School will soon be out for summer, and to help parents and families plan adventure days, outdoor specialist store Trailblazers has rounded up some of Ireland’s best family-friendly walks. From scenic lakeside strolls to forest trails and waterfall walks, the routes offer families a simple way to get outdoors, stay active and make the most of the summer months. The only thing Trailblazers can’t guarantee, of course, is fine weather!
Rebecca Ryan, Marketing Manager at Trailblazers, says:
Family walks don’t need to be long or difficult to be memorable. A short forest trail, lakeside stroll or waterfall walk can give children a proper sense of adventure while still being manageable for parents.”
Ireland’s Family-Friendly Walks
Glendalough Green Road Walk, Co. Wicklow
A 2.7km easy loop on track and boardwalk, starting near the National Park Information Office. Tall oaks guide you towards the Lower Lake, with plenty of flora and fauna to watch out for. Public toilets are available at the OPW Visitor Centre and Upper Lake Car Park for added convenience.
Wild Nephin National Park Nature Trail, Co. Mayo
A short nature trail from Ballycroy Visitor Centre with a viewing point over Achill Island and the Nephin Beg mountains, Wild Nephin National Park covers 15,000 hectares of rugged wilderness. Facilities include toilets, outdoor picnic areas and a coffee shop.
Knockreer Circular Walk, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
A 5km trail on a smooth paved path suitable for walking and cycling, with views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Killarney National Park has parking, toilets, cafés and family facilities so you and yours and prepare, refuel and relax.
Rossmore Forest Park, Co. Monaghan
Among Rossmore Forest Park’s many enjoyable trails is the Priestfield Walk. The walk is approximately 3km, well signposted and set among forest paths. It also takes in the Rossmore family crypt for a touch of history. Facilities include a spacious car park, clean toilets, picnic tables and detailed trail maps.
Glenveagh Lakeside Walk, Co. Donegal
This is a 3.5km non-looped walk from the Visitor Centre to Glenveagh Castle along a mostly flat gravel path. While the walk has an estimated completion time of 40 minutes, take time to stroll the shores of Lough Veagh, admire the many Austrian Pines and native broadleaved trees and Owencarrow river. Families can walk one way and return by bus, with accessible toilets at the Visitor Centre.
Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Co. Roscommon
It’s all go at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park. A great choice for families who want walking with extra activities thrown in, the park has various trails, picnic areas, restrooms and family-friendly cycling routes.
Pack the Adventure Backpack
When planning for an outdoor adventure for the family, Rebecca says your backpack or rucksack should include:
- Refillable water bottles
- Snacks or sandwiches
- Lightweight rain jackets
- Spare socks
- Sun cream
- Hats or caps
- Small first-aid kit
- Tissues and wipes
- Fully charged phone
- A bag for rubbish
Rebecca adds: “The right kit makes all the difference. Families don’t need specialist gear for every short walk, but comfortable walking shoes, rain layers and a few simple supplies can keep the day fun instead of stressful.”
How the Data Was Gathered
Trailblazers reviewed official tourism, park and trail information from the likes of Discover Ireland, Go Visit Donegal and Sports Ireland to identify family-friendly walks under 6km. Walks were selected based on route length, ease, scenery, facilities and suitability for a relaxed family day out. Where a route is part of a larger park or trail network, only the shorter named walk or popular family-friendly segment has been included.
About Trailblazers
Trailblazers is a cycling and outdoor specialist store catering for the growing interest in walking and hiking and for the large population of cyclists and triathletes in Leitrim and surrounding areas.