Walking Holidays

Adare is a visitor gateway to a variety of walking trails to suit all levels of fitness. Some of these trails extend outside the county boundary but are only a short drive from Adare.
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Adare River Walk

Adare and the surrounding countryside is renowned for the variety of walking trails it has to offer visitors. The Adare Village and Riverbank Pavement Walk along the Maigue is particularly convenient because it is easy to follow, it takes about 30 minutes to walk, and so it caters for all fitness levels.

The route takes you down the Station Road and then onto the paved river bank and back up to the Church of Ireland and onto the main road leading back into the village. There’s lots of wildlife to be seen including beautiful and elegant swans.

Curraghchase Trails

There are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness at the beautiful 300 hectares of rolling parkland with lakes and mixed woodland. The Lake Trail is about 1km and takes about 20 minutes to walk.

There are wonderful views of the former home of the de Vere family, most notable being Sir Aubrey de Vere who was a poet and an author. There are both walking and cycling trails that explore the wider wooded part of the Park.

The Curragh Trail is about 2.5 km and takes about 30 minutes to walk. The Glenisca Trail is 3.6km long and takes about one hour to walk and takes the visitor into the wider forest with an old cave, limestone outcrops sitting under the trees and the Yew woodland.

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Knockfierna Walking Trail

Knockfierna, Hill of the Fairies, lies south west of Adare, with spectacular views of the Golden Vale from the summit.Visitors and walkers are introduced to a panoramic view of most of County Limerick because of its central location.

Walking distance is 9km round trip on moderate terrain and takes about 2.5hrs. If you are interested in local famine history, a walk up Knockfierna Mountain, close to the village of Ballingarry, will take you past a number of reconstructed cottages which were abandoned during the famine, as well as a memorial.

Lough Gur Guided Walking Tours

Not far from Adare lies Lough Gur. The Heritage Centre located by the lakefront in Lough Gur was fully refurbished and restored in 2013. The exhibition within provides an overview of one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites. It is the only area in the country where you can see visible evidence of every age since Neolithic times.

The Centre provides visitors with information on the surrounding sites and attractions in the local area. The Centre has a team of experienced guides who are on hand to help visitors discover the local monuments and sites which include the Grange Stone Circle built in the Bronze Age. Longer guided walking tours taking in the lake and the local countryside are also available.

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The Great Southern Trail

This is a unique 85 km stretch of countryside in West Limerick/North Kerry. It was the route taken by the Limerick – Tralee railway line, which opened in 1867/1880 and closed in 1975/1977. It is an off-road trail which can be used by cyclists and walkers.

The trail commences at Rathkeale, which just a 10 minute drive from Adare and passes through Ardagh, Newcastlewest and Barnagh. The distance of the walk from Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale is 40 km.

Ballyhoura Trails

The Ballyhoura region is renowned for its beauty and provides a range of walks to suit all abilities. Explore the Ballyhoura Walks and trails in the link below.

GALTYWOOD/KINGS YARD – KILBEHENNY 4KM
Attychraan Loop – 5km easy with some moderate sections. Family friendly (older children). Amazing Galtee mountain views.

GLENANAAR WOOD – ARDPATRICK/13KM
Canon Sheen Loop – 7km easy, low land walk, forest roads and woody forest trails, gorgeous river section

CASTLEGALE LOOP – MITCHELSTOWN12KM/KILFINANE6KM
Forestry roadway, forest trails, broadleaf woodland. Wonderful countryside views.

Attychraan Loop

This 5km route starts at the Galtee Woods car park; follow the purple arrow downhill via forestry paths to cross the Funshion River.

Ballyhoura
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Other Leisure Trails in this region

Slieve Felim Way which is a 43km linear walking route through the counties of Limerick and Tipperary well away from the hustle and bustle of main roads.

Glenstal Woods Loop which follows purple arrows through Glenstal Woods. It circles the Slieve Felim Mountains mainly on forest road with a short section on minor roads.

Foynes Shannon Estuary Walk which has some twisty paths to explore that offer fantastic views out over the estuary and a picnic area which includes a special adapted picnic table for wheelchairs.

Knockduv/Ballinaboola Loop where the Trailhead is located at Ballinaboola Woods. Ardpatrick lies at the foot of the north slopes of the Ballyhoura Mountains, on the edge of the Golden Vale.

Darragh Hills Castlegate Loop, situated in the southwest region of Ireland, on the borders of counties Tipperary, Limerick and Cork, is an area of undulating green pastures, woodlands, hills and mountains.

An Gleann Beag Loop
This walk of 9.5km begins and ends at the trailhead in the village of Broadford. It takes you through a variety of terrain including quiet country roads, tree lined laneways, and farmland.

Athea Slí na Sláinte Walking Route
5.3Km Slí walk begins at the carpark beside the memorial hall in Athea. Turn right onto the Glin approach Road.

Adare Walking Tours

Explore Adare’s rich heritage with a guided walking tour presented by James Cavanagh. Bring the history of Adare alive as you leisurely walk through medieval monasteries, listening to historic tales of ancient times and people. James has a great local knowledge of Adare’s history and the enchanting stories of its past. To book a walking tour call James on 0035 (0) 87 9623120

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