Northern Ireland holds some of the most beautiful landscapes, among which are the whispering Mountains of Mourne, a granite mountain range with one of the highest peaks on the island at 850 meters above sea level, the shivery Slieve Donard peak. Also, at an arm’s length for the visitor is “The Mourne Wall”, an age-old wall hoisted by the Celts.

Located at the Valley of the Two Lakes, the site of Glendalough makes for a better alternative to get to know a piece of Irish history at only 68 kilometers outside of Dublin. If there had to be a good excuse for popping in on this historic medieval city, it would be to pay a visit to the Wicklow Mountains. This mountain range is speckled with lakes and ponds which are overlooked by the Lugnaquilla, a peak of 925 meters which in Irish (Log Na Coille), means the hollow of the wood.

Legend has it that a fisherman from Moher snatched a magical cloak from a mermaid who then followed him home. She later married him. One day, though, while her newlywed husband was off fishing, she found the cloak and made off with it back to the sea. Another legend leads us to believe that a hidden underwater city lies beneath this untamed surf of Ireland, and it remains to be roused.

A mere 37 minutes from Dublin, Howth Head extends towards the Atlantic shrouded in fog with seagulls swarming the cliffs. Like any typical Irish scene, this route commences in the quaint fishing town of Howth. It is truly the ideal starting point to take off on a relaxing trail full of delights: the cliffs, the Baily Lighthouse and the return to the local port, which is a great place for seal-spotting as they cluster round the fishing boats with the day’s fresh catch in tow.

The wide open karstic landscape gives the feel of a far-off planet. Nevertheless, The Burren goes beyond that feeling. Its name, which means ‘great rock,’ gives the visitor a glimpse as to what can be found in this region of County Clare. In The Burren National Park, one can also gaze at the most famous dolmen in the Republic of Ireland, Poulnabrone, which shares the spotlight with other historic places such as the Corcomroe Abbey.

The acclaimed Connemara National Park is the ideal place to get back in touch with nature: sheep out to pasture, small villages with the aroma of seafood and mountains wafting in the air. One of those mountains, “Diamond Hill”, is truly one of Galway’s gems. At 442 meters, this peak makes for an easy-going, fairy-tale path as it furnishes views of the magic which lies in the Irish backcountry.

Considered to be the first natural park reserve to be declared in Ireland back in 1932, the Killarney National Park in County Kerry is made up of over 102 km² of magnificent lakes, waterfalls and forests. As the picturesque Muckross Lake steals the limelight with its banks alluring one to delight in a weekend meshed between old-fashioned cabins and enticing gardens, any route chosen will have the final aim to reach the Torc Waterfall.

Well-known for being where the Titanic was built, the capital city of Belfast, in Northern Ireland, abounds with numerous cultural sights: from iconic pubs where one can sip on the best toasted beers to the enchantment of the Belfast Castle, a monument which can lead you to the trail along the rugged hills of Cave Hill Country Park. Built by the Normans in the 12th century, the Belfast Castle stands at 120 meters above sea level which in turns offers up an amazing panoramic view of the city.

Located along the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the Cuilcagh Mountain is open to all who wish to embark on a trail among streams all flowing into the Shannon River. A landscape which highlights the main trail “Cuilcagh Mountain Legnabrocky”, also known as the “Stairway to Heaven”, entails 7.5 kilometers of adventure among ancient Celtic ruins and a landscape that begins to reach up to kiss the utmost point which is at 665 meters.