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Private Notes
Chefs Derry Clarke and Kevin Thornton trek across the Beara Peninsula in south-west Ireland.
Garden designer and TV presenter Diarmuid Gavin cycles along the Greenway trail that follows the old railway line from Newport to Mulranny, Co Mayo, with his five-year-old daughter Eppy, and also takes a looped walk in the Nephin Mountains.
Former Republic of Ireland footballer Packie Bonner returns to his native Co Donegal, where he treks across the Bluestack Mountains to the sea in Ardara.
TV presenter Aidan Power and musician Fiachna O'Bhraonain explore a bike trail on the Ballyhoura Mountains in Limerick, by the Cork and Tipperary borders. They also undertake a 40km section of the Ballyhoura Way by foot to the base of the Galtee Mountains.
Fair City actress Ciara O'Callaghan walks across the Dublin Mountains with former snooker world champion Ken Doherty. Starting at the Luas terminus in Tallaght, they trek across a 40km path called the Dublin Mountains Way to the Dart station in Shankill.
Tracy Piggott walks the Tipperary Heritage Trail, beginning at a vantage point in the Knockmealdown mountains on the border between Tipperary and Waterford, and ending at the Rock of Cashel. Along the way she stops for lunch by the River Tar, visits a castle at Cahir and explores the countryside around the village of Golden.
Comedian Colin Murphy travels along a route from Belturbet in Co Cavan to Enniskillen, and takes the opportunity to broaden his knowledge of Co Fermanagh's history. Along the way he visits one of the oldest yew trees in Europe, goes canoeing on the Upper Lough and learns about the mumming tradition near Derrylin.
Jim Sherwin travels from Mulranny to Achill Island in Co Mayo, beginning on the Burrishoole loop walk along the Mulranny coast, accompanied by local resident Mary Callahan. He then meets his grandsons Alex and Matthew to cycle along the Greenway, a new path from Westport to Achill, and along the way they meet local artist Seosamh O'Dalaigh to discuss how the landscape of the Cleggan Hills has inspired generations of painters. The final leg of the journey sees him walk Achill's Atlantic Drive in the company of guide Tomas MacLochlainn, and the pair visit the ancient church at Kildownet.
Meteorologist Evelyn Cusack takes a walk through the Burren in Co Clare, from Fanore to Ballyvaughan. She is joined by rural recreational officer Eimer Mc Carthy, and the pair meet up with geologist Ronan Hennessy and discover a landscape teeming with limestone pavements sheltering rare flora.
Politician Feargal Quinn walks from the Co Dublin port of Howth to the summit of nearby coastal headland Howth Head, meeting local residents along the way. His route takes him along the area's cliffs and past the Baily lighthouse, as well as giving him the opportunity to see some of the region's less-celebrated sights.
Television presenter Helen Carroll walks and cycles the Ardmore loop and along the picturesque Tramore strand, before venturing across to the dunes.
Paschal Sheehy walks the Kerry Head, beginning and finishing his journey at Ballyheigue beach. He also strolls through the forests of Glanageenty, where he is met by John Lenihan, the man who designed the walk.
Former Rose Of Tralee, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, a native of Mayo, enjoys two scenic journeys at Caraheigue (Ceathruthaidhg) and Black Sod Bay.
Mary Mulvihill takes a scenic journey along the banks of the River Barrow all the way from Leighlinbridge to St Mullins. Her walk allows her to meet many local historians and folklore experts and she enjoys some cycling and kayaking as she goes.
Radio presenter John Murray visits the Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin, and explores interesting parts of the largest city-centre park in Europe. Part of the documentary series exploring the best walking and cycling tracks around the country.
Newsreader Aengus Mac Grianna strolls along the beaches of Carraroe in Co Galway, taking in Gorumna and Lettermullen before finishing at the promontory at Golam Head.
Writer and storyteller Michael Harding is walking from the historic town of Boyle in Roscommon to his home in Arigna. Michael is following the Miner's Way and Historical Trail, part of which is based on the routes miners walked over the mountains to Arigna, the site of the last underground coal mine in Ireland. Michael and his guide Philip James' first stop is Boyle Abbey a 12th century monastery which was converted into a military garrison by the British Army in 17th Century. After exploring the architecture and history of the Abbey they set off again on the Miner's Way which covers a distance of 128km. Michael and Philip are doing 30km. The road leads them to Rockingham House, home to the King Family in the 18th Century, who were Tudor adventurers and were gifted the land that once belonged to the abbey. Their estate stretched from Boyle to Lough Key. Built in the footprint of the house in the 70's, Moylurg Tower is a focal point of the 350 hectares of the landscaped wonderland of bog and woodland trails of Lough Key Forest and Amenity Park. The summit is an excellent vantage point for Park Manager Louise Fitzpatrick to give Michael and Philip a different perspective on their walk so far. Michael discusses the journey across the mountain with former miner at Arigna, Peter McNiff. He follows in Peter's footsteps for the last stretch of his journey to get to the Arigna Mining Experience. One of the most extraordinary things about the museum is that they can recreate the experience with a real miner. Michael arrives almost at his door, having traversed 850 years of history and 30 km on a most unusual walk home.
