With several Waymarked Ways throughout Ireland, a handful are a cut above the rest for their scenery, time off the beaten path, and accessibility. For East Ireland, the Wicklow Way is unbeatable. For the coastal midwest, the 35km (22-mile) Burren Way is a gem for its moonlike terrain and surprising amount of flora and fauna.

The best national routes in Southwest Ireland are in County Cork and Kerry.

Planning a walk on one of these national routes should be done carefully. Camping along the routes is discouraged unless absolutely necessary and doing so in national forests is illegal. If you and your walking partner find yourself in a predicament, assess the situation and attempt to find a local resident who can point you in the right direction or give you permission to camp. Bring a light tarp with ropes or tent, along with the supplies mentioned in the packing list.

Ireland's countryside is fairly open to walkers, especially on marked or national trails. If you encounter an issue with a farmer, another local, or a sign or other physical barrier on a trail, contact the local tourist office to find out the best way to continue. If rambling about, seek the permission of a local or farmer if you believe you are walking on private land. Never leave trash on the trails or surrounding lands. Always leave farm gates the way you found them (usually closed). Ireland's best southwest Waymarked Ways are:

Sheep's Head Way, County Clare

While County Kerry might overshadow others in the southwest for various outdoor pursuits, County Cork beats Kerry in regards to its hidden hiking and trail walking opportunities. The 90km (55-mile) Sheep's Head Way is a great introduction into southwestern Ireland's diverse landscapes. The trail offers astonishing cliffs and onerous terrain overlooking the Dunmanus Bay to the south and Bantry Bay to the north.

Beara Way, Counties Cork and Kerry

The Beara Way (www.bearatourism.com) is one of Ireland's easier (and less crowded) national trails. The 196km (122-mile) path circumnavigates the wondrous Beara Peninsula. It is not a wooded or hill walk, per se, but does cross over back roads and decently marked paths through fields and hills of not more than 300 meters (985 feet). Recommended is the inclusion of the Bere Island (www.bereisland.net) and Dursey Islands, but this will add on an extra day or two to the total itinerary. Most walkers plan for five to seven days to complete the full path from Castletownbere to Kenmare.

Dingle Way, County Kerry

Surpassing the grandeur of the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Way (www.dingleway.net) is Kerry's most astounding walk. Passing beaches, back roads, mountains, and moorland, the 168km (104-mile) loop is an eight-to ten-day journey, officially starting and ending in the city of Tralee. The tourist office and local guides, however, recommend starting the journey in the town of Camp, which is more scenic and can be accessed on a bus from Tralee. This shortens the hike by one to two days.