Yes, it is possible to hike across Ireland from coast to coast, but it is not easy in terms of logistics. Unlike the popular Coast to Coast hike across England, Ireland does not have one continual trail to achieve this goal. Rather, it is a combination of trails which together span approximately 620 kilometres, starting on the Atlantic shores and ending at the Irish Sea.
This coast to coast route is part of the long-distance E8 path that begins in Ireland and ends in Bulgaria. The Irish section connects several established routes, including the Beara Way and Wicklow Way, as well as several lesser-known routes. While the trek requires good planning and stamina, the experience of traversing Ireland on foot is unmatched.
The E8 in Ireland begins along the Beara Way on the rugged Beara Peninsula, winding through remote coastal villages and mountainous terrain. The journey continues on the Kerry Way, showcasing the dramatic scenery of Ireland’s southwest, including lakes and ancient forests. Then the less-trodden paths of the Blackwater, East Munster and South Leinster Ways which offer quiet country roads through towns many Irish people have never even visited. Finally, the route concludes with the Wicklow Way, offering stunning views of heather-clad hills and serene woodlands before reaching the Irish Sea.
Walking coast to coast in Ireland presents several logistical challenges that require careful planning. The biggest challenges include varying terrain and weather conditions, which can range from boggy trails to steep mountain paths, often making progress slow and demanding. Accommodation can be sparse in more remote areas, necessitating advance booking or long detours to find suitable lodging. Navigational difficulties also arise, as some sections of the route are not as clearly marked, requiring strong map-reading skills or GPS navigation. Additionally, transporting gear for the entire journey can be a burden, especially if no support vehicle is available.
Tailor-Made Tours can turn your dream of hiking across Ireland into a reality, provided you are aware of the limitations. We provide all the necessary maps and GPX files, ensuring you stay on the right path even in the most remote areas. Our team handles accommodation bookings, carefully selecting places that work best for each route, and where possible, we arrange luggage transport so you can focus on the journey without the burden of heavy gear. Additionally, we recommend dining options along the way, which can be very limited in the more remote sections.
At this time, we can fully support your Coast to Coast hike along the following routes: Beara Way, Kerry Way, South Leinster Way and Wicklow Way. Due to limited accommodations and unreliable transport along the Blackwater and East Munster sections, we cannot guarantee full support. Please reach out to discuss your options along any of these routes. We are happy to help!
Our tours along these routes can be tailor-made to suit your coast to coast trek.
Let us design an itinerary that works for you!