Ireland

Macs Adventure has been running self guided walking holidays in Ireland since 2006.  After visiting the major walking routes in Ireland, we knew there was something completely unique about its people and places and were excited to share it with the rest of the world. 

We now send over 700 hikers to Ireland every year, each of them finding their own adventure in this vibrant country. We provide the freedom to choose your route, itinerary and travel companions and to discover Ireland at your own pace. 

We know how important it is to have amazing partners on the ground in Ireland to deal with any issues that you might come across and we have made great friends with the accommodation providers and baggage handlers and should you have the slightest issue, they will fall over themselves to help you out. 

We offer a flexible, tailor-made hiking experience that gets you in comfortable, friendly overnight accommodation in local B&Bs and guesthouses. We carry your bags to lighten your load so you can concentrate on simply putting one foot in front of the other and enjoying the unique culture, food and people of the hidden spots of Ireland. No hostels, no shared dorms, no heavy bags on your back, just relax and walk with the confidence that we have it all covered for you. 

We want to showcase our expertise, by giving you all the resources you will ever need.  In the planning stage, we have free guides, comprehensive videos and a host of staff with their own Irish hiking experience, waiting to answer your questions. On the route, we use high-quality digital mapping as well as the best maps and guidebooks to make sure you find your way.  

We love walking in Ireland and our main aim is to make sure that you do too.  

Storytelling has been a staple of the Irish culture since the dawn of time and the folklore has famous myths and legends. Think of the many songs, limericks and tales that exist. It is safe to say that mythology and Ireland go hand in hand, have you heard of any of these stories?

• The Leprechauns (or locally known as "Leath bhrògan"): The name translates from 'shoemaker' and the leprechaun is the cultural symbol of Ireland. They were said to roam the Emerald Isle before humans did, wearing a unique hat and red hair. Leprechauns leave a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, so be sure to have a look if you see one!
  
  
• The Pooka (or locally known as "púca"): Pooka's are shape-changing creatures that are some of the most feared in Irish folklore. They are said to be evil and bring bad luck to those who have seen them. For this reason, they are most feared by farmers around the times of harvest!
  
  
• The Irish Harp: You may have noticed that the harp is the national symbol of Ireland, think of the company logos of famous Irish brands such as Guinness and Ryanair. The story goes that evil gods stole the first harp from Dagda (an Irish king). This caused a lack of music in Ireland and people turned very sad. The evil gods then gave back the harp and the joy returned to the entire land. This is how the harp became a national icon!
  
  
• The Shamrock: The three-leafed clover is an important Irish legend and crucial in the spread of Christianity across the Emerald Isle. St Patrick saw a clover and decided to use it to explain the three strands of the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one, to the Celts. The Celts could previously not understand what St Patrick was trying to say, but with the help of the shamrock, they finally did.