Gentle mountains, rugged ridges, wild moorlands, warm hospitality and the infamous Irish weather - taking to the trail in Ireland is never dull. With routes across the most spectacular landscapes of the Republic and Northern Ireland and highlights of the Waymarked Ways, this guide has hikes for every ability level. Resident Irish authors share the best of their walking experience, including the rolling Wicklow Mountains, the spiky summits of Connemara, the sandy beaches of the Dingle Peninsula and the dramatic coastal cliffs of the northwest.

In total this guide contains 85 great hikes grouped into the following sections: Dublin and Wicklow; South east; South west; Atlantic islands; Central west; North west; Northern Ireland. All the major walking areas are included together with highlight walks on many of Ireland's long distance trails.

Like all Lonely Planet guides this book is packed with comprehensive information for planning your walks, including listings for accommodation, eating and facilities along the way, advice on equipment, health and safety and transport. Each section has an introduction, describing the features of the area and the walking opportunities. Each walk description is graded for difficulty, and time, distance and ascent are given. Simple sketch maps give an outline of the route but OSNI map numbers are provided as well. This book is an invaluable reference and trusty walking guide for anyone intending to walk the Emerald Isle.

From Antrim's rugged coastline to the lakes of Killarney, from remote Inis Oirr to Wicklow's Vale of Glendalough, this selection of fascinating walks has suggestions for everything from a family outing to a challenging hike. David Marshall's lively commentary provides interest and entertainment along the way.

This new pocket-friendly edition has been thoroughly revised and freshly illustrated with colour photographs taken by the award-winning Irish landscape photographer Rob Beighton. Twenty graded routes are included complete with maps and pictures. Each has directions on how to get to the start of the walk, distance, walking time, ascent, terrain, difficulty and useful telephone numbers. Each of the main walks has options for short walks, strolls and diversions to other places of interest, giving over a hundred possibilities in total. There is a knowledgeable commentary on local history, plants, wildlife, Irish place names and many other topics.

The walk locations are: Shelmartin and the GNR cliff path; Black Mountain and the Cooley Hills; Slieve Donard and the Annalong Valley Horseshoe; Glenariff, Lurigethan and the Forest Park; Giant's Causeway and the Antrim shoreline; Sawel, Dart and the Glenelly Valley; Slieve Snaght and the Derryveagh Mountains; Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), County Donegal; Benbulbin and the King's Mountain; Croaghaun, Achill; Inis Oirr (an Arran Island); Mount Eagle on the Dingle Peninsula; Muckross and the Killarney National Park; From O'Sullivan Beare to the copper mines of Allihies; Galtymore and Glencoshabinnia; Comeragh Mountains; A Barrow river ramble from Dublin; Slieve Bloom Mountains; Glendalough, the retreat of monks.

They sweep down to the sea; they rise in huge heathery humps, surrounded by farmlands divided into tiny, stone walled fields. Explore the Mournes in the company of walking expert Paddy Dillon, taking in rugged coast, high mountains and forest parks. Follow the mighty Mourne Wall on its meanderings and visit the quiet corners where the history, heritage, wildlife and stillness of the area can be enjoyed.

The guide includes 32 walks for all abilities and seasons, each with detailed route finding instructions, location maps showing the route, wildlife illustrations and details of places to stay. Distance, walking time, total ascent, terrain, difficulty, maps and public transport information are also provided. It is ideal for casual strollers, family groups, ramblers and serious hill walkers.

This guide covers all parts of the Mourns; the High and Low Mournes as well as the Kingdom of Mourne; the Silent Valley circuit, the Mourne Coastal Path; the old smuggling route of the Brandy Pad; Warrenpoint and Rostrevor; the complete Mourne Wall circuit; the Mourne Trail section of the Ulster Way in four parts from Newry to Clough; Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Parks; as well as the lesser known outlying trails such as the Castlewellan Loanans.

Located in County Down, the Mourne Mountains are one of Ireland's finest and most picturesque areas. Popular with both walkers and climbers, the summits of mountains such as Slieve Donard, Slieve Binnian and Slieve Bearnagh provide both challenging walks and rewarding views. One of the main features of the Mourne Mountains is the Mourne Wall, stretching approximately 22 miles and crossing 15 summits and many of the walks in this book make reference to it at some stage. The Mourne Mountains are also home to the beautiful Ben Crom Reservoir, Silent Valley Reservoir and Lough Shannagh.

All of the walks in this guide are circular and begin at a car park or safe parking location with the grid reference provided. The walks, between 4 and 9 miles long, are graded from easy to more challenging. Distance and a short description of the terrain are also provided. Clear route directions are provided together with simple sketch maps, but an OS map and compass are recommended for safety. One of the features that make the 'Boot Up' series of guides so attractive is the emphasis on good landscape photography and the book is well illustrated throughout with colour photographs. The handy size also means it will slip easily into your pocket, protected by the tough cover.

The walk locations are: Slieve Donard; Bloody Bridge; SlieveBinnian; Hare's Gap; Lough Shannagh; Slieve Meelmore; Rocky Mountain; Tollymore Forest; Hare's Gap and Commedagh; Slieve Loughshannagh.

