Category archives: Ireland

The Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed park in Europe. The Park dates back to the 1660’s where it was originally a royal hunting ground. Eventually opened to the public in 1747. This post discusses the lovely 12km Phoenix Park perimeter walk. The park still has a herd of deer….

Blessington Street Basin is one of Dublin’s hidden gems. The park is located in the heart of the city and quite rightly known as Dublin’s secret garden. Comprising a 600m linear section of what was formerly a leg of the Royal Canal connecting Phibsborough to Broadstone plus the old reservoir…

I’ve previously written about walking the Royal Canal Way from Ashtown to Ballynacargy. This time I am taking a look at the initial stages of the Royal Canal Way to Ashtown. Firstly starting from the Famine Memorial on the banks of the River Liffey I walked the 8.1km to Ashtown…

It’s the start of February 2021. The country has been in Level 5 lockdown for over a month.  We are going to be in Level 5 lockdown for at least another month. No leaving the house except for essential travel.  Exercise limited to a 5km radius around your home. Put…

When I’m not hiking, I’m usually either thinking about or planning my next hike. I have found that the Ireland’s National Waymarked Trails are always a good starting point for these big dreams. There are currently 45 walking routes in Ireland that are classified as “National Waymarked Trails”. The variety…

I recently wrote an article about some of my own rules of hiking. One of the top guidelines that I noted down was to always “stop for a pint”. While this says a lot about my own personal fondness for the black stuff, there was also something deeper there. Hiking…

Are there special rules of hiking? One of the aims of this blog is to help to try to educate people that hiking, and hill walking are something that everyone can do. Even with the most basic levels of fitness, there are beautiful walks out there that are accessible, achievable…

The Hellfire Club is one of Dublin’s favourite walking routes. This is with very good reason as it is a lovely hiking area offering super views over the city, the lush green surrounding countryside and out over Dublin Bay. Getting to the Hellfire Club There are four way marked walking…

I’ve hiked the Dublin Mountains Way twice. This is a very tough walk as it’s 42km in distance. When you attempt to complete the Dublin Mountain Way in one day, it ends up being a time challenge. Completing a marathon distance mountain hike means that you are somewhat timebound. As…

I have done lots of walks and hikes. Each one has a distinct memory. Some have been solo hikes. An opportunity for introspection. Others have been with loved ones. My Mother. My wife. Darkness to light walks with family. All of them have their own story and their own importance….