Walking Around Ireland. Province by Province.

Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well and looking forward to the weekend ahead. Maybe, like me you’re planning to take a favorite walk to blow away the cobwebs and recharge the batteries. It was so lovely to receive so many kind comments on my Walking Around Ireland series of blogs and I’ve been asked to pick my favorite from each province. A very tough call but here goes. I’ve also chosen my favorite Aran summer layers from The Irish Store Collection. Always good to have a cozy knit handy when walking in Ireland!

Walking Around Ireland-My Top Picks

1. Ulster – Glencolmcille, County Donegal

First up it’s the stunning looped walk from the beautiful village of Glencolmcille to Port and back to the village. It covers some 13 km and this beautiful corner of south-west Donegal is truly breathtaking. Tradition, culture and the Irish language are preserved and cherished here. Port is a small hamlet of cottage ruins which were abandoned during the famine. The ocean views on this magical walk are truly spectacular.

Summer Layer – The Ardara Cable Donegal Sweater

The Ardara Donegal Aran sweater is a tribute to the classic cable stitch. The cable stitch is the signature stitch on all Aran sweaters and was thought to symbolize the Aran Islander fisherman‘s ropes.

2. Connaught – Gortarowey Looped Walk, County Sligo

If it’s Connaught, it has be my favorite County Sligo and the beautiful Gortarowey looped walk. From the car park, you wander through secluded lush wooodlands. The landscape then opens out and you find yourself at the foot of the truly magnificent Benbulben. On the way back expect stunning views of Donegal Bay, Mullaghmore and Slieve League mountain.

Summer Layer – The Streedagh Aran Gilet

Taking its name from the stunning Streedagh strand in county Sligo (another one of my favorite Sligo walks!), this beautiful Aran gilet is the perfect keep warm layer for a beach walk no matter where you are. This stylish sleeveless jacket features stunning Aran stitch work and is crafted using the finest merino yarn.

3. Munster-The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

My Munster pick just has to be the iconic Cliffs Of Moher. They rise majestically rise from the southwestern edge of the Burren and continue along the edge of the Atlantic to their highest point at 214 meters at their midpoint at O’Briens’s tower. The coastal walking route is nothing less than spectacular and covers some 18km from Liscannor in the south to the village of Doolin in the north. The Atlantic views are just awesome.

Summer Layer – The Moher Aran Cardigan

This stunning Aran cardigan takes its name from Ireland’s favorite cliffs. The design is loose and relaxed for a stylish casual look. The Aran stitch patterns are exquisitely crafted and the wool is luxuriously soft merino.

4. Leinster – Djouce Mountain, County Wicklow

We end our journey in the Garden of Ireland for our Leinster pick. The Wickow Way is a hugely popular National Waymarked Trail which crosses the Wicklow Mountains and covers some 80 miles. There are so many routes to choose from but my personal favorite is to climb Djouce Mountain. You park at the foot of the mountain in the J.B. Malone car park (he was the hill walker and journalist responsible for the establishment of the Wicklow Way). You can then use the boardwalk to ascend the mountain. The incline is gentle and not too difficult. When you reach the summit, the views are breathtaking, taking in the mountains, lakes  and the 6000 acre Luggala estate owned by the Guinness Family. 

Summer Layer – The Killala Aran Vest

My final must have Aran layer is this beautiful piece from The Atlantic Collection for spring/summer. Featuring a bold diamond stitch pattern in luxurious Donegal Melange Luxe yarn. The fit is relaxed and boxy with an over-sized ribbed hem and side vents.

Thanks so much for dropping by,

Happy strolling!

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.