The west of Ireland offers a huge choice of landscape to the walker - mountain peaks, woodland, bogs and lakes, sandy beaches and the strange limestone plateaux of the Burren. This guide explores the counties of Clare, Galway and Mayo with 14 walks which are categorised for difficulty so that there is something for casual strollers, family groups, ramblers and serious hill walkers. Kevin Corcoran has an intimate knowledge and love of the Irish landscape. As an environmental biologist, he has studied the area both professionally and as a rambler. This stylishly written guide will therefore ensure you get the most out of exploring these walks.

Each walk chapter begins with a location section that includes information on getting to the start. Other headings are terrain, features, length, time, equipment and when to walk, so you can quickly determine if a particular walk is suitable. This is followed by a detailed walk outline with numbered paragraphs which correspond to points on an accompanying sketch map to assist with navigation. Lots of comments on flora and fauna will ensure you don't miss anything interesting as you walk.

The walk locations are: County Clare - Sliabh Eilbhe; Black Head; Abbey Hill. Galway - Inishmore (Aran Islands); Mount Gable; Errisbeg Mountain (Roundstone); Maumturk Mountains; Lackavrea Hill; Killary Harbour. County Mayo - Cong; Lough Nadirkmore (Partry Mountains); Tonakeera Point; Croagh Patrick; Achill Head.

Ireland is a small country, but its coastline measures around 3,500 miles (5,600km). The western seaboard is incredibly convoluted, breaking into fine headlands and a spread of islands. Whilst many parts of Ireland's coastline are well known, such as the Giant's Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher, few have heard of the Wexford Coastal Path, the Sheep's Head or Inishturk.

This guide covers over fifty coastal walks around Ireland, taking in broad beaches, towering cliffs, battered headlands and a score of lovely islands. There is a huge amount of variety, astounding scenery, plenty of history and heritage, with a good system of transport, accommodation and other services. In sunshine or storm, many of these coastal walks exhibit a raw, rare beauty. Each of the walks has detailed directions, a sketch map and plenty of fascinating commentary from knowledgeable Paddy Dillon. Details of distance, starting point, maps, terrain, parking and public transport are provided.

The walk locations are: Donabate and Portrane; Howth Head; Bray Head; Raven Point; Carnsore Point; Ardmore Head; Great Island; Sherkin Island; Cape Clear Island; Mizen Head; Sheep's Head; Bere Island; Dursey Island; Derrynane Bay; Valentia Island; Slea Head; Great Blasket Island; The Three Sisters; The Magharees; Kerry Head; Loop Head; Cliffs of Moher; Inis Oirr; Inis Meain; Inis Mor; Omey Island; Killary Harbour; Inishbofin; Inishturk; Clare Island; Minaun Cliffs; Croaghaun and Achill Head; Benwee Head; Belderrig to Portacloy; Downpatrick Head; Slieve League; Glencolmcille; Arranmore Island; Bloody Foreland; Tory Island; Horn Head; Melmore Head; Clonmany and Binnion; Malin Head; Inishowen Head; Castlerock and Downhill; Causeway Coast Path; Rathlin Island; Fair Head; Whitehead and Black Head; North Down Coast Path; Strangford Lough; Killough and Ballyhornan; Dundrum and Murlough.

The Coast to Coast route through Ireland, from Dublin to the Atlantic coast passes through glorious mountain and river country and offers an opportunity to discover the heart of the Emerald Isle. The walk comprises several linked waymarked routes to provide a continuous 387 mile long route across Ireland. Starting from Dublin, the routes used are the Wicklow Way, South Leinster Way, East Munster Way, Blackwater Way and the Kerry Way. So if you walk this entire route you will have completed six long distance paths! Whether you intend to split this route into sections and enjoy the walk over a period of time, or walk it in one go, the alternative high-level routes along the way enable you to make the adventure as challenging as you like.

The guide breaks the route down into 24 day stages each with full directions and all the practical information you will require such as stage distance, terrain and refreshment options. Full colour sketch maps are provided plus the sheet number of the relevant OSI Discovery map. The guide has numerous colour photographs throughout illustrating the landscape and places of interest that you will discover along the way. Paddy Dillon's fascinating commentary on everything of special interest will keep you fully informed and entertained on the journey. To assist with planning your trip there is an accommodation list giving names and contact details. An introduction about long distance walking in Ireland is also helpful to ensure you start out fully prepared and equipped and have a safe and enjoyable adventure.

The route outline is as follows: Wicklow Way - Dublin to Clonegal (stages 1-6). South Leinster Way - Clonegal to Carrick-on-Suir (stages 7-10). East Munster Way - Carrick-on-Suir to Clogheen (stages 11-13). Blackwater (Avondhu) Way - Clogheen to Bweeng (stages 14-17). Blackwater (Duhallow) Way - Bweeng to Muckross (stages 18-20), Kerry Way - Muckross to Portmagee (stages 21-24). The high level alternative routes are: Lug Walk; Blackstairs Mountains; Comeragh Mountains; Knockmealdown Mountains; Derrynasaggart Mountains; MacGillycuddy's Reeks; Coomasaharn Horseshoe.