For me one of my favorite countries and islands on the planet. Of course I am biased being 64% Irish according to ancestry.com. From the historic streets of Dublin, to the wondeful towns of Galway and Cork to the villages of along the Great Atlantic Way,. Westport, Leenane, Doolin, Dingle, Killarney, Listowel, and Kinsale. The island abounds with beautiful hikes and there is always a welcoming pub nearby where a creamy pint of Guinness is waiting or a pot of hot tea with milk.
From my first trip there via ferry on a warm brilliantly clear late September afternoon with the Emerald green island appearing in the distance as the sun set behind her in the west. I have walked its many hills and trails. The Wicklow Way, The Dingle Way, The Burren Way, The Beara Way, The Connemara Way, The South Leinster Way, The East Muenster Way, The Blackwater Way, The East Clare Way, The Mid Clare Way. Also up Croagh Patrick, Slieve Donard, along the Cliffs of Moher and Cliffs of Kilkee. Between Devil’s Causeway and Carrick-A-Rede. The Lakes around St. Kevin’s Monastary in Glendalough.
For me walking in Ireland always feels like a pilgrimage because of my roots. I feel a strong connection to the land of my ancestors. In 2018, I began a journey in Tipperary, walking 2 weeks in Clare to connect with the county of my grandparents and ancestors before continuing on 3,800 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. There is no walk quite special as to walk from your home all the way to the Cathedral.
