Ulster Way Walking Route: A Great Way to See Ireland

The Ulster Way, a 665-mile circular walking route, links Ireland’s best-known sights and youth hostels, and was once the longest waymarked trail in Britain and Ireland. Over the past few decades, however, access rights and transport developments had seen the Ulster Way “lose its way.”

Things changed for the better, however, after an Irish environmental agency and the Ulster Way Advisory Committee teamted up to relaunch a slightly shorter, 625-mile version of the trail.

Taking in the Giant’s Causeway, Cavehill, the Cliffs of Magho and the Sperrins among other highlights, the new route has been designed with practicality in mind. The new route is divided up into what promoters call “quality section,” which are comprised of off-road stretches, and link sections, which are mainly along roads (some of which are fairly busy).

While some people will want to hike the entire route, it’s design allows for people to use public transport to skip the link sections. If you do walk to Ulster Way (or visit Ireland in general), be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Carry spare clothing. Boots are best. If you walk alone leave word of your route and expected time of return.