Advice and Safety

Don’t get stuck up a mountain with nothing but a Band Aid and a bar of chocolate. We’ve got the top tips on everything from the wily weather to what to bring.

Choose your walk carefully

Always take into consideration the fitness levels of the members of your family or group. Make sure the walk is achievable in the time allowed and make sure to leave plenty of time for stops along the way. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Check the weather

Our climate makes it a great place for walking all year round, and many of Ireland’s landscapes exude a special beauty in the autumn and winter months.

But remember the temperature and the conditions can change quickly when you're in the outdoors - so always check the weather forecast before you set out to make sure there is nothing unexpected around the corner.

For the latest weather news from the Irish Meteorological Service, visit www.met.ie.

 

What to bring

• A good map
• A torch and whistle
• Waterproofs
• A warm hat and gloves
• A first aid kit
• Strong walking boots and socks (with a spare pair of socks).
• Shorts, sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses (for sunny days)
• A day sack to carry food and extra clothing
• Water bottle and thermos flask
• Walking poles if you need them and know how to use them
• Warm trousers, warm sweaters and spares

Grades

Walks are graded into Easy Ways (navigated paths with little or no climbing, suitable for all levels); Moderate Ways (includes rougher terrain with uphill sections, suitable for regular walkers); and Hard Ways (rough terrain with steep climbs and difficult sections, requires stamina and experience, as well as map reading skills and proper equipment).

Maps

Check out the Discovery Series of maps at 1:50,000 scale, available from your local tourist office or direct from the Ordnance Survey websites. Maps are also available at a scale 1:250,000 in four sheets to cover the whole of Ireland and are great for walkers as they show most roads.

Conduct

Adhere to the Leave No Trace code of ethics at all times:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Be considerate of others
• Respect farm animals and wildlife
• Travel and camp on durable ground
• Leave what you find
• Dispose of waste properly
• Minimise the effects of fire

Much land is in private ownership and access is only available with the goodwill and tolerance of the owner. Whilst most landowners do not object to recreational users on their land, some do. So always comply with a landowner's wishes.

Sunrise and sunset

Check the times of both so you are not setting out or returning in the dark. Always plan to finish your walk while there is still plenty of light.