The historic Beara Breifne Way begins in West Cork and weaves up through the Midlands ending in Blacklion in Cavan. The walking trail is constantly being improved and expanded so it’s a simple and enjoyable route to navigate. 

Walking along this world-class trail, you’ll be following the 14-day march undertaken by O'Sullivan Beara in 1603. In the aftermath of the Battle of Kinsale, he marched the survivors north looking for help and is believed to have fought in numerous skirmishes and ambushes along the way. 

The core ethos of the Beara Breifne Way is collaboration. Sixty community groups orchestrated the walking trails, making it one of the largest community projects ever undertaken in Ireland.

Make sure to order your Beara Breifne Way passport, in which you can collect stamps with each completed section – a perfect memento of your journey along this historic route or a reminder to return to finish off an unexplored section. It's particularly fun for families and groups of friends – get one for each member and compete to see who fills their passport first. 

Along the way, you’re never far from an interesting pit-stop or welcoming meal. The incomparable views and scenery speak to something ancient. Enjoy the untouched Irish landscape preserved in the face of centuries of subsequent modernisation. 

Visit the lively, mountain-flanked town of Keadue, Roscommon – which translates from Irish to "low-lying green hill", or Aughrim, Galway – the site of one of the most significant battles in Irish history: The Battle of Aughrim for those interested in Irish history. 

To get started on the Beara Breifne Way, you can set off on the Miner’s Way part of the trail which includes some of the trail’s best attractions, views as well as places to stay and eat. Or plan your adventure with the Beara Breifne map, showing all 12 stages of this historical trail.

This gentle 1,700m ascent through Cork, Limerick and Tipperary offers great views of lush pastureland, forest trails and river banks.

The Ballyhoura Way, which is part of the longer O’Sullivan Beara Trail, is a 90km waymarked trail that showcases the beautiful landscape of the region. This linear trail spans from John's Bridge in North Cork to Limerick Junction in County Tipperary, and offers a short yet pleasant hike with varied terrain. The trail takes you across four upland stretches, through the verdant pastureland of the Golden Vale, and the wooded Ballyhoura Mountains, before culminating with a breathtaking view of the Glen of Aherlow.

As you travel along the Ballyhoura Way, appreciate charming villages like Kilfinane, Ballyorgan, Ballylanders and Galbally. The trail is mostly moderate underfoot and includes terrain such as tarmac roads, forestry tracks, open moorland and field paths. Feel free to use the facilities and services near the trail's seven trailheads if you'd like to take a break and enjoy a hot drink.

Walking the Lough Derg Way is an opportunity to witness the unspoiled beauty of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands along a 69km trail. 

Beginning at Arthur's Quay in Limerick city – behind the Hunt Museum – the Lough Derg Way stretches along winding, circuitous routes alongside the River Shannon up through to the marina in Dromineer on Lough Derg. 

Climb the rolling hills of Clonlara, and onto the visit the village of O'Briensbridge. Ramble across the river to the ancient town of Killaloe – once the home of the 11th century High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. Rest up with coffee and pizza in the Italian deli, Ponte Vecchio, or discover the heritage of the town at St Flannan's Cathedral, including its early Christian oratory. 

The southern section of the trail is made up of quaint canals and riverside passages, offering a glimpse into an often-unseen aspect of Ireland's landscape. Wander across the gentle trails or just sit and watch fishermen patiently cast out from the canal banks. The northern end, largely comprised of country roads, is a great place to relax in the ebb and flow of country life. 

The trail winds up in the charming port town of Dromineer. Seize the opportunity to dip into the waters of Lough Derg after a pleasant walk. There are also plenty of water sports available to soothe tired feet. Savour a doorstop sandwich made with locally-baked bread while watching the sun settle on the harbour at Lough Derg House and Lake Café, or relax with a dram in The Whiskey Still. 

Tountinna, meaning the "hill of the waves", is the highest point on the Arra Mountains in Tipperary and forms part of the Lough Derg Way. A hike to the top rewards you with panoramic views of Lough Derg and the wide valleys below. Rumour has it that when the great floods came the only people who survived were up on this hill. 

