“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way,” said children’s author Dr Seuss, in his much-loved book Oh, The Places You’ll Go! But you have to wonder if his exhortation to climb mountains is based on personal experience, with tired, hungry, needing-to-go-toilet children in tow.
By the time his two stepdaughters came into his life, aged nine and 14, they certainly might have been able for some challenging walks around his Mount Soledad home in San Diego. But it is possible to bring even younger children, if you’re up for the extra challenge of carrying them or want to find some short and easy starter walks.
The great outdoors is a wonderful free amenity, encouraging healthy exercise habits and a respect for nature. But for younger children particularly, hiking requires some thought and preparation to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day out. Nobody wants to be too tired, tantrummy or teary-eyed at the end of the day.
Gillian Ní Bhriain, from west Kerry, admits she wasn’t a hiker as a youngster, but took to it with gusto before her two children (Freya Pip, aged three-and-a-half, and Frankie, one-and-a-half) were born, and has carried on ever since, bringing them along.
RM Block
“Obviously you’re more restricted. Before I had kids, I’d be going out any weather, anywhere,” she says. “Now everything is more timed, and it’s more weather dependent. You’re also looking at your routes; you’re not going to be taking on places where you’re clambering or climbing. Some of the places I would have hiked before, I have not been up since, because you’re thinking of their safety, but Freya Pip has been up Mount Brandon three times now.”
While the Pilgrim Route up Ireland’s second-highest mountain is certainly achievable for older children with experience hiking, this little girl went up as a passenger princess. Ní Bhriain’s hikes these days all involve her carrying both her children – Frankie in an everyday Ergobaby sling on her front, Freya Pip in a rigid chair carrier on her back, that has space for essential baggage underneath.
For anyone seeking an entry-level family hike in Co Kerry, Glanteenassig Wood, near Castlegregory, on the north side of the Dingle Peninsula, offers sheltered boardwalks by mirror-still lakes, meandering through woodland.
But “back west”, as the area west of Dingle is known locally, is Ní Bhriain’s stamping ground. Within minutes of her home, she has a choice of routes on her doorstep.
Her go-to spot is Cosán Cuas na nEighe, a 2.7km loop walk that begins from the car park at Clogher Beach, near Ballyferriter. The relatively flat cliff walk is quite manageable if you are carrying children, and might also make a good starter walk for little hikers in training. It passes through fields of grazing sheep, so dogs are not welcome, especially during lambing season. Among her favourite routes on the Dingle Peninsula are Mount Eagle, the Three Sisters, and Baile Dháith (Ballydavid cliff walk).
“They’re getting to the point now that they’re just about too heavy to carry,” she says of her toddlers. “They’ve a combined weight of about four stone. You’d be fairly sore by the end of it.”
The effort is rewarding, though, especially now the children are old enough to be interested in their surroundings.
“Frankie is such a typical little boy,” says Ní Bhriain. “He gets so excited if he sees cows or sheep or tractors or anything like that. And then Freya Pip is so drawn to the sea; a lot of the hikes around here, you have that backdrop.”
Freya Pip was keen to tackle a recent hike up Cruach Mhárthain, a short but steep hill (1.9km in length up and back, with an elevation gain of 224m) offering wonderful 360-degree views from the top.
“She decided that she wanted to take it on but she got as far as the first gateway before she wanted to be picked up,” her mum recalls.
Life hackers take note: Another hiking mum recently posted an Instagram reel of herself doing training walks in a weighted vest to prep her for giving tired little ones a lift on family hikes.
Timing trips around nap times is also key: “You want to be going out early enough that they’re still full of beans; not when they’re tired already,” says Ní Bhriain.
With kids in tow, it’s more about enjoying the journey than reaching the top. You always have to be prepared to change your plan depending on what the children are able for, and be sensitive to any changes in weather as you ascend, she advises.
“Just because you’re moving and hiking, if there’s a toddler sitting in the carrier on your back, not only are they not getting any of your body heat, but they’re just sitting there stationary, so you have to make sure that they’re lovely and warm.”
She loves Irish brand PuddleDucks (puddleducks.ie) for waterproof sets: “A two-piece is great, because if it means that she has an emergency bathroom break up there, you’re not taking the jacket off as well.”
The packing list includes “nappies, wipes, snacks, sun cream, hats and an extra layer” as well as an extra set of dry clothes for everyone back in the car. Hiking uses up lots of energy, so you can bank on everyone being hungrier and thirstier than usual. Staying well-hydrated is extra important.
