21 Best for bluebells and sunset
Where Lissadell Woods and Strand, Co Sligo
What A pleasant linear walk along a wooded path running between a road and Drumcliff Bay. The walk is located within the boundary of the Lissadell Estate, which was once owned by the Gore-Booth family. Constance Gore-Booth, better known as Countess Markievicz, was an Irish revolutionary who participated in the 1916 Easter Rising. Two years later, she became the first woman to be elected to the House of Commons at Westminster. The woods here are decorated with a carpet of blue and white when bluebells and wild garlic bloom in the spring. The path later continues along the sheltered Lissadell strand where you can enjoy splendid views south to Knocknarea or photograph a stunning Wild Atlantic Way sunset. Look out for seals bobbing in the bay or barnacle geese flying overhead.
Start / Finish Car park at a lay-by at Lissadell Strand.
Getting there From Sligo, drive northward along the N15 toward Drumcliff. After the village, turn left into a road signposted Carney. From there, turn left at a junction for Lissadell. After around 2km, turn left into a minor lane towards Lissadell Strand. Reach the parking spot after about 1km.
Level Easy – suitable for all.
Length /Time 3km / 1 hour with plenty of time for stops.
Pack Trainers, camera, hot flask and some snacks.
Refuel with Lissadell Mussels or fish and chips at Davis's Restaurant, Yeats Tavern (yeatstavernrestaurant.com)
22 Best for moorland and country views
Where Slieve Anierin, Co Leitrim
What Slieve Anierin is a broad mountain plateau to the east of the massive Lough Allen. The mountain's Irish name, Sliabh an Iarainn or 'mountain of iron' stems from primitive mines in the area celebrated for iron ore and coal. From the post office, follow a small lane with a Yellow Man signpost leading uphill. This leads to a grassy mountain track at an access gate near a concrete plaque. The track later dwindles, but continue to climb until reaching the top of the plateau. Enjoy fine views of cliffs that line up the eastern end of the plateau as you ascend. A dry, clear day helps as the summit area is quite featureless and boggy. A concrete plinth with a rusted metal disc marks the 585m top. Extensive views of the Leitrim countryside to the east – best at sunrise – feature prominently during the walk. Look out for white-flowered blackthorn in the spring.
Start /Finish Aghacashel Post Office.
Getting there From Drumshanbo, drive northeast along a minor road for around 8km to reach Aghacashel. There are parking spaces near the post office.
Level Moderate – best for seasoned hikers.
Length / Time 6.5km / 3 hours
Pack Good walking boots, a copy of Adrian Hendroff's Donegal, Sligo & Leitrim guidebook and a map (OS Discovery Series 26).
Refuel with organic salads, home-baked cakes and a cuppa at Sweet Geranium Cafe (sweetgeranium.ie)
23 Best for wildlife
Where Kilronan Castle Woodland Trail, Co Roscommon
What A lovely walk through Kilronan Forest along the northern shore of Lough Meelagh. Follow red markers along woodland and lakeside paths as far as Doon Point on the western fringes of the lake. Daffodils and bluebells carpet the ground in the spring. Look out for deer, foxes, hares and squirrels in the woods; also birds such as the greenfinch, song thrush, robin, blue tit and sparrowhawk. The lake is idyllic on a clear day or atmospheric with a bit of mist and the sun trying to break through. Kids will like the swans flitting along the water.
Start / Finish Kilronan Castle car park
Getting there Follow the N4 towards Sligo. Around 6km past Carrick-on-Shannon, turn left into the R285 signposted Knockvicar and Keadew. Reach a junction after around 10km and turn left here toward Ballyfarnon. The entrance into Kilronan Castle is located 1.5km on the left.
Level Easy – ideal for families with kids.
Length/Time 4.5km / 1.5 hours
Pack Comfortable walking shoes and the route description/map on irishtrails.ie or ask at the hotel reception for details.
Refuel with afternoon tea or a pint at Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa (kilronancastle.ie); or delicious sandwiches or main courses at the Drawing Room or the Douglas Hyde Restaurant there.
24 Best for that 'edge of the world' feel
Where Benwee Head, Co Mayo
What Perhaps the finest stretch of cliff scenery in the country. At 255m, it is higher than the Cliffs of Moher. From April, pink sea-thrift can be found lining the cliff-tops. Begin from the Children of Lir sculpture, perched at the top of a beautiful inlet surrounded by 100m-high cliffs. Head east, cross a stream and follow the cliff-line (do not step too close to the edge) to reach the 255m summit. Descend 1.5km northeast to a cliff-top overlooking a dramatic bay enclosed by an arc of majestic cliffs and the Stags of Broadhaven. From here, retrace your steps back to the start. This can be quite enjoyable as the scenery looks different going in the opposite direction, giving prolonged views of Kid Island (Oileán Mionnán), the Mullet peninsula and Achill Island. Look out for gulls, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.
Start / Finish Benwee Head 'An Bhinn Bhuí' car park.
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