Walking in Ireland

If you think you are lost: -

1. Don't panic, look at what's around you and think about where you have walked and the last place you saw a waymarker or signpost. You may have missed a marker or there may be a marker missing so you may have to go back to that last marker to find the correct way.
2. Study the map and try to work out your location, your direction of travel, where you are now and where you are going.
3. Back track to the last marker or to a point that is located on the Way.
4. If still lost look for alternative routes like roads and tracks that may also get you back on the Way, or to where you are going or back to where you have just walked from.
   

In the event of a more serious emergency or accident: -

1. You can call the Mountain Rescue Service. Phone 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue. Mountain Rescue is a voluntary service and should only be contacted in a genuine emergency.
2. If you need to send people to phone for help, make sure they can find their way and give details of the group's location and the nature of any injuries.
3. Treat any injuries to the best of your ability and make the casualty as warm and comfortable as possible. NB: Ensure the other members of the group are also safe and comfortable as it may take a number of hours for help to arrive.
   

The NWWAC have recently published its Walkers Safety Leaflet. Download the Leaflet & Walk Safely Checklist

No you are not. All Waymarked Ways have been developed with the kind support and agreement of the respective landowners along the line of the route.

Decide if you want a long distance walk, an energetic hill walk or a more leisurely lowland stroll (Easy, Moderate or Difficult). Decide how long (in time) you want to walk for.
Research the waymarked walking routes (sections) that are located in the region you are visiting or plan to walk in. Call into local tourist information points and ask people locally for advice and up to date information. You may use the details this site has on each of the Ways as a guide to further information.
Match the route choice with the ability (fitness and experience), and interest of the group. If you are not experienced in walking on Waymarked Ways begin on the sections that are graded easy and consider joining a guided walk or local walking group.

Can you get a map guide for the Waymarked Way you intend walking or for other marked trails in the area? Can you get another map that clearly shows the Waymarked Way you hope to walk? (Information contained in useful contacts and useful publications may assist in this)

The amount of clothing and equipment you may require will depend on the amount of time you plan to walk for, the type of trail and the weather conditions. NWWAC recommends: -

1. Always bring a waterproof jacket
2. Wear walking boots or shoes suitable for use on rough ground
3. Bring plenty of food and liquids
4. A mobile phone, but while a mobile phone may be useful in an emergency, it should not be relied on as a safety aid as network coverage is often poor in the hills and countryside.
5. Map, hat and gloves, waterproof over trousers, a torch, whistle, personal first aid kit. NB: The most common injury on the Irish hills is to the ankle or lower leg, usually resulting from a simple slip or fall. This is less likely to happen if  you wear comfortable walking boots with good ankle support and a rugged sole.

As far as possible, the Waymarked Ways are divided into stages that can be easily walked in a day and at the end of which a well-deserved evening meal and accommodation can be obtained. Many of the ways will guide you through towns and villages where you can usually organise accommodation, food and transport.

The most common type of accommodation is the B&B, but there are usually a range of accommodation possibilities including, hotels, self-catering options, guesthouses, hostels and camping areas. Many of these accommodation providers have facilities for drying clothes and providing packed lunches. It is recommended that bookings be made in advance to avoid disappointment. There are few areas where accommodation is not available. Accommodation options are listed in the guidebooks and can also be booked through the local tourist office. See Accommodation Contacts.

1. Use a map to keep track of where you are and the progress you are making along the line of the Way. Mark/tick off the markings on the map as you go.
2. If in a group, stay together and watch out for each other
3. Be aware of traffic, especially if walking on busy roads
4. Don't rush, take breaks, and most importantly enjoy yourself !
   

NB: Watch for changes in the weather, if it deteriorates be prepared to alter the route or turn back.

Make sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. You can get an up-to-date regional weather forecast by calling Weatherdial  (See "What's the Weather like out there?").
Allow plenty of time for your walk - at least one hour for every 4km and add extra time for any uphill sections, rests, lunch and taking photos (allow 2 min for every 10 meter ascent).Know what time it gets dark at, and plan to finish your walk well before that time.For seashore walks check the times of the tide to ensure that you won't be cut off by rising water.
Leave details of your plans with somebody and don't forget to contact that person later to say that you have returned safely.

Winter walking often has the advantage of clear, frosty, refreshing air, and most landscapes take on a special beauty after a light fall of snow. The worst that Irelands winter has to offer can usually be weathered by wearing suitable gear and by taking it for granted that there are few places off the tarred road that are not at least partly wet and boggy.

In summertime there is great life in the countryside, with an abundance of young animals and birds swelling the wildlife population, and the terrain is usually drier. The special offerings of delicate new growth in Spring and the rich russet shades of autumn make these seasons very appealing to all visitors to the countryside.