Pól O Conghaile, travel journalist and broadcaster, is in West Waterford to walk two routes in the Comeragh Mountains. His first walk takes him through the Mahon Valley to a well-known landmark in the area, the Mahon Falls. En route, Pól stops off in the village of Killrossanty to meet retired schoolteacher and local historian, Síle Murphy and they discuss the history of the village. Pól and his guide Declan McGrath continue their route into the Mahon Falls which is an easy walk suitable for all ages and takes about 20 minutes. They discuss the geology of the Comeraghs and the flora and fauna along the way and what makes the Mahon Falls a notable landmark in the area. Pól continues up the hill and enjoys the dramatic view back down the valley to the sea and Dungarvan town . For Pól's second walk he meets his second guide Michael Desmond. They walk parts of two looped walks in the Nire Valley, following the trail known as The Gap Walk and then join a second and longer loop known as the Coumduala Loop. This section of the Coumduala Loop will bring them uphill and onto part of the Knockanaffrin Ridge from where they will get a wonderful view of the Nire Valley.
Rob and Amy Rankin run a travel tour business. Along with their son Finn and daughter Sana they spend a weekend exploring the Shannon Blueway starting in Drumshanbo and follow the Allen canal to Battlebridge. Over the two days the Rankin family head east towards Ballinamore on a stretch of waterway that connects the Shannon ultimately to Lough Erne. Along the route the family meet local musician Charlie McGettigan. He discusses the landscape and how it changes from season to season and also his relationship with Drumshanbo. The canal is brimming with wildlife and the Rankins stop and observe nature with nature enthusiasts Michael and Molloy Bell. There are all sorts of activities to be encountered along the canal and Rob and Finn spot a canoe launching site and decide to have a go while Amy and Sana go horse riding. Eager to experience all activities offered along the way, the Rankins continue their journey on electric bikes. They stop off along the way where Rob meets local historian Seán Ó Suillebháin who gives him some advice about the route ahead and the local history. Their next stop takes them to Ballinamore Folk Museum, where curator, Brian Kennedy displays his collection of folk memorabilia, implements, farm machinery and vehicles. Depending on the time of year there will be different things going on in the communities along the bank, so every canal holiday is unique. The last stop on the route finds the Rankins at a bustling music festival, the first of its kind to be held at Drumcoura.
Singer and songwriter Eleanor McEvoy is undertaking two walks in North County Cork. Her first walk sees her tackle a 15 km stretch of the Avondhu-Blackwater Way, from Ballyhooly to the town of Fermoy which is a mix of open road and woodland walks. Before Eleanor embarks on her walk she meets her guide, local mountain leader, Maureen O'Brien who tells her about the history and buildings of the village of Ballyhooly. They start their walk, crossing the Ballyhooly bridge and walk through a forest which is parallel to The Blackwater River. Along the way there are many things to see and discuss as Maureen knows these routes well. Eleanor bids Maureen goodbye and continues on to Knockannig, which is one of the highest points on the route where she admires the view. Local volunteer Christy Roche who undertakes routine maintenance on the whole trail at Glenabo Woods accompanies Eleanor the rest of the journey to Fermoy following the course of the river into the town. Eleanor's second walk takes her to Doneraile Park which was home to the St. Leger family. It is now in State ownership and is open to the public. Eleanor follows a path called the "Long Walk" around the outskirts of the estate. Accompanying her is Park Foreman Michael O'Sullivan who looks after the grounds day to day. At 5.3 kilometres, the Long Walk is the longest of the three walks and takes about an hour. All the walks in the park are suitable for all ages and take in the many features of the estate. Doneraile Park has seen many changes over its 800 year history and Hugh Carrigan the OPW superintendent for the demesne has a keen interest in the demesne from the many varieties of trees and plants found in there to the history of the St. Leger family who lived there. Eleanor ends her journey with a treat as she is given special permission to take a look inside Doneraile Court and she gets to see the spectacular views of the Park from the fine Georgian house which is the centrepiece of the estate.
Architect and popular television personality, Dermot Bannon, explores the island of Inishturk, nine miles off the coast of County Mayo. Mayo is the heartbeat of The Wild Atlantic Way with the longest coastline, the largest island and the highest sea cliffs in Ireland. It also boasts a rich tapestry of landscape, from lonely islands to magnificent mountain valleys. Dermot begins his journey from Roonagh pier on the mainland where he takes the ferry to Inishturk, home to fewer than 100 islanders. For the first part of Dermot's walk, he will be guided by islander Danny O'Toole. Inishturk has two waymarked trails - a Green route that follows a gravel track and a longer Purple route most of which is off road. Dermot and Danny take the purple route and explore the many sights the island has to offer including one of the island's most interesting sights, The Spirit Of Place Sculpture, designed and built by American architect Travis Price. After enjoying the hospitality of the local B&B, Dermot meets guide GerryMcCloskey on day two of his trip and explores the southern coast of the island. Their first stop is Portdoon pier where according to folklore this hidden cove was once a secret base for pirates. Gerry invites Dermot to go out on a boat and view the island from the sea. On the boat Dermot gets to chat to islander and fisherman Jack Heanue about life on the island.
