HOSTELS FOR HIKERS
Hiking the way hiking is meant to be!!
We have a huge amount of hiking at our Youth Hostels - this just touches on it so far but gives you an idea of the walking available. Check out walking sites for the particular area for more detailed information or ask the hostel staff who will usually have maps that they can lend out or give you and books on hiking trails that you can borrow.
And, of course, many of the hostel managers and staff are avid hikers themselves so can give you first hand information! If you have a group and would like a little guidance - ask us before you book and we may be able to organise for a volunteer to guide you through the area - provided one is free!
Beach Haven Hostel
The sand hills at the end of the beach offer a spectacular view of the bay and the town. You’re sure to get a good work-out as they are almost 5 kilometres from the town centre! The back bay is especially good for bird watching.
Tramore also features the Donneraile walk along the West side of Tramore Bay and from there you can follow the coast down past the pier and out to the Guillamene swimming cove and Newtown Woods before reaching the famous Metalman guarding the mouth of Tramore Bay.
If you’re interested in more of an up-hill challenge, the nearby Comeragh Mountains are ideal for hiking.
Ben Lettery Youth Hostel - closed for 2012
For the less hard-core there is a most rewarding short walk in Connemara National Park just outside Letterfrack in the Twelve Bens region. A purpose-built walkway runs for 3.5km to the top of Diamond Hill, with magnificent views of the west coast and the scattering of islands beyond it.
For those after more of a challenge – the beautiful and peaceful Benlettery/Glencoaghan Horseshoe walk at 15K and with an ascent of 1500m is extremely popular with those who stay at Ben Lettery, though you may not meet another soul on your hike! This can be quite demanding with a lot of climbing and descents but as it’s over rocky terrain for most of the way, you’ll keep your feet dry! If you get the weather, the views are fantastic and most memorable.
For more adventurous walkers with an interest in the mysterious antiquities offshore, Connemara Safari (00 353 95 21 071; www.walkingconnemara.com) specialises in island-hopping tours (led by archaeologists) and guided, week-long hikes on the mainland.
Black Valley Youth Hostel
This is the place to come for some fantastic views and walks! The Kerry Way is one of Ireland's longest signposted walking trails (200km+ or 124+ miles) and also one of the most popular. The trail starts and finishes in the busy tourist destination of Killarney. It loops around the Iveragh Peninsula and goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country.
With our sister hostel Killarney International Hostel situated 15km away in Fossa it makes a good alternative start to the Kerry Way walking through the Gap of Dunloe between the two hostels. In addition, walking this stretch avoids repeating the section between Killarney and Galway's Bridge at the official start and end of the trail.
Hill-walkers staying an extra day in Black Valley may wish to climb Carrauntoohil (1,039m) or Purple Mountain (832m). These mountains do not have sign-posted trails, so good navigational skills are essential to tackle these summits – ask when you’re booking about our free guides – An Óige volunteers are sometimes available to lead a small group on a hike!
Bluestack Centre
Some of the best walking and hiking in Ireland - The Bluestack Centre is very involved with walking and hiking trails in the Donegal area. The Centre works in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland Walking Hub and, Inga Bock, who resides at the centre, is the Rural Development Officer who co-ordinates the Waymarked Way.
The Bluestack Mountains are found in South Donegal, beginning at the village of Pettigo on the Donegal and Fermanagh border. The mountains then head northwards to Barnes Mór Gap and then westwards to Killybegs.
The Bluestack Mountains contain several lofty peaks but you don’t need to get to the top to see the magnificent scenery – it’s all around! There’s tumbling streams, waterfalls and rugged exhilarating scenery abound – it’s difficult to take a bad photograph around here!
If you need a little guidance on your walk or feel that your hiking skills could do with a little support, there are plenty of qualified and highly experienced walking/hiking guides most of whom are involved with the Bluestack Ramblers Walking Club – the Centre’s very own keen walking club!
Check out the Donegal Walkers Welcome site www.donegalwalkerswelcome.com for more details - they can help with route finding and trails while using the art of story telling to enrich your holiday and guide you through the rich history and diverse culture and landscape of this beautiful area.
Cashel Hostel
There's plenty of options at Cashel Holiday Hostel for hikers and walkers with all levels of experience:
Galtee Walking Club
The Galtee Walking Club in the Glen of Aherlow meet every Sunday offering either mountain, forest track or road walk, also on Wednesday evening from May to September. Visitors are welcome on payment
Location: Glen Of Aherlow Telephone: +353(0)6257239
Cashel Historic Town Walk
The Rock of Cashel dominates the town it overlooks. But there’s more to Cashel than this stunningly elevated chapel, round tower and abbey - not least its Georgian cathedral, 18th-century bishop’s palace and Bolton Library.
Location: Cashel Telephone: +353 (0)62 62511
Galty Vee Valley Nature and Wildlife
The Galty Vee Valley is located between the Knockmealdown and Galty Mountains, It contains many historical and archaeological sites. Among the many scenic areas are: The Vee, Baylough and Shanbally Castle park land.
Location: Clogheen Telephone: +353(0)5262258
Glen of Aherlow
Family Walk 3.3 kilometres (2 miles). Climb 130 metres (400 feet). Walking time 75 minutes.
