezes on your cheeks. Follow WB Yeats' Fairy Road down to the sea and the cliffs. Surrender your ears to the soughing of the forest and the gentle tunes of the trees. Sometimes embrace wild storms, crashing waves and lashing seas. Panoramic views of the Baily Lighthouse from the clifftops. Exercise your body and soul. Digest the myths and intimate tales, legends and history of 6000 years. The real high comes from the group, roving through enchanting territory, air and light from one inspiring place to the next. Cross trainers, boots or stout shoes are recommended.  Keep an eye on the weather and think about a light waterproof, gloves, scarf and hat in a backpack. Water and a snack wouldn't hurt either. Holiday Hack! Get the 31 or 31/a bus from Talbot street in the city center, sit up stairs, up front or on the right hand side and treat yourself to a coastal tour and intimate review of Dublin as you make your way out to join the tour in Howth.  The Dart works well too (Dublin Area Rapid Transit ) and both have excellent free WIFI.

Experience a journey through time, hearing tales of Viking and Norman invasions and learning about the history of the 700-year-old castle. Immerse yourself in Irish culture as you walk through the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey (Built in 1042), and visit sites known only to locals (Hidden Howth). There will be plenty of time for photographs as you stroll through the fishing village, meeting the local colony of seals and wide variety of seabirds, before you ascend towards the cliffs. You can then take in the stunning views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye, and be overwhelmed by the heady scent from the gorse on the heath. The Baily Lighthouse and Dublin Bay will then come into view as you ascend towards the summit, and from there, you will stroll down the old tramline and finish off in a local pub for a pint of beer. Whether you have a passion for Irish history, hiking, or myths and legends, there is something for everyone on this tour.

Discover everything the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer on a guided full-day trip from Galway. Pass through charming villages along the coast and into the heart of Connemara. Meet your guide at the Kinley Hostel early in the morning and hop on the comfortable tour vehicle which will take you through the Claddagh and Salthill, and along the coast, through Barna, Spiddal, and Inverin. Listen to entertaining tales about the culture and history of the area from your professional local guide and driver. Enjoy stops along the way for tea and a visit to the Quiet Man Cottage replica. Continue through bogs and onto the picturesque fishing village of Roundstone next to Derrygimlagh Bog. Head along Sky Road and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic. Stop for 3 hours at the Connemara National Park. Take your time to explore the more than 3,000 hectares of bog, mountains, grasslands, and woodlands. Return to Galway and take photos along the way at Kylemore Abbey and the Quiet Man Bridge.