Hundreds of waymarked trails cross the mountains, bogs and forests and stimulating walks run alongside rivers, cliff edges and beaches or wend through historic towns and picturesque villages.
The island is the perfect dreamscape to stride out for a walk that will reward you with a kaleidoscope of spectacular scenery. For now, you can close your eyes and imagine Ireland’s stunning scenery. But when it's safe to travel again, here are some of the country’s best walks.
The Wicklow Way in the south east is a 127km trail that passes shimmering mountain lakes, traverses steep-sided glacial valleys, forests and rolling hills and takes in the stunning ruins of the early Christian monastic settlement of Glendalough.
Or follow the spectacular 53km Causeway Coast Way on the island’s north coast passing the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the atmospheric ruins of Dunluce Castle and the famous Giant’s Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mountain hikers seeking a challenge should head for Carrauntoohil in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in County Kerry. It’s Ireland’s highest peak (1038m) and generally climbed through the ominously named Devil’s Ladder. From the summit the views are stunning.