Whether you’re a local or exploring the beautiful Irish countryside for the first time this winter, Ireland has much to offer for everyone when it comes to exploring the outdoors.
It could be that you’re after a laid-back stroll through Burren National Park or you fancy a visit to the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.
But, whatever you choose, it’s safe to say there will be much to discover along the way in Ireland this winter.
With the help of Betfair Bingo, here is a definitive list of the best woodland walks in Ireland. The popularity of each walking spot was measured by a unique index score based on the number of hashtags and views each location has racked up on Instagram, as well as Trip Advisor rankings - with the lower the overall index score the higher the ranking.
Killarney National Park, with a TripAdvisor score of five out of five and a Google rating of 4.8 out of five, was the clear winner of the recent study.
Ireland's first-ever national park, Killarney National Park stretches out over 100 sq km and features lakes, mountain peaks, and woodland. It is also home to the only herd of red deer in Ireland.
Walking through the Gap of Dunloe in Killarney, Co Kerry. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo was named the second-best winter walking route in Ireland, receiving a score of 4.8 out of five on Google and 4.5 out of five on TripAdvisor.
Croagh Patrick overlooks Clew Bay on the Mayo coast and is popular among pilgrims and walkers alike.
Walkers on Croagh Patrick, near Westport, Co Mayo. (Ireland's Content Pool)
The hugely popular Howth Cliff Walk in Co Dublin completed the top three, ranking joint-second in the recent study.
The Howth Cliff Walk, which received a Google score of 4.9 and a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5, is a 7km trail that offers stunning vistas of Ireland's east coast.
Howth Cliff Walk, Howth Head, Dublin, Co Dublin. (Ireland's Content Pool)
The Beara Peninsula in Co Cork was in fourth place, with the Burren National Park in Co Clare and Glendalough National Park in Co Wicklow placing in joint fifth.
Beara Peninsula, Co Cork. (Getty Images)
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The Powerscourt Estate in Co Wicklow also made the list alongside Lough Key Forest Park in Co Roscommon, Ards Forest Park in Co Donegal, Torc Mountain in Co Kerry, and the Ballycotton Cliff Walk in Co Cork.
Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co Wicklow. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Belleek Woods and the Cong/Clonbur trail, both in Co Mayo, and Portumna Forest Park in Co Galway completed the recent list.
Belleek Woods, Ballina, Co Mayo. (Ireland's Content Pool)
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