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01st Jan 2024

Five beautiful walks to take your dog on this New Year’s Day

Jody Coffey

New Year's Day

Start 2024 off right

For those of you who won’t be dying a slow and alcohol-related death on New Year’s Day, you may want to get outside and greet the new year in a wholesome way.

Ireland has a wealth of gorgeous trials to offer that both you and your furry pal will absolutely love (they also serve as a great Dry January activity).

If you are in recovery mode on January 1st, this list will be one to save for another weekend in 2024.

Dublin – Killiney Hill

If you’re looking for a walk that can offer a little dip for your dog(s) at the end of it, Killiney Hill is a fantastic spot to head to.

Located in south Dublin, this hilland provides both beautiful city and scenic views over the Irish Sea from its summit, making the climb all the more worth it.

Also offers a dog-friendly café, the Tower Tea Rooms, which offers a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee and unwind after your walk.

Credit: Getty

Kerry – Ballyseedy Woods

This one is a personal favourite of mine and if my dog could talk, he would agree.

Ballyseedy is a woodland located just outside Tralee that boasts beautiful local flora and fauna, making this a gorgeous spot to reconnect with nature.

Nearby, you’ll find the fabulous Ballygarry Estate House Hotel and Spa or Ballyseedy Garden Centre and Café – both have outdoor seating and are dog-friendly.

Credit: All Trails

Limerick – Lough Gur

The incredible views of Lough Gur are ones that are too good to keep off your Instagram.

Your dog will love the sensory-filled experience of new scents and sounds, while you take in this historical hotspot.

The archaeological landscape is home to sites that represent every major period of human history in Ireland

Lough Gur is a must-visit, not just on New Year’s Day, but all year long.

Credit: Limerick.ie

Roscommon – Kilronan Castle Doon Point Loop

A walk on the ground of Kilronan Castle is one I highly recommend if you’re in the area.

The Castle Doon Point Loop offers a mystical woodland scenery, with the added allure of the castle and lakeshore view.

Your dog will have plenty of exploring to do as the loop takes approximately an hour to complete.

This is the perfect Sunday morning wake-up call.

Credit: All Trails

Wexford – Raven Point Wood

Take in the breathtaking white dany beach of Curracloe on this beautiful walk, which stretches across 6.8km in length.

This one will take you around an hour and a half to complete, so make sure to dress appropriately and bring water for both you and your pup.

Park up by Raven Wood and embark on your trail through the gorgeous woodland and then out onto the beach.

If you’re lucky, you may just see the geese who are on their wat to sandbanks in Wexford Harbour.

An ideal way to spend New Year’s Day.

Credit: All Trails

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