Interesting hiking opportunities in central to southern Ireland

Two years ago this time of year, we discovered the Gougane Barra in County Cork. It’s wonderful but not full of tourists, especially once you get past the lake/chapel at the beginning. I can’t say what August is like, but the hiking was certainly good, with a variety of trails ranging from easy paths to challenging climbs.

In 2018 we day hiked portions of the Kerry Way, https://www.kerryway.com/index.php. We drove to various trail heads and hiked out and back. A highlight was the Black Valley when the Gap of Dunloe was completely closed because it was being repaved. https://www.kerryway.com/towns-villages/black-valley.php. Another favorite hike was the Bolus Barracks Loop. It's not on the Kerry Way. It provides great views of the Skelligs and the Wild Atlantic. https://www.discoverireland.ie/kerry/bolus-barracks-loop. By the way, once you get about 100 meters from any Ring of Kerry viewpoint or parking area you'll get the place to yourself. Most tourists don't venture more than about 50 meters from their car or bus.

Thank you! Both places sound lovely.

Check the guided walks on this website