The National Waymarked Ways were first opened in Ireland in 1982 and since then they have grown in popularity with Ireland’s walkers. These are multi-day walking trails that have been developed by local development groups and authorities with the agreement of land owners. Currently there are over 30 established ways in Ireland today covering over 1800km of beautiful landscape including mountains, rivers, and canals. The ways themselves are varied, ranging from towpath walks along the canals and rivers to circuits of the mountainous peninsulas of the South West. The Ways are designed so that anyone can walk them and they don’t require a great deal of stamina, difficult navigation or climbing techniques. They rarely rise above 300m (1000 ft) altitude, except on occasion to cross a well marked pass above this height. This however, does not stop them winding through magnificent mountain scenary, including waterfalls, flora & fauna, glens, rock outcrops and streams.
There are four long-distance walking Ways in or passing through Laois and Offaly. The Ways follow a mix of forest tracks, river banks, old roadways, grassy trails, sandy tracks and minor roads. There are a few rough and rugged sections – but they rarely rise to high altitude and do not demand great stamina. The Ways are waymarked using a mix of black posts (1m high) and brown signpost fingers bearing YELLOW ARROWS and TREKKING MAN.
For links to all approved trails download the trails app by clicking on the link below;
www.irishtrails.ie/National_Trails_Office/Irish%20Trails%20App
Other useful links, click on the link below: