Sponsored By
Want to wild swim, run somewhere new or discover a hiking trail you never knew? Here are nine inspirational ideas, as picked by Irish wellness experts and enthusiasts.
John Belton, personal fitness trainer
“My top ‘secret’ area to go for a trial run has to be the new pathways that surround the Vartry lakes in Roundwood (my beautiful hometown). When I run there I feel like I am grounded in nature, with the beautiful Djouce meadow watching over me as I hit those trails. On a summer’s day, a quick dip in the lake feels like it charges me up better than a double espresso. The beauty of these trails is you can do a loop that’s only 3km or, in fact, do a full 21km loop if you’re feeling it.”
Aoife McNamara, fitness enthusiast and fashion designer
“My pick for the best swim and run in Ireland is the breathtaking Whitestand in Spanish Point, Co Clare. After a run along the shore, I jump into the sea at Kirean’s Hole, where the sunsets paint the sky in hues of coral and pinks. The grass there feels like velvet beneath your feet – perfect for a barefoot run.”
Nathalie Lennon, fitness influencer
“One of my favourite trails has to be the Ballymore Eustace Loop Walk, not far from Dublin. It’s a 5.5km loop perfect for a Sunday stroll or scenic run. It is a relatively easy trail but a beautifully scenic one that really allows you to immerse yourself in nature from its hidden streams and dense forests to the openings that overlook the fields of Kildare. It can be muddy at times so bring decent footwear! It ends back in the town where you could treat yourself to a coffee in the Cartwheel Cycle café or grab one on the road nearby at Tamp & Grind drive-through.”
Gareth Laheen, fitness content creator and photographer
“One of the best hikes in Ireland is Croaghaun on Achill Island. It has the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland. I camped up on top of it a while back and I just remember such magical views from the top of the mountain of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way.”
Sinead Mooney, yoga teacher and wellbeing specialist
“We have a little bolthole down in Wexford near the southeast point of Ireland. There’s a rugged headland dotted with giant windmills that converges at the exact SE point. Two seas meet here and it’s the most powerful, therapeutic and peaceful spot where you would rarely see another human. It’s fantastic to run to, but my favourite thing to do is to sit at this precipice and meditate in the potent stillness. A cosy lunch afterwards at The Lobster Pot is always a must!”
Erica Bracken, yoga teacher
Coumshingaun Loop
“This is a gem of a loop hike in the Comeragh Mountains with views of one of Ireland’s most striking natural landmarks – a corrie lake carved out by a glacier. The horseshoe loop circumnavigates the steep cliffs by the lake. Be sure to take the loop clockwise. Pack your hiking boots for this one, and be prepared for a bit of scrambling up rock face at times. Plus, I would recommend checking the weather beforehand and avoiding bad weather as it can be dangerous in wet or foggy weather. Afterwards, you can visit Crough Coffee a few kilometres away at Mahon Bridge, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford.”
Sheep’s Head Lighthouse Loop
“Sheep’s Head is one of the wildest, most remote parts of West Cork. You can tackle the entire peninsula over several days or choose any of the (many) looped walks. In any case, you’ll experience the raw beauty of Ireland’s coastline. For something relatively short but no less stunning, I recommend the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse Loop, and if you can, at sunset or sunrise. Though if you’re hiking during the day, you can get a cuppa and a scone at The Cupán Tae, a little cafe right before you walk on to the lighthouse – it’s been dubbed ‘the tea shop at the end of the world’.”
Paddy & Sean Headon, amateur boxers and founders of Headon Boxing Academy
“One of our absolute favourite running trails in Dublin is the one at Ticknock Mountain. The challenging hills push us to our limits, but the fresh mountain air and the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and we always feel brilliant after conquering it.”
Milena Jaksic, pilates teacher and founder of Platinum Pilates
“One of the spots I love is Mount Brandon, a place close to my heart as my mum is from Lispole, Co Kerry. There are a few routes you can take but my preferred option would be the 20km loop trail you can run or walk near Cloghan. It’s a pretty challenging route and takes between five to seven hours to hike but the trail is ideal and completely unspoilt. There are easier routes like the Saints Road. The biggest challenge can be the unpredictable weather.”
Carla Roberts, positivity and gym coach at Pound Fitness
“The best spot for me has to be Brittas Bay beach. I’ve been spending summers there since I was born. It’s only 40 minutes or so from Dublin. You can walk, run, yoga, meditate or swim on the beach at sunrise, sunset or midday. It’s always beautiful, peaceful and any time spent here is good for the soul. Also, in recent years some yummy coffee shops have popped up nearby. I’d rate it a solid 10/10!”
Introducing ‘On the Pulse’, in partnership with Samsung. Want to track your next run, hike or yoga session? Wearable tech goes to a whole new level with the Samsung Galaxy Watch7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Buds3 series enabling new, intelligent health experiences and crystal clear sound across the portfolio, making everyday wellness more meaningful. Visit samsung.com to learn more.
Also Read
