Hiking appeal puts Ireland on map

HIKING and walking are now the most popular activity pursuits by tourists in Ireland, with upwards of two million people, including home and overseas visitors, taking part each year.

They come all year round, but in even greater numbers during the peak July and August period, to avail of superb outdoor facilities, such as over 200 looped walks spread right across the country.

Some could be described as hill walkers, as they like to take to the mountains, but many prefer to confine themselves to more low-lying trails that sometimes cross undulating ground that take people through elevated moorland and forests.