Meteorologist Gerry Murphy and TV weather presenter walks the 15km journey on Valentia Island in Kerry ending at Bray Head. His second walk takes him to Derrynane which is the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, one of Ireland’s most historic figures.
Broadcaster and Dublin Northsider Jim Sherwin gets a bird’s eye view of Wicklow, along the cliff walk, from Bray to Greystones in County Wicklow. He starts his journey at Pearse Station taking the scenic DART journey to Bray.
Cork native and TV presenter Sinead Kennedy is walking the Larganmore Loop in County Mayo on the western slopes of the Ox Mountains, taking her through some unique habitats and scenery.
Former international rugby player Keith Wood journeys down the western side of one of Ireland's largest lakes, Lough Derg. On the way, he visits Holy Island by boat, and his ends his 40km trip in Killaloe.
Steve Wickham band member of The Waterboys and his wife Heidi are in their home County Sligo exploring the 10km walk from Strandhill to Carrowmore. Their second walk takes them over the Ox Mountains to Slish Wood – famous for playing a role as the location in many of WB Yeats poems.
Musical director and conductor David Brophy does a walk from Chapelizod down to the Point taking the War Memorial Gardens, Imma, Customs House Quay and The Point.
This week's walk in Tracks and Trails starts in the peaceful border village of Blacklion and is presented by Joanna Donnelly who works for the Met Service and who presents the weather on RTÉ. Blacklion is a two and half hour drive from Dublin and the Cavan Burren Park is a hidden gem close to the borders of Fermanagh and Monaghan. Joanna will be exploring two of the four different trails on the Cavan Burren Way during which she will examine monuments, including archaeological and historic trails. From Blacklion, Joanna ascends through delightful Woodland to the Radharc Corr na Gaoithe, 'the round hill of the wind', which has breathtaking views across seven counties. From there, Joanna, makes her way through the heather and flat bogland to the Cavan Burren Park. This first part of the day's trail is 5KM. One of the features of her walk is the Calf House Dolmen Trail, as well as the Looped Giant's Leap Trail. Joanna was surprised and excited by which she discovered on this 10KM walk in North County Cavan.
Identical twins David and Stephen Flynn take on a 10km looped walk from the Meeting for the Waters in Wicklow through the Avoca Mines..
Irish international runner David Gillick visits Letterfrack in Co.Galway to walk the Diamond Hill and to conclude his journey in Kylemore Abbey.
This episode of Tracks and Trails features the Royal Canal which is fondly known as the green and silver line and is presented by Dublin native Annalise Murphy who captured the hearts of Irish audiences during the 2016 Rio Olympics when she realised her dream in the Women’s Laser Radial sailing competition by winning a silver medal for Ireland. Annalise will be accompanied on the walk by her mother, Cathy McAleavey who herself was an Olympian competing in the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
Writer and broadcaster Manchán Magan best known for his travels books and TV series undertakes two looped walks in County Sligo, one around Benbulben Mountain and the other on Streedagh Beach.
Travel series following well-known personalities as they explore the many stunning walking and cycling trails of Ireland. Actress and former Fair City star Aoibhín Garrihy goes walking in Wicklow.
Chef Ross Lewis takes an urban route, meandering along the coastal line of South Dublin. Passing the Martello tower in Booterstown, Ross follows the railway line to Blackrock where he stops to visit one of south Dublin's oldest markets.
Cork camogie captain Anna Geary walks and kayaks 60km starting from Lough Neagh in Co. Antrim.
Philip Boucher-Hayes explores two walking loops in Co Cork - a trek through the woods of the Glengarriff Nature Reserve and a short journey to Garnish Island. Last in the series.
Cliona Hagan explores The Mournes, & The Causeway Coast.
Pól O Conghaile explores Tinahely, Bray Head,Belmont Way and Sugarloaf Way Co.Wicklow
Bláthnaid Treacy explores four trails in Westmeath.
Pól O Conghaile explores Wexford.
In the 5th and final show in this series we head back to Co.Wexford with Pól O Conghaile.
Lough Derg, from the shores of Co. Clare, Co. Tipperary and Co. Galway. Presented by RTÉ Radio and TV Sports Presenter, Darren Frehill.
Comedian and author Rory O ’Connor from Rory’s Stories completes two completely different trails in Northern Ireland. Rory sets off first on a riverside cycle in Belfast and then heads south to Armagh to follow a beautiful walk along Slieve Gullion.
St.Kevin’s Way and The Avonmore Way, Co.Wicklow. Presented by Roz Purcell, Cookery Book Author, Entrepreneur and founder of The Hike Life.
Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Killarney National Park. Presented by author Cathy Kelly.
