The View From The Top - Amazing Scenery in Ireland & Exercise
One of my favourite things to do on a weekend, is to jump in the car and go off exploring, not only do I get the opportunity to see some stunning scenery, it is great for burning calories. I've lived in Ireland for just 2 years so I love finding new places.
Here are some of the places I've been visiting, I will jot some details/links down below in case anyone plans to visit any of them:
Gougane Barra, Ballingeary, County Cork
http://www.coillte.ie/site/gougane-barra-forest-park/
Located a short drive from Macroom in County Cork, this forest park is the start of the River Lee and has many walking trails from an easy stroll to a more difficult uphill scramble.
Garrylucas and Garretstown Beaches & The Old Head of Kinsale, Ballinspittle, County Cork
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/garrylucas-blue-flag-beach-2017/46229
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/garrettstown-beach-awarded-blue-flag-2017/63127
http://www.wildatlanticway.com/directory/signature/old-head-of-kinsale/
These beaches are a short drive from Kinsale which is about 30 minutes drive from Cork City. There are lovely views along the coast from both the beaches and the cliffs, there is a cliff walk that takes you over to the old head of Kinsale.
Torc Mountain & Waterfall, Killarney, County Kerry
http://killarneyguide.ie/torc/
Just outside of Killarney in County Kerry, on the Ring of Kerry, there is a short walk from the road to the waterfall for those who are less active or you can head up to the upper car park and walk up to the mountain summit, there is a well marked out path which is laid with railway sleepers and has a fantastic view over the Killarney Lakes and Muckross House.
Muckross House and Killarney Lakes, Killarney, County Kerry
http://www.muckross-house.ie/
http://www.kerrygems.com/kerry-gems-app/the-best-walks-in-kerry/muckross-lake-loop/
A long moderate but mostly flat route around Killarney Lakes with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains, County Wicklow
http://www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie/?page_id=17
About a 30 minute drive from Bray but feels like you're in the middle of nowhere, there is an old monastic settlement, a beautiful lake and many walking trails from an easy flat walk around the lakes to more intense hillwalks on the Wicklow Way.
Inch Strand, The Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/inch-strand/91730
A lovely long sandy white beach on the Dingle Peninsula, had stunning views over the West Coast of Kerry.
Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty, County Cork
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/inchydoney-blue-flag-beach-2017/46234
Just below the Inchydoney Island Hotel & Spa, there is a steep walk down from the car park, but it's a stunning beach and you can walk up to the hotel's premises and look out from above.
Timoleague Abbey, Timoleague, County Cork
http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/timoleague-abbey/91783
On the outskirts of Timoleague village, overlooking the water. I highly recommend Dillon's Restaurant to anyone who is visit the area.
Derrynane Beach, Caherdaniel, County Kerry
http://www.gokerry.ie/derrynane-beach/
A gorgeous secluded beach off the Ring of Kerry, on a sunny day you might mistakenly thing you were somewhere in the Mediterranean.
Lough Derg, County Tipperary/County Clare
http://www.discoverloughderg.ie/about-lough-derg/
I drove down from Terryglass village to Ballina-Killaloe one afternoon after a meeting in Galway, it's a lovely area. You get a great view over the whole lake at "The Lookout" outside Portroe.
"The Line", Old Railway Line, Cork Marina - Monkstown, Cork City, County Cork
http://www.walkingroutes.ie/1835-Cork-City-to-Passage-West.html#default
An old railway line that runs from the banks of the River Lee in the city down through Blackrock across Lough Mahon/Douglas River to Rochestown and then continues around the River Lee to Monkstown, with views of Spike Island and Cobh on the opposite shore.