We all have our favourite family walks. We have included 10 suggestions here. Please get in touch with your suggestions as we want to expand this list to cover family friendly walks all over the Island of Ireland.
1: River Dodder, Dublin
One of the main rivers in Dublin is the River Dodder which starts in the Wicklow mountains and runs into the Liffey. The river walk runs from Clonskeagh to Firhouse in the south of Dublin and meanders alongside plenty of parks also worth a visit.
2: Castletown House, Kildare
This large and imposing Palladian house offers a beautiful, looped walk along the River Liffey. A short walk suitable for little legs, it is just over 2km long.
3: Jenkinstown Wood, Kilkenny
Jenkinstown Wood is an incredibly beautiful spot with 35 acres to explore. With 1000 species of trees to discover along the walking trails, this woodland is a vista like no other.
4: Salt Marsh Trail, Donegal
Ards Forest Park in Donegal offers a spectacular trail through forest tracks and boardwalks along the coastline. From salt marshes, sand dunes, beaches, and saltwater lakes, there is much to explore here.
5: Derrynane Coastal Circuit, Kerry
Beginning and ending at the Derrynane National Historic Park, dedicated to Daniel O’Connell, the 8km circuit takes in views of beaches, mountains, and offshore islands, not to mention the fairy houses!
6: Granston Lough Nature Reserve, Laois
This nature reserve highlights wonderful walking trails alongside the lake which are perfect for a family day out. With beautiful views of the lake, there are plenty of spots to sit and take out the picnic.
7: JFK Arboretum, Wexford
With several signposted walking routes and an orienteering path, the JFK Arboretum is home to 4500 types of trees. With panoramic views at the summit of the hill and a sweeping lake, the Arboretum is a great place to explore as a family.
8: The Waterford Greenway, Waterford
The Waterford Greenway runs along the old rail line and is 45km in length. A perfect walking path, it is tarmacked the entire way and offers wonderful views and things to do such as Ballyvole Cove.
9: Portumna Forest Park, Galway
Portumna offers a wide path along its short but beautiful 1.5km forest walk which includes a boardwalk. Alongside this brief walk are three longer options within the park which, while not buggy friendly, can be explored with young children.
10: Belleek Woods, Mayo
Situated within the woods of the Belleek estate, these walks bring you to some wonderful historical landmarks such as a wall built during the famine, and an ice house. A 4km looped walk brings you through history and also to the fairies.
Main Photo by Alberto Casetta on Unsplash
