Here are some reasons why you should plan your next hiking trip to Ireland.
A good way to maintain your mental and physical well-being is to go on an adventure. What better way to have a thrilling yet calming adventure than to go hiking? Now, you must remember that the location is very important for such activities. You need a place that will allow you to momentarily disconnect from your daily lives and get absorbed by nature.
If you’re looking to rediscover the wonders of Mother Nature, then perhaps you should consider traveling to Ireland. Dubbed as the “Emerald Isle,” Ireland is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking and diverse landscapes. Beaches, majestic sunsets, castles on top of mountains—there’s a little bit of everything for you to explore.
According to goingawesomeplaces.com, having a well-thought-out itinerary will help you make the most of your Ireland hiking trip.
Reasons to Go Hiking in Ireland
Still not convinced? Here are some reasons why you should take a detour and head straight for the Emerald Isle.
1. The Immersive Scenery
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Stepping into Irish lands will introduce you to some of the most immersive and mind-blowing scenery you can find. In Ireland, the countryside is incredibly vast. Luckily, there’s no rush when it comes to hiking. As you walk through mountains and grasslands, you will be able to digest every bit of nature. As opposed to a regular long drive, hiking is more rewarding.
When you’re driving, the feeling of observing nature becomes rather short-lived. You aren’t given the time to relish the things you see; ultimately, the pleasure is momentary.
When hiking, you are taking your time with things. This slow and steady approach allows you to unwind and eventually rewire your mind.
2. Makes for a Worthwhile Journey
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Let’s refer back to the car ride example. When you’re in a car you are limited to yourself and the other people with you only. Whereas when you are taking a long stroll, you get to connect with the people outside. This helps you get acquainted with the culture. If you’re lucky, you might also make a couple of friends along the way.
Meeting people and putting a lot of effort into the whole process of exploring Ireland will give you a sense of accomplishment. Make yourself feel like you’ve earned something—in this case, a meaningful journey that will help you think about life from a broader perspective.
3. Many Chances to Discover New Things
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A car or a tour bus can only fit into so many areas. Most of the time you are forced to stick to the main road, which isn’t the most exciting. What’s the use of seeking adventure if you’re not willing to lose yourself a bit in the process? With your hiking crew, you might walk into some undiscovered territories and take pictures of your findings.
Don’t worry, though; the chances of running into some dangerous cult in the middle of nowhere is next to nonexistent. With that being said, you should still be careful. It’s very easy to get carried away sometimes. Rely on your instincts—they’ll tell you when to turn back.
4. Detoxify Your Soul
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Once in a while, we all need to unload all our stress and allow our minds to breathe. Hiking isn’t just about wandering around. At some point, you or your crew can set up camp for the night.
When you are out in the wilderness, it’s not as bright or loud as the city. It’s a serene and comforting environment—perfect for meditating. Take the opportunity to detoxify yourself. The fresh, pollution-free air is a bonus. It’ll help purify your body as well and fill you with energy for the next day.
What Should You Pack for Your Trip?
To make sure every trip goes smoothly, you should make sure you have the necessary things. And in case you are wondering, yes, it’s a bad idea to pack the night before your flight. Chances are you might miss something very important.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about the things you need to carry with you if you’re going to go hiking in Ireland.
Proper Shoes
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Your favorite sneakers aren’t going to cut it for this trip. You will need to get a good pair of sturdy, waterproof shoes. There’s a good chance that you will be treading on several different terrains, including wet ones. Wet, mountainous areas can often damage your shoes to the point where they aren’t usable anymore. Moreover, if your shoes aren’t designed for hiking, then you might end up with cramps and muscle pulls.
Waterproof Clothing
It rains very frequently and unexpectedly in Ireland. You are likely to get caught in the middle of a downpour at some point in your journey. So be sure to pack raincoats, waterproof jackets, socks, and pants. In the event something like that does happen, you’ll be able to keep yourself dry.
Food and Water
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Lastly, make sure that you pack an ample amount of extra food and water. You will most likely come across a lot of streams on your way, but it’s best to stick to water from your bottles. You don’t need to boil them or filter them, so it’ll save you the hassle.
Be sure to bring water in bottles that are meant for long trips, specifically sports bottles that can hold a lot of water and won’t crack under the pressure of other things in your bag.
In terms of food, pack dry or canned food. You can also bring along self-heating noodles or rice (it’s like noodles in a cup, but you don’t have to add boiling water). Another added tip; packing medicine and a first aid kit is also a fantastic idea. In case you get sick or get hurt, you can tend to it immediately until you can find help.