The peak is accessible by all as you can drive there by taking a righthand turn just outside the historic town of Ballina on the Portroe Road. There’s a picnic area at the top where you can look out onto the four counties that meet at this convergence. Galway, Clare, Tipperary and Limerick are guaranteed to be seen on a clear day. 

Dancing between Galway and Roscommon, The Suck Valley Way – one section of the Beara Breifne Way – is another tranquil, lengthy trail which brings walkers along the banks of the River Suck. 

Clocking in at 124km, the entire loop is best explored over a few days, but there are many welcoming places to stay, and bars and restaurants to refuel in along the way. 

This route gives you a little taste of the breathtaking landscape of the region, not just in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, but across the length and breadth of the island. Pass bogs and wetlands, farms and a hugely diverse ecosystem with otters, herons and stoats along the banks of the river. 

The area's beauty is revealed further in what is known locally as the "nine friendly villages" of Ballygar, Creggs, Glinsk, Ballymoe, Ballintubber, Dunamon, Castlecoote, Athleague and Mount Talbot. Spark conversation with the locals to seek out their insiders’ knowledge of the trails and things to do nearby. Some friendly B&B owners have been known to pack picnics for their guests to tide them over until the next stop. 

The scenery along this particular stretch is stunning. The landscape is punctuated by ringforts, castles, impossibly old churches and the La Tené Stone. This beautifully-carved granite boulder dating back to the Iron Age is nestled at Castlerange. 

If your walking holiday happens to fall during the summer, make a pitstop at Clonalis House, the ancestral home of the O'Connors – the last High Kings of Ireland.

Each of the hiking routes scattered throughout Ireland's Hidden Heartland makes accessibility a priority. However, it’s a good idea to check that the particular path you’ve chosen can be used by each member of your party before embarking on your adventure. Walks across various types of terrain are suitable for even the achiest of knees, while the length of most hikes can be adjusted to suit your needs. 

Bring comfy walking shoes, food, water, a map and a fully charged phone. And don’t forget to collect a stamp for your Beara Breifne passport once you’ve completed the Suck Valley Way.

The Leitrim Way is part of the larger Beara Breifne Way and is made up of a number of unique walking experiences. They range from the 3km long Aghacashel Looped Walk to the 12km Crummy Loop Walk, taking travellers along the blue waters on the eastern edge of Lough Allen. 

The minor roads and country lanes can be easily explored in short timeframes, making them a perfect introduction for beginners to break in their new hiking boots. Along the way, travellers encounter everything from a famine graveyard to an ancient sweathouse built of moss-dusted stones. 

The 10km long Drumhauver Bridge Loop is ideal for the novice hiker who has a decent level of fitness. Stops are plentiful with Leitrim village and Drumshanbo – once the centre of poitín production – being great spots for a rest and a delicious meal to refuel weary travellers.

The 10km long Drumleague Lock Loop takes you towards Battlebridge Lock and extends to the now famous Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk. This section actually floats on top of Acres Lough which gives the walker dramatic views of the water. It’s the perfect route for a family of hikers or cyclists. 

If the Leitrim Way proves too easy for you, extend your journey even further by linking your walk up with the Cavan Way at Dowra. 

On the Beara Breifne Way, there’s a great walk called Miner's Way and Historical Trail. This winding 145km route – taking around five days in total to walk – skims Lough Allen, Lough Arrow and Lough Key. 

Stop off at the Arigna Mining Experience which tells of the mines that were once the lifeblood of Ireland’s north midlands for over 400 years. Its deposits of coal and iron sustained not only the town but other cities. Iron mined from here was even used in the construction of the Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin. 

The walk itself is very accessible – you can make it as long or as short as you wish. And the views of Kilronan Mountain Bog and Lough Allen make this walk very memorable. 

If you're a fan of ancient Irish history, pay a visit to Carrowkeel Megalithic Site, the resting place of 14 passage graves which are believed to be more than 5,000 years old. 

