Ways are long distance, multi-day routes which offer the experienced walker challenge and enjoyment. The 8 Shannon Region Waymarked Ways are part of a national network of more than 30 approved Waymarked Ways in Ireland.
The Shannon Region Waymarked walking routes plunge into the more delightfully remote areas of the region, along narrow lanes and tracks. The routes listed below are located in some of the most scenic parts of the region, occasionally passing through small towns and villages, and present a variety of terrain options for an energetic walk or a leisurely stroll.
The Slieve Bloom Way is a circular route of some 84km, which takes you through the Slieve Bloom Mountains. There are a few rough and rugged sections; however, they rarely rise to high altitude and do not demand great stamina. A number of shorter looped walks (ranging from 1hr to 4hrs) start and finish at each of the trailheads and are more suitable for the occasional walker.
The Ballyhoura Way, which is a 90km way-marked trail, is part of the O’Sullivan Beara Trail. The Way stretches from John's Bridge in north Cork to Limerick Junction in County Tipperary, and is essentially a fairly short, easy, low-level route. It’s a varied route which takes you through pastureland of the Golden Vale, along forest trails, driving paths and river bank, across the wooded Ballyhoura Mountains and through the Glen of Aherlow.
Stretching from Murroe in County Limerick to Silvermines Village in County Tipperary, a total distance of approximately 44km, the Slieve Felim Way takes you into the heart of beautiful, rural countryside. Commencing with the Slieve Felim range to the south, valleys and hills run east-west in the general area. The 2,279 ft (694m)-high Keeper Hill – the highest mountain in the Shannon Region – comes into view as you move northwards through the Mauher Slieve Hills, which predominately lie to the east of the walk.
The Burren Way is a 123km linear walking trail (including East Burren Loop and links to Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan) located in the Burren area of North Clare. The Way brings you inland from Lahinch on the Western side of the Burren to Doolin on the coast and via the town of Lisdoonvarna on to Ballyvaughan to the north. It then crosses the heartland of the Burren through the villages of Carran, and Corrofin on the eastern side of the Burren.
The East Clare Way follows a 172km circular route through some of the region’s most spectacular and varied scenery. The Way crosses the Slieve Bernagh Mountains before descending to the Clare Lakeland areas around Tulla and Feakle. Circling Lough Graney, the route then climbs again over the rugged boglands of the Slieve Aughty Mountain back towards Lough Derg.
The Mid Clare Way is a 150km waymarked walking route. Linking up with the East Clare Way near Tulla, the route encircles the county town of Ennis and, yet, offers surprisingly quiet, scenic walking over remote hills and along peaceful river valleys and lake shores.
The Lough Derg Way is a linear route that stretches from Limerick City to Killaloe/Ballina (25km) and from Killaloe/Ballina to Dromineer (40km). The route is located along the banks of the River Shannon, the old Shannon navigational canal and the eastern shores of Lough Derg. The Way follows a mix of riverbank, canal bank, forest track, old roadway and minor road.
The Offaly Way is a linear route of some 38km linking the Slieve Bloom Way (at Cadamstown) to the Sli Mor (at Lemanaghan). En route, the route crosses the Grand Canal Way. It includes sections of riverbank, stretches of bogland, green mass paths and quiet country roadways. Although the highest point is only 120m, much of the Way commands wide views over a comparatively flat landscape.
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