Virginia Mooney

Hiking is definately on the agenda for my trip to Ireland (next week). I was wondering where of some the prime spots were. We are starting the trip in Dublin and ending in Galway. Thanks

Cathy

Virginia, <BR>First things first the weather is def. not the best for hiking - rain, rain, rain and rain with the resulting mists on mountains etc which are the popular places for hikers. But should it clear up then try Wicklow Mts (get a copy of the Wicklow Way Guide which lists hikes), Connemara, Kerry. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps, <BR> <BR>Cathy

Lisa

I've hiked the Wicklow Way, and the second leg (about 15-18 miles, I think) is pretty spectacular. However, it can also be dangerous and not worth the effort if the weather isn't crystal clear. There's a long climb near the beginning of the hike to a point that overlooks Powerscourt (waterfall, beautiful gardens, etc.). Particularly with a pack, it was tiring. We had a pretty pleasant day, but it was slightly overcast, and by the time we got to this point, Powerscourt was completely obscured by fog. A woman on horseback told us the view really is worth the climb on a good day. <BR> <BR>Anyway, a few miles on, the weather started to get pretty nasty--driving rain, sleet (it was June, remember), fog so think I couldn't see my husband if he got more than a few feet ahead of me. By this point, we were out of the forest and on open hills. Apparently, some of the Wicklow Way markers got turned the wrong way, and in the fog, we couldn't see a thing. We ended up doing a 10-miles circle. The weather actually got dangerous, and at one point, I wasn't sure we'd actually make it through. <BR> <BR>So just a word of caution--stay in the lower elevations unless you're an experienced hiker, have appropriate clothing, a compass and a good idea of where you're going (make sure you get a Ordance Survey map--those things are indespenable). <BR>

Sandra

Virginia, <BR> <BR>You might want to consider hiking The Gap of Dunloe in Killarny National Park. We took a ride part way up the Gap from Kate's cottage in a pony trap and passed people hiking. The next day we went through the Gap in a car (the signs did say road not recommended for motor vehicles) and again passed hikers. I think you can hike through the Gap and then take a boat ride back. The weather the first day was "soft" we rode in the pony traps with raincoats, umbrellas etc. BUT as we found most days in Ireland it changed and after about 1 hour it stopped raining. There were low clouds but you still got the great views through the gap and of the lakes. I wished we had been able to spend more time in this area *outside* and not just driving through in a car. The ride through the gap in the car was nerve wracking. When you came upon vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, one vehicle or the other had to find a spot to pull over because there was not enough room for two. It was a beautiful area and I'm sure you can get more information on hiking from any tourist office. <BR>Enjoy your trip.

Patrick

Wow, when did you drive the Gap of Dunloe? We hiked it and cars were strictly forbidden --chained off in fact. That was two years ago in May. It was indeed a great hike, except for the occassional pony trap and their little "presents" left on the trails. We took a bus out from town, hiked, and took the boat back to town from the end of the trail. Beautiful. Hiking is also very nice on the Aran islands.

Sandra

Patrick and Virginia- <BR>We were in Ireland the first week in Sept. I know driving the gap is not recommended but there were no chains, only a sign. I went under protest. I was traveling with 7 friends and 2 had been in Ireland last year and had done the drive in Oct. and wanted to do it again. We had two vehicles, a van and a small car. The van was in front and I had opted to go in the car thinking it was smaller and would fit on the road better. But the van was higher and therefore went over some of the bumps and rocky areas with less problem. The worst was when 3 vehicles were heading towards us and they stuck so close to each other (bumper to bumper) that there was no way anyone could maneuver around them. They kept motioning and gesturing for us to drive off into the field and we wouldn't. We had already lost 2 hub caps and had two flat tires in our first couple of days and were starting to drive defensively by avoiding the "loose chippings". We stuck to our guns and they eventually seperated enough so that we all could get through. I was so tense on the drive that I really didn't enjoy the scenery, I just wanted it to be over with. I do wish I had hiked it instead and couldn't figure out why my friends who had gone before didn't suggest the hike. It seems like the perfect way to see it all and now your confirming it. Oh well next time. <BR>We biked on the Aran Islands and that was a great way to see and experience them and I'm sure Virginia would like that. <BR>Have a good trip Virginia, <BR>Sandra

worldtraveler

Let me get this right. There was no chain just a sign. Did it say that cars were not allowed? That driving was forbidden? There is a very appropriate thread running now called "Ugly American". Perhaps you should read it, Virginia.

worldtraveler

Sorry, that last message was intended for Sandra, not Virginia.

Patrick

World Traveler may be a little blunt, but I have to agree. Why were you driving the Gap of Dunloe if it is off limits to cars? But back to the original post. The Dingle peninsula also has wonderful hiking opportunities. One day we just started following the coast and ended up God knows where, but had a wonderful day. Most tourist offices in towns will have pretty good hiking and trail maps of the best hikes in the area.