Route
This is a wonderful route and will take you through a great variety of areas from the Atlantic coast to the Irish sea. The landscape tells its own story of myths, history, culture, traditions, music and commerce. Everywhere you will meet Irish music especially as you pass through the Gaeltacht. As you pass through many counties where the traditional game of hurling is played with passion, take time to see a match. It is the fastest ball game in the world and during the summer months people wear their county colours with pride.
Starting Point
The E8 begins at the southwest tip of Ireland at the end of the Beara Peninsula – Dursey Head
End Point
It ends in the capital city Dublin (Marlay Park)
Which cities and towns does the E-path pass through
Casteletownbere, Millstreet, Fermoy, Clonmel, Carrick on Suir, Mullinavat, Graiguenamanagh, Tinahely, Dublin
Length
596 km
Ground path of the E-path
It follows the
- Beara Way – from Dursey to Glengariff
- Sli Gaeltacht Mhuskri – Kealkill to Millstreet
- Blackwater/Duhallow Way – Millstreet to Clogheen
- East Munster Way – Near Clogheen to Carrick-on-Suir
- South Leinster Way – from Carrick-on-Suir to Clonegal
- The Wicklow Way – from Clonegal to Dublin
Except for one short section it is all on way marked trails.
Responsible organization(s)
Publications
The Irish Coast to Coast Walk: Dublin to Bray Head (Paperback)
Paddy Dillon (author), Publisher: Cicerone Press , ISBN: 9781852844332
Maps
The E8 Irish Coast to Coast Map Bundle
This is a special offer on the twelve main maps needed for walking the E8 Irish Coast to Coast walking trail. The Discovery Series maps are to a scale of 1:50,000 and are published by Ordnance Survey Ireland.
- The Beara Way: Discovery Sheets 84 and 85.
- The Kerry Way: Discovery Sheet 78.
- The Blackwater Way: Discovery Sheets 74, 79 and 80.
- The East Munster Way: Discovery Sheets 74 and 75.
- The South Leinster Way: Discovery Sheets 68, 75 and 76.
- The Wicklow Way: Discovery Sheets 50, 56 and 62.
Marking system
Yellow arrow on black background
Crossing other E-paths
No
Practical
Accommodation
Accommodation
options are given but this is not exhaustive and there may be other options. It
is worth trying AirBnB also as it is very popular in Ireland.
Wild Camping must be with permission of the landowner and please respect the
country cod.
Food
From lamb in spring to fish in summer, stews and soups in winter and, of course, potatoes at almost any time of the year, Irish food involves simple, hearty, family cooking that follows the seasons.
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-ireland
Where to Eat
Restaurants From cheap ‘n’ cheerful to Michelin-starred, Ireland has something for every palate and budget.
Cafes Ireland is awash with cafes of every description, many of which are perfect for a quick, tasty bite.
Hotels Even if you’re not a guest, most hotel restaurants cater to outside diners. Top hotels usually feature good restaurants with prices to match.
Pubs Pub grub is ubiquitous, mostly of the toasted-sandwich variety. A large number, however, also have full menu service, with some being as good as any top restaurant.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/in-location/eating/a/nar/7a42b31a-d712-4e13-8a31-f7d85c201499/359581
Travel
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/what-is-available/getting-around-ireland/articles/public-transport/
Gear
The terrain
is mainly off road and varies from grassy tracks to boggy soft ground. Unless
the weather is very dry hiking boots are essential. Also check the weather
forecast and be aware that visibility on seacoasts and high ground can be poor.
Winds can be strong.
This is the Atlantic coast and the weather can change very quickly. Listen to
local advice.
The terrain is mainly tarred roads, country lanes and forest tracks. Rolling hills, green pastures and tillage fields with very beautiful villages makes this a very attractive walk.
Links
https://www.mountaineering.ie/hillwalking/
https://www.theirelandway.ie/sligaeltachtmhuscrai.html
References
Marian Wallis & Helmut Schuster