Ireland Walking Blog

Safety and Codes of Behaviour in the Countryside

Walking in Ireland is a truly unique experience. There are very few other places in our modern world, where you can find yourself rambling along a scenic mountain, hill, forest or beach trail, with no one else around but you to enjoy the sense of space, silence and wild beauty.

Because of the relatively low numbers of people hiking and trekking in Ireland, it does place some extra personal responsibility back on the individual, when walking alone or in a group. Many of the off-road walks and trails around Ireland have come about thanks to the co-operation of agencies and local landowners.

With just a little extra preparation, planning and some common sense, however, you can ensure you enjoy a stress free and safe experience when walking the byways and hills of Ireland.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Always respect signs and regulations for the area you wish to visit.
Permits are often needed for camping in areas not especially designated.
Ireland’s weather is very changeable. Check local weather forecasts before setting of and always pack waterproof gear.

2. Be Considerate of Others
If you are travelling by car, park appropriately and avoid blocking forest entrances or narrow roads, where local people or emergency services may need to access.
Keep dogs under control – this means on a lead where sheep or cattle are grazing.
Be careful when climbing over fences or passing by stone ditches as local farmers rely on them to enclose livestock.

3. Respect and Protect Wldlife
Observe wild animals and birds from a distance. Avoid disturbing them, particularly at sensitive times of year, such as mating and nesting season.
Keep wildlife wild. Don’t feed wild animals or birds as our food can damage heir health and leave them vulnerable to predators.

4. Keep to the Trail
Its important to remember that there is often no right of access to lands beside the trail.
Due to our high annual rainfall and often waterlogged upland terrain, it can be potentially dangerous to stray off waymarked trails.
Staying on trails and durable ground such as gravel, rock and firm ground also reduces erosion in upland areas.

5. Leave What You Find
It’s important to leave rocks, flowers, plants and all natural habitat as you find them so other can also appreciate them.
Please respect all old archaeological monuments and sacred sites such as holy wells and ancient dwellings you come across.
It’s important to leave gates as you find them, (open or closed), and always try and cross gates and fences by styles if provided.

6. Dispose of Waste and Litter Properly
B&B Ireland supports Ireland’s ‘leave no trace’ policy, “If you Bring it In, Take it Out” – take home all litter and left-over food, (including teabags, fruit peels and other biodegradable foods.

7. Minimise the Impact of Fires
As a general rule, avoid lighting fires, except in designated camping areas and take great care with matches and cigarettes.
Much of Ireland’s trails are through forestry and bog, both areas of high fire risk.