Exploring Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes on foot is one of the best ways to experience the Emerald Isle’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to rugged sea cliffs, serene lakes and valleys, or pastoral farmlands, Ireland offers an incredible variety of hiking opportunities to suit every adventurer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight some of the country’s top hiking routes to help you plan your perfect outdoor escape.
If You Want Beautiful Beaches
When hiking the Donegal Way, you’ll encounter some of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, including the serene Glencolumbkille and the secluded sands of Maghera Beach. The Beara Way also provides scenic beaches and seaside settlements throughout your route. These quiet stretches of coastline offer pristine views and are perfect for combining beach exploration with a tranquil hike through the wild landscapes of Ireland.
If You Love Coastal Trails
Of Ireland’s national waymarked paths, the Dingle Way offers the most coastal views throughout its entirety. The trail covers 179 km (111 mi) around the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, featuring dramatic coastal scenery along much of the route. The Dingle Way hugs the coastline for large sections, offering views of cliffs, sandy beaches, and sweeping Atlantic vistas, especially around places like Inch Beach and the Slea Head Drive. The loop around the peninsula provides continuous ocean views, with highlights like Mount Brandon adding to the stunning backdrop.
Another route that stands out for its coastal focus is the Sheep’s Head Way in County Cork, which offers coastal walking with impressive views of coves, headlands, and the Atlantic Ocean. This trail is shorter and less rugged than the Dingle Way, but still rich in coastal scenery. Both paths offer excellent opportunities to take in the wild beauty of Ireland’s coastline.
If You Want Live Music
No visit to Ireland is complete without immersing yourself in the country’s vibrant traditional music scene. Fortunately, many of Ireland’s hiking trails pass through towns and villages known for their lively pubs and talented local musicians. After a day on the trail, reward yourself with a pint and some live trad music in the charming towns of Dingle, along the Dingle Way, or Donegal Town, along the Donegal Way.
If You Want Fewer Crowds
For those seeking solitude, the South Leinster Way offers a peaceful trek through rural farmland and ancient woodlands. This off-the-beaten-path route, along with the Beara Way, provides a more intimate connection with Ireland’s interior, far from the more tourist-heavy regions.
The National Famine Way is also an excellent choice for those seeking a more contemplative walk, to better understand a painful time in Ireland’s history.
If You Prefer Luxury Accommodations
For hikers looking to combine outdoor adventure with luxury accommodations, the Kerry Way offers the best balance between scenic hiking and access to high-end lodging. This route passes through the picturesque region of County Kerry, including the famous Ring of Kerry. Many towns along the route, such as Killarney, Kenmare, and Glenbeigh, are known for their luxurious country houses, historic hotels, and upscale B&Bs.
If You Want a Short Holiday
Even if you only have a few days to spare, Ireland offers plenty of scenic hiking options that can be easily incorporated into a short trip. Consider our 5-day hiking tours on the Beara Way, Dingle Way, or Kerry Way.
If You Love Shopping for Local Artisan Goods
Leave room in your luggage if you hike the Donegal Way. This route includes stays in Donegal and Ardara, both renowned for their artisan textiles such as handwoven tweed and knitwear. Ardara, in particular, is famous for its woollen mills and skilled weavers who create beautiful, high-quality tweed jackets, blankets, and scarves. Donegal’s traditional tweed is internationally recognised for its durability and craftsmanship, making it a perfect souvenir from your hiking adventure. You can also visit local shops in these towns to find handcrafted goods, like pottery, jewellery, and leather items.
On the Wicklow Way, you can purchase something a wee more useful for hiking with a visit to Shillelagh to pick up a handcrafted walking stick. These iconic Shillelagh sticks, traditionally made from blackthorn wood, are prized for their strength and durability, making them not just beautiful keepsakes but practical tools for the trail. Each stick is crafted with great care, using time-honoured techniques that have been passed down for generations, resulting in a unique walking aid that embodies Irish craftsmanship and heritage.
While Kilkenny isn’t directly on a hiking route, it’s just a short 45-minute bus ride from Inistioge on our South Leinster Way. Add an extra free day to this tour so you can visit the Kilkenny Design Centre, which showcases work from Irish artisans in areas like pottery, glassware, and textiles. Jerpoint Glass Studio is also close to Inistioge and is well worth hiring a taxi to visit.
If You Want an Easy Starter Hike
Our 8-Day Kerry @Ease hiking tour is the perfect option for a more relaxed walking holiday. It has one day with a 25.5km (16mi) distance and 470m (1,542ft) ascents, but the other days are much shorter, and there are two “free days” to explore at your leisure. If elevation is a concern, the National Famine Way offers a mostly flat walking route along a well-defined path, making it a good solid choice.
Enjoy Ireland, Your Way!
And remember, we can design just about any type of trip to suit your needs—it doesn’t have to be centred around hiking. Whether you’re interested in heritage tours, cultural explorations, or golf getaways, we’re here to create a tailor-made itinerary that fits your personal interests and pace.
