The pandemic has seen a surge of interest in hiking among Irish people, the CSO has concluded. 

According to a survey by the organisation, 55% of Irish people had begun to spend more time outside because of COVID-19 and one in three had taken up an outdoor activity. 

Of those who had taken up a new activity, 26% said they had started hill walking and 24% said they had begun hiking. 

All of which comes as no surprise to Heather Snelgar - the co-editor of Outside.ie. 

“We’ve seen a steady increase for years,” she told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“So that was going on pre-pandemic right back to 2008 when the economic crash came in. 

“But I think when something is going on and a big life event is happening, people look for a thing that might make them feel better or maybe take their minds off what’s going on and take them out of reality a bit.” 

Health factor

Numerous studies over the years have found a link between access to nature and improved mental health. 

Combined with the impact of physical exercise, hikers usually get a serotonin boost that brings them back for more. 

“I think when people go on that first hike, it’s kind of like a ‘Wow’ moment,” Ms Snelgar  continued. 

“Firstly, it probably exceeds expectations of what they were able to do - so there’s a serious sense of achievement - and then it’s just that kind of feeling of being out in fresh air and people get completely addicted. 

“And I think that that’s been ramped up to another scale during the pandemic when people weren’t allowed to [socialise inside]... The outdoors became everybody’s outlet.” 

Some great photos from Declan, Aidan and Mick who were out over the weeeknd on Brockagh/Tonelegee/Kevin's Way in Wicklow. #wicklowmountains #wicklow #ipahikingclub #hiking #ireland #hikingadventures pic.twitter.com/7Y15KZ1tew

— IPA Hiking Club (@IpaHiking) May 30, 2022

For those who are a little nervous about starting out Ms Snelgar suggested getting in contact with a local hiking group: 

“There’s hundreds of hiking clubs out there now,” Ms Snelgar enthused. 

“There’s MeetUps happening, there’s everything across the country and if you are going out on your own or with a pal, just choose something that is well marked. 

“Maybe a forest park or somewhere that’s a nice easy trail to start off with. Don’t head up Lugnaquilla or Carrantuohill on your own.”

Main image: The Spinc ridge over Glendalough Valley. Image: Mielag / Alamy Stock Photo