A note of caution, she advises: “When you’re hiking with one of them on your front, you have to be so careful because you can’t see your feet. But you’re naturally going to be more careful; you’re minding someone else and they haven’t chosen to go up a mountain.”
For now, she’s making the most of being able to bring her children out in nature and the incredible scenery her homeplace affords, and would encourage anyone to do the same.
“It doesn’t have to be on the highest mountain or the biggest cliff’s edge. Just as long as you’re outside and you’re getting a nice route; the kids love it if there’s something to see.”
Hikes Around Ireland
Below is our pick of great child-friendly hiking trails across Ireland; from short loops and boardwalks to forest parks and achievable hills, whether you’ll be carrying passengers, little legs are doing their first walks, or older children are up for a challenge and have energy to burn, there’s something to suit everyone.
You can find lots more local route inspiration and helpful information, such as car parking and facilities information, route length, estimated timing and elevation gain at Discover Ireland (discoverireland.ie) and All Trails (alltrails.com).
Although many trails are well signposted with waymarkers, it’s always advisable to map out your route before you travel. If you want to equip yourself with some training, check out Mountaineering Ireland (mountaineering.ie) for a directory of reputable mountain skills courses around the country; you can learn the basics of map reading, navigation and compass skills on Mountain Skills Training 1, a one-day course. Many, such as those offered by Kerry Climbing (kerryclimbing.ie), are run by experienced mountain rescuers.
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast, bring waterproofs even if you think you won’t need them, and let someone know where you are going and when to expect you home – always plan to be down before darkness falls. And teach children to respect the great outdoors; leave no trace means bagging all your rubbish, including tissues and wipes after a wild pee.
Leinster
Ballinastoe Woods, Co Wicklow
Depending on the trail you choose, you can do a short route (3.5km), the Slí na Sláinte Trail (5km), or a longer (10km) walk, so there are options for different abilities. Sights include a towering Portal Tree, which, legend has it, marks a gateway to the otherworld, as well as a stunning view over Lough Tay. Dogs are welcome on leads, and it’s advisable to stay on the paths as the woods are a popular mountain biking destination too.
Also try:
Mount Leinster, Co Carlow
Although it’s the county high point, the tarmac road to the summit means you can even push a buggy, making it accessible for intrepid (and fit) families.
Munster
Ballysaggartmore Towers Loop, Co Waterford
A fairytale setting near Lismore in Co Waterford, with a short walk (1.8km, with 65m elevation gain) offering lots to see, from gatehouse ruins to gothic towers. Stop off for photos in front of the majestic architectural backdrop before continuing to the waterfall and stream. It’s relatively flat but can get a little muddy after rain so pack the wellies, and a picnic to linger over and enjoy the stunning setting. Dogs are welcome too.
Also try:
Ballycotton Cliff Walk, Co Cork
Around three hours will take you from the village of Ballycotton to Ballyandreen and back (route variation from 7km to 9.25km). With views across to Ballycotton Island and lighthouse; dolphin sightings are not uncommon.
Connacht
Diamond Hill Blue Route, Connemara National Park, Co Galway
Starting from the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre (that’s code for “there are toilets”), the Lower Trail on Diamond Hill near Letterfrack offers a 3km loop on a boardwalk, gravel tracks and paved mountain paths. Although you won’t summit unless you take on the longer route, there are still great views to be had of the national park and the Galway coastline and islands. Roaming animals will delight kids, from horses and donkeys to deer, which you’ll see if you’re lucky.
Also try:
Hazelwood Demesne, Co Sligo
Enjoy a short loop walk (3.2km) at Half Moon Bay on the shores of Lough Gill with views from the trail toward Church Island, Cottage Island and Goat Island.
Ulster
Killykeen Forest Park, Co Cavan
A family-friendly picturesque forest park encompassing Cavan’s famed lakeland scenery on a 3km loop walk. There’s also a 12km off-road cycle and walking trail between the park and nearby Killeshandra. There are also picnic spots and a swimming area with a small stretch of sand leading into the lovely waters of Lough Oughter.
Also try:
Slievenacloy Nature Reserve, Belfast
Managed by Ulster Wildlife, this hidden gem is perched high among the Belfast Hills. There are three route options all under two hours long: Priest’s Hill walk, Stoneyford walk, and Ballycollin walk. See if you can spot a common lizard here.
