Four walks from Ireland's Best 50 are located in Mayo

After the success of the first edition of 50 Best Irish Walks, John G O’Dwyer has released a new edition featuring several new walks along with a full day-by-day account of walking St Declan’s Way!

Spain has the Camino de Santiago, Scotland has the Highland Way, but Ireland is also strewn with jaw-dropping walks up hills and down glens, cliffs and ancient forests. This fact can be attested to by someone who has been exploring the Irish landscape for over 30 years.

A true man of the outdoors, Tipperary native John G O’Dwyer is releasing his most complete walking book to date: 50 Best Irish Walks - easy to moderate, which is a thrilling guide of rambles across Ireland just in time for spring.

The hardest part of writing his latest book, according to John, who is well-known for his walking articles in The Irish Times and other media, has been narrowing down the book to only include 50 walks from the hundreds worthy of one’s attention in Ireland.

READ MORE: Mayo musician Liam Geddes looking forward to Electric Picnic

Asked why he champions exploring Ireland on foot rather than from the comfort of one’s car he says: “The most compelling reason is the bewildering richness and variety to be found in the outdoors. An astonishing variety of landscapes and ecosystems are ready to be explored, from woodland to moorland, peatland, fenland, and lake-strewn valleys. There is almost always something surprising and enthralling lying around every corner.” It is hard to argue with this logic when the proof lies in his many anecdotes and the exalted testimonials he has garnered from those who participate in his guided tour walks.

A perfect accompaniment for those who are just starting out, as well as for those who are ready to take up moderate walks, these 50 hikes are essential and will not only enrich the hiker’s knowledge of the Irish landscape but also provide them a context for the varied history of the island. There are stories everywhere; one only has to look!

Four of John G’s fifty best walks are located in Mayo. They are Inishbiggle Island, Clare Island, Mulranny Loop and Cong Wood Loop.