Hiking Ireland’s longest waymarked walking trail takes around three weeks

Tbe creation of the Beara Breifne trail involved 'stitching together' 12 existing walking routes so you can of course tackle it in sections 

The Beara-Breifne Way is Ireland’s longest hiking trail. Pictures: John G O'Dwyer

When the Anglo-Normans invaded Ireland in the 12th century, their military superiority and use of castles to hold conquered territory ensured rapid advancement. By the late 13th century, they controlled most of Ireland, apart from the Northwest and some small areas of Munster and Connacht.

Soon, however, they had more urgent fish to fry. Initially, a conflict with Scotland and later the Hundred Years’ War with France were both huge drains on resources. This was followed by the bloody civil conflict in England known as the War of the Roses — which lasted more than 30 years. Unsurprisingly, Ireland moved off the agenda during this period.