Book highlights best walks

Tipperary author John G O’Dwyer has just launched the latest edition of his book titled ‘50 Best Irish Walks - Easy to Moderate’.

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Ireland’s hills and valleys since the trails range from easy to moderate in all regions of the country. Taking anywhere from 1.5 to 4.5 hours to complete the walk, descriptions are accompanied by detailed maps and photographs of the stunning Irish landscape, which makes this an ideal book for the recreational walker.

The new book also contains the first published day-by-day description of walking St Declan's Way. This 115km Pilgrim Path that links Cashel with Ardmore, Co Waterford, has been busy with pilgrim walkers since it was re-opened in 2021.

Author, John G O’Dwyer says the book is aimed at a market that, has, so far, not been served. “There are many books describing walks on the high mountains of Ireland, but none, so far, that focus on this country’s moderate and easier trails that can be completed in a half-day or less. This is the market that has been growing most rapidly since the end of the pandemic.”

Six of the walks described are in Co Tipperary, including the Silvermine Hills, Mauherslieve and the Eamon an Chnoic Loop, Upperchurch. Many others are easily reached in Laois, Clare Offaly, and Waterford. There are, however, walks described in all regions of Ireland, from the Causeway Coast of Antrim to West Mayo and Valentia Island in Kerry.

The book is available from bookshops nationwide and from publishers, curachbooks.com.