Telephone: +353 (0)62 56331 Web: aherlow.com
Tipperary Heritage Way
There are many castles, monuments, abbeys and cemeteries along the Way, including Hore Abbey, the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Suir Castles and Swiss Cottage. The route can be divided into four easy stages: Vee to Ardfinnan, Ardfinnan to Cahir, Cahir to Golden and Golden to Cashel, the shortest route being of approximately two hours duration. It is suitable for all levels of walkers who can enjoy being at one with nature and discover the wide variety of flora and fauna of the region.
Telephone: +353 (0)51 875823
Cong Hostel
Check out Cong Hostel Wilderness Walking Tours and experience the healing power of the natural, unspoilt West of Ireland countryside. Relax and unwind in the Mayo Wilderness, climb mountains, walk hills or just sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings! Cong Hostel Wilderness Walking Tours will organise your entire trip-including pick up and transfers, accommodation & activities leaving you free to relax and enjoy your well deserved holiday!
Errigal Youth Hostel
Take up the challenge on this hostel's doorstep and make it to the top of Errigal Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views!
Glendaloch International Hostel
and Glenmalure Hostel
With the Wicklow Way stages and the National Park, there’s no shortage of walks in this area for people of all levels! The mountains around Glendalough are an interesting challenge for the experienced climber. hostels can provide FREE GUIDES for groups of 6 or more if you call in advance – subject to availability – they’re very popular too!
The Wicklow Way is famous as a walking/hiking route which stretches over 132 km (82 miles) done in stages starting from south Dublin and finishing in Co. Carlow across some of the most visually stunning, unspoilt countryside in Wicklow. Check out the official Wicklow Way website for more information on this trail.
Alternatively, you can follow in the footsteps of St. Kevin by walking the St Kevin’s Way from Hollywood in West Wicklow to Glendalough (26km/16 miles). Just make sure you pack your walking shoes or hiking boots as Glendalough is the place to stretch your legs, enjoy the views and feel at one with nature!
Killarney International Hostel
This is the place to come for some fantastic views and walks! The Kerry Way is one of Ireland's longest signposted walking trails (200km+ or 124+ miles) and also one of the most popular. The trail starts and finishes in the busy tourist destination of Killarney. It loops around the Iveragh Peninsula and goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country.
Ask when you’re booking about our FREE guides – An Óige volunteers are sometimes available to lead a small group on a hike but they need to be booked well in advance as they’re very popular!
With our sister hostel Black Valley Hostel situated 15km away in the Black Valley it makes a good alternative start to the Kerry Way walking through the Gap of Dunloe between the two hostels. In addition, walking this stretch avoids repeating the section between Killarney and Galway's Bridge at the official start and end of the trail.
Hill-walkers staying an extra day in Killarney may wish to climb Carrauntoohil – (1,039m and Ireland’s highest mountain) or Purple Mountain (832m). These mountains do not have sign-posted trails, so good navigational skills are essential to tackle these summits – remember - ask when you’re booking about our free guides – An Óige volunteers are sometimes available to lead a small group on a hike!
Knockree Youth Hostel
Explore the beauty of the countryside at your leisure or continue your journey on the Wicklow Way. Ask when you’re booking about our FREE guides – An Óige volunteers are sometimes available to lead a small group on a hike but they need to be booked well in advance as they’re very popular!
To complete the whole Wicklow Way, you would begin in Dublin's southern suburb of Rathfarnham and travels in a south-south-westerly direction across the Dublin and Wicklow uplands, then through the rolling hill country of southwest County Wicklow to finish in the small, County Carlow village of Clonegal 132 kilometres (82 miles) later! Don’t worry though – this is normally broken up into stages and the whole varied walk takes the average hill-walker 8 to 10 days a combination of suburban parkland, forest trails, wild and scenic mountain landscape and finally rolling countryside. For more information on the Wicklow Way and its stages, see the official site.
Mountain Lodge Hostel - closed for 2012
The Tipperary Heritage Way is delightful way of discovering the area. It offers a series of walks suitable for all levels of walkers. The Tipperary Heritage Way is 56km but broken into stages so you don’t have to do it all at once! It is a low-level walking route in the south midlands that follows the River Suir northwards from the Knockmealdown Mountains towards the historic town of Cashel (where we have our Cashel Hostel!).
Ask when you’re booking about our guides –who are available to lead a small group on a hike but they need to be booked well in advance as they’re very popular! Contact Maureen O’Brien @ 025 27394 for rates and availability.
Newgrange Lodge Hostel
There are plenty of walking trails through out the county including the Boyne Ramparts Heritage Walk which is an 8km walk along the River Boyne. Forest walks can be taken nearby at Littlewood Forest or at Townley Hall. Both walks are well signposted and comprise of a varied mix of conifer and broadleaved tree species. Littlewoods displays interesting information detailing the flora and fauna in the woods.
There are also plenty of Eco Trails throughout the county and local guides are available.
The Connemara Hostel
This popular area has a number of walks which are equally as popular!
1. Killary Famine Walk
2. Leenane Walk
3. Connemara National Park-Diamond Hill Loop, Letterfrack to Cregg Walk
4. The Western Way
The Burren Hostel
The Burren Way marked walking route is easily accessible for walkers of all levels.
Trá na Rosann Youth Hostel
If you want something a little less strenuous, head to Glenveagh National Park for some beautiful walks and while you’re there, get some great photos of the red deer and golden eagles that can be seen there.
The hostel is just off Trá na Rossan strand at the foot of a wild hill but beware of the cliffs at the back of the hostel which can be dangerous. There are walks up the hill but there is no signage however there are maps of walks in the area that you can use. Have a word with reception who provide these maps for you, as well as recommend your level and give you some advice.
