IT’S TIME TO get off the couch and clear your mind by getting out amongst nature. 

Going for more walks in the hopes of increasing one’s step count is a regular New Year’s resolution. When establishing a routine around exercise, familiarity can be helpful when developing a rhythm to reach for your runners and head out the door without a second thought.

As well as being good for your health, taking the time to go for a walk has been proven to improve concentration levels and decrease stress and anxiety. A great incentive to help stick with taking regular walks is to create a list of locations to explore once you build up the stamina for longer excursions.

Up and down Ireland there are countless trials and forest walks to visit. Often, contained within these wooded areas are fascinating histories and folklore making each one unique. Furthermore, immersing yourself in the stately and leafy surroundings of forests – populated by statuesque trees, sweet woodland animals and pretty flora – can be deeply restorative, particularly after a long week. 

A great incentive to get out and walk is to create a list of locations to explore on foot. Up and down Ireland there are countless trials and forest walks to visit. Often, contained within these wooded areas are fascinating histories and folklore making each one unique. It’s always worth the journey to get in the car and venture through some of Ireland’s beautiful walking-friendly forests to be found.

Here are 4 magical forest walks to explore this weekend with family, friends or alone with an audiobook or your furry four-legged companions.  

1. Clogrennane Wood, Co Carlow

Situated close to Carlow Town, Clogrennane Wood offers a stunning 4km path to follow which features spectacular views of the surrounding town and the River Barrow. The wood contains a stunning variety of trees and carpets of bluebells, their purple tones stand out against the lush greenery of Clogrennane. It’s also known for its bountiful supply of limestone. 

2. Dromore Woods, Co Clare 

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Co Clare is the home to a number of Ireland’s most incredible landscapes and landmarks. There’s so much to see and do in the Banner county such as taking a trip to the Cliffs of Moher to take in the tremendous coastal sites, exploring the beautiful scenery around The Burren and spending a morning trekking through the Dromore Woods. Here, you can explore the pretty lake views and take pictures of the quaint wooden bridge in approximately 2 hours. 

3. Glanageenty Loop Walk, Co Kerry

When you visit Glenageenty Loop Walk, soundtracking the typical forest scenery is sweet birdsong and the tranquil trickling of the water in the nearby riverbanks. Amongst the abundant wildlife in this picturesque Co Kerry spot, where you could happen upon goats or pheasants, the area is steeped in fascinating histories such as being the site of a beheading of the last Earl of Desmond.  

4. Ballinastoe, Co Wicklow 

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Known also for its bike trail, however, the designated walkways in Ballinastoe Woods look like something from a Brothers Grimm fairytale. A wide wooden path has been laid, guiding visitors deeper into the forest with ease. The towering trees of Ballinastoe create a magical space for visitors and will immediately transport you from your everyday surroundings onto a spectacular fairytale scene.