Selecting a hiking/hill walking holiday in Ireland offers stunning landscapes, rugged mountains, and picturesque trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and experience the rich cultural heritage of the country.
For a number of reasons, these are best enjoyed in the company of a local guide.
Typically, hikes nationally are either half or full day walks which combine with local accommodation to bring the best of what Ireland can offer, to enchance your experience.
Some popular hiking destinations in Ireland include the Wicklow Mountains, the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, Connemara National Park, and the Causeway Coast. Each offers unique landscapes, scenic trails, and a chance to explore Ireland's natural beauty, as well as a wide variety of walking experiences and levels of difficulty.
In most mountainous areas, you may spot a variety of wildlife, including native species such as red deer, mountain ponies, foxes, badgers, and a wide range of bird species like peregrine falcons, merlins, and meadow pipits. The hills are also home to diverse plant life, including heather, bog cotton, and various orchid species.
There are several popular hiking trails on the east coast of Ireland, including the Wicklow Way, the Sugarloaf, and the Bray to Greystones Coastal Walk
Further north on the east coast a day hike in the likes of the Mourne Mountains offers breathtaking views, rugged landscapes, and a chance to explore Northern Ireland's highest peaks. They are generally regarded as a great place to test your level of fitness.
Popular routes include the ascent of Slieve Donard, the highest peak, or the challenging but rewarding hike along the Mourne Wall.
The Cooley Mountains, have well-marked trails that takes you through the scenic landscape of the Cooley Peninsula. One option is to hike to the summit of Slieve Foye, which offers panoramic views of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding area. Apart from the Táin Way and Slieve Foye, there are other beginner-friendly hikes in the Cooley Mountains.
One option is the Barnavave Loop, a shorter trail that takes you to the summit of Barnavave Mountain, offering stunning views of Carlingford Lough. Another option is the Flagstaff Loop, which provides a gentle hike through forested areas and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. These hikes are great for beginners and offer a taste of the Cooley Mountains' natural beauty.
There are numerous great hiking routes along the Wild Atlantic Way. Some notable ones include the Kerry Way, the Burren Way, the Sheep's Head Way, the Slieve League Cliffs, and the Causeway Coast Way.
Hiking Errigal in County Donegal is also a popular choice. Voted Ireland’s most iconic mountain, it’s the highest peak in the Derryveagh Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The hike can be challenging, particularly the final ascent, but the reward at the summit is well worth it.
Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park is another great option along the Wild Atlantic Way. It's a moderate-level hike that offers panoramic views of the Connemara region, including the Twelve Bens Mountain range and the Atlantic coastline.
On the south coast, Waterford offers a variety of scenic options. Some popular routes include the Comeragh Mountains, where you can explore Coumshingaun Lake and Coumshingaun Corrie, as well as the Waterford Greenway, a 46-kilometer trail that follows an old railway line and offers beautiful views of the countryside and coastline.
There are a number of greenways around the country, all developed in recent years, with each created from old railway routes and they are also suitable for cycling, with cycle hire available locally.
Whenever hiking in Ireland, it is highly recommended to have sturdy waterproof hiking boots or shoes, a waterproof jacket, layers of clothing for changing weather conditions, a backpack, a map and compass (or GPS), a first aid kit, a hat, gloves, dry socks and sunscreen. Walking poles can be of great benefit. Additionally, it's always a good idea to bring water, or a flask or both, some snacks, and a mobile phone for emergencies.
Remember to check weather conditions and bring appropriate gear for a safe and enjoyable experience.