We always complain about Irish weather, but we all have to agree that it is unpredictable at best. We have had such a mild winter, which has meant lots of opportunities to get out and about with the kids. Funny enough, we seem to have more time for winter wanderings, as there is always so much to do in the garden at other times of the year. We are just back from the nicest walk at Dromore Woods, Ruan, Ennis.
Dromore Woods
If you are going, go through Ennis and head for the old Galway road. There are 5 different trails you can take. With our four year old and our obstinate 1-and-a-half-year old, we took the shortest one, which should take you about 45mins, but took us an hour. Watch the video and you’ll see why!
Other wintery walks took us to Woodstock Gardens in Kilkenny, where you’ll see the Monkey Puzzle walk and the Arboretum, which both have wonderful winter interest.
Monkey Puzzle Walk, Woodstock
Closer to home, we took ourselves to Garrykennedy, on Lough Derg, last Sunday, where we explored the forest walk, which runs along side the lake. Forest walks are especially nice at this time of year, where low winter sunshine finds its way through the bare tree branches. Forests and woodlands have a wonderful micro-climate, which shades you from wind and rain, so they are great for getting us out of biting winds this time of year. If you are looking for a nice walk in the heart of Ballyhoura, try the Keale River Walk between Darragh and Ballyorgan. You will need wellingtons or hiking boots as part of the walk, at the Darragh end, does not have paths and is quiet wet, but it is worth the effort.
Keale River Walk
I would say that it rivals the Clare Glens, near Murroe, which has wonderful trails. My sister, her hubby and their three kids, ages 6, 4 and 2, did the 4km trail last weekend and had a brilliant time. The little guy managed to walk the whole way, again wear your wellies! For more trails in the Shannon Region, check out http://www.shannonregiontrails.ie/. Get out there and enjoy our wonderful countryside, before the weather changes for the worse!
