What to pack for walking the Miners Way is fairly straightforward: reliable rain layers, supportive footwear, navigation, food and a few basic safety items. The Miners Way and Historical Trail crosses quiet roads, forest tracks and upland ground in counties Roscommon and Leitrim, so a light sightseeing bag will not do the job.
Sport Ireland Outdoors describes the route as a 118km National Waymarked Way. Most walkers break it up over several days, although your plan will depend on the sections you choose and where you are staying. Pack for changing conditions; an Irish forecast can be a bit optimistic by lunchtime. For broader advice before you go, see this guide to packing for an Ireland trip.
Your feet will have plenty to say about this trip by day two. Wear broken-in walking boots or sturdy trail shoes with a grippy sole and enough support for uneven ground. Waterproof boots are handy after rain, but only if they are comfortable before you arrive. New boots and a long-distance walk are an awkward pairing.
Check the local forecast each morning, then adjust your layers before setting off. Ireland was 56°F with scattered cloud and 91% humidity in October 2026 (as of October 2026), a fair reminder that mild on paper can still feel damp and chilly. Carry waterproofs even if the day starts bright. Wind and rain can make a mild temperature feel considerably less mild.
Keep spare layers dry inside your pack rather than trusting its outer fabric to do all the work. It usually will not. The same sensible approach applies on wet Irish walking trails: waterproof outer layers are useful, but dry clothes inside the bag matter just as much.
The Miners Way follows waymarkers, but signs can be missed at junctions or obscured by weather and vegetation. Bring a downloaded route map and a charged phone, then carry a paper map or printed route notes as backup. Phone batteries have a talent for dying exactly when you need to check a turn.
Use the latest official route information when planning the Miners Way, including any access updates. On country roads, walk facing oncoming traffic where it is safe to do so, stay alert around bends and do not assume drivers will spot you early.
For a useful comparison on packing for a route with several days on foot, this Blackwater Way hiking packing checklist covers many of the same practical basics.
A 20- to 30-litre day pack is usually enough for a supported multi-day walk, where your main luggage is moved separately or left at each overnight stop. If you are carrying all your gear, you will need a larger pack and a more careful approach to weight. No point bringing half the house if you have to haul it uphill.
Do not rely on finding shops or cafés mid-stage. Some trail sections pass through rural areas where services are limited, and opening times can change. Fill your water bottles at your accommodation and ask staff about the next reliable place to buy food.
A similar approach works for other long Irish routes: keep the day bag light, pack food before setting out and separate anything you will need in rain from the rest of your gear. The Killarney National Park day-trip packing list is another handy reminder of the basics for a full day outdoors.
A few light extras can make the Miners Way more comfortable without turning your bag into a punishment. Walking poles can help on uneven or muddy ground and reduce strain on descents. They are optional, but plenty of walkers find them useful after several consecutive days.
Keep a dry layer and clean socks easy to reach for the end of the day. It sounds minor, but getting out of wet gear quickly makes an evening meal feel far more civilized. Book accommodation ahead in busier periods, and confirm luggage-transfer arrangements directly with your provider if you are using one. This guide to booking accommodation in Ireland can help when choosing overnight stops along your route.
If you are weighing up poles for Irish conditions, the practical advice in this Croagh Patrick hiking guide may also be useful.
Waterproof walking boots are a sensible choice because the trail can include wet ground, mud and rain-soaked roads. Well-fitted trail shoes can work in dry conditions, but they should have good grip and be comfortable for full days of walking.
Carry enough water for the day’s planned section and refill whenever a reliable source is available. Ask your accommodation host about shops, cafés and water stops ahead, as services are not present on every part of the route.
Walking poles are optional, though they can be useful on uneven, muddy or sloping sections and on longer consecutive days. If you bring them, pack rubber tips for walking on roads and protect other trail users from sharp ends.
Matt Hook is a Canadian writer of Scottish and Irish heritage. He built his writing career creating detailed gaming guides, turning complex mechanics, history and lore into useful information for readers. Matt brings that same research-focused approach to Ireland Wide, where he writes about Irish travel, heritage, history and culture. He also holds CMA and CPA designations as a professional accountant, giving him a strong background in research, accuracy and attention to detail.
At Ireland Wide, our aim is to bring authentically Irish insights to you, wherever you are.
Whether you have some feedback or would like to offer some of your own insights for everyone else to explore, don't hesitate to get in touch with us!
