Walking Holidays in Ireland | The Best Hiking Trails on the Emerald Isle

Fed up of overcrowded trails where you feel totally detached from the landscape and culture of the place? Looking for a destination where you won’t need to struggle with acclimatisation or tricky language barriers, but still want a proper adventure? Keen on ending a long day on the trail with some quality 'rehydration' in a traditional Irish pub surrounded by friendly locals?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any  - or all of the above - then we strongly recommend popping Ireland on your list of potential walking holiday destinations! 

You’ll find all kinds of terrain in Ireland from gentle coastal paths and pristine sandy beaches with sweeping ocean views, to rolling hills, rugged mountain trails and supremely squelchy moorlands. 

Iconic landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Burren limestone plateau offer a range of dramatic scenery and fascinating geological features to wow you along the way. And while some trails are well-marked and accessible, others take you into more remote terrain - perfect for folks seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Throw in some gloriously traditional villages, a ton of history and a hefty dollop of ‘dynamic’ weather into the mix, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a truly memorable walking adventure! Just remember to bring your waterproofs....

Why Choose Ireland for Your Walking Holiday?

Rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, epic mountain trails, legendary pubs, and friendly locals - Ireland is a dreamy destination for a walking holiday. A refreshing (literally....hello, Guinness!) alternative for walkers hunting for something a bit different, Ireland is ideally suited to folks who may have already explored epic hiking destinations like Scotland, France, Spain and Switzerland.

Ireland is home to stunning scenery and diverse trails

Whether you're soaking up the views from the Cliffs of Moher, wandering through the hills of County Kerry, or marvelling at the epic beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s landscapes will totally blow you away. And with a variety of trails ranging from leisurely coastal paths to proper challenging adventures in the Wicklow Mountains, there’s something for all fitness levels and motivations.

The luck of the Irish - culture and craic 

A walking holiday in Ireland is more than just a physical achievement - it’s a journey into the heart of Irish culture. Along the trail, you’ll discover charming villages, ancient ruins, and historic castles and monasteries. Stop for a pint of Guinness in a traditional pub, listen to live music, or simply chat with the locals