Then it's time to tackle the mountains. Trek across three mountain ranges – Corry Mountain, the Curlew Mountains and the Bricklieve Mountains – taking a moment at each summit to appreciate the incredible, 360-degree views.  

At 22km long, the Cavan Way in the western part of the county is a relaxing finale to the epic Beara Breifne Way. Give yourself the day to take in the sites on this hike through the gentle Cavan landscape. 

From its starting point in Dowra, the trail almost exclusively consists of rural country roads, before ascending into the limestone landscapes of the Cuilcagh Mountains, passing through the expanse of the Cavan Burren Park before ending in the town of Blacklion. The views along the route – Lough Macnean to the north and Cuilcagh Mountains to the south – are tremendous. The paths here are typically quiet, ideal for those looking to escape the noise of everyday life.

As your walk ends in Blacklion, reward yourself for your efforts with lunch or dinner at MacNean House and Restaurant, Nevin Maguire's award-winning restaurant. Cap off your adventure with a luxurious meal of scallops with pork cheek, or halibut with basil risotto.

Named after the small town in Cavan, the Killeshandra Loop is an easy 6km walk that starts off in the village itself. Follow the purple arrows on the waymarked trail as you ramble along the shores of Lough Toon, Tullyguide Lough and Lough Oughter. Composed of twisting roads hemmed in with verdant hedgerows, the route leads you into Killykeen Forest Park. Here, a 10km network of trails await you. Pick whichever route catches your eye and navigate the inter-weaving lattice of waterways around Lough Oughter. 

Pack a picnic to enjoy under the forest’s leafy shade and take the afternoon to enjoy the walk, cycle or canoe in the park. After, take a guided boat trip to Lough Oughter for a look at Clough Oughter Castle, part of the historic Kingdom of Breifne.

Wander through scenic landscapes in Derrycassin Woods in Longford on any of the three amazing walks ranging from 2km to 3.5km long. Perched on the edge of Lough Gowna, the trails in Derrycassin Woods have over 20 varieties of tree species making it a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature. Stroll under canopies of red cedar, oak and ash as squirrels and birds scurry through the branches above.

The Main Avenue Walk is the longest at 3.5km long and takes in lake views throughout. The shorter Walled Garden Loop, which once led to the mighty Derrycassin House, takes roughly an hour to complete. Take 20 minutes and walk the Nature Trail for a quick outing to see the best of the flora and fauna down by the edge of the river.

The Slieve Bloom Way is a 71.5km trail that loops around the Slieve Mountains in Laois and Offaly. The full circuit takes about three to four days to complete and crosses forest tracks, open moorland, old roadways and deep glens, rising to 460m at Glendine Gap. 

Access the trail via six trailheads at Glenbarrow, Monicknew, Kinnitty, Cadamstown, Capard and Clonaslee. Or choose one of the shorter, more manageable walks, of which there 17 signposted routes to choose from, ranging from 4km to 16km.

Photo credit: @visitoffaly

There several places to rest up along the route, especially in some of the towns and villages at the foot of the mountains. Spend the night in Ardmore Country House in Kinnitty, or opt for one of the 10 rooms at Roundwood House, a Georgian country residence in Mountrath.

Lough Boora Discovery Park is a family-friendly nature and wildlife reserve managed by the Irish Wildlife Trust. Created on the site of a former commercial bog that was harvested for peat, the park's 2,000 hectares of wetland, grass and wooded areas offer many outdoor activities for nature lovers. Choose from five looped walking paths that stretch over 50km of predominantly level parkland or three cycling routes that cover 22km of winding trails. 

There are fun activities for all age groups at the park, whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of native birds taking flight, do a spot of angling in one the four man-made fish-rich lakes or take your children for a walk down Fairy Avenue to learn all about the 14 resident fairies.

If you are an art lover, don’t miss the Sculpture Route where you’ll find 24 large environmental art pieces made from reclaimed industrial machinery and tools from the bog past, local timber and natural stone. If history is more your thing, take the Mesolithic Route and see one of the most important Stone Age settlements in Ireland. The park is open all year round and its charm changes with each season, so there is always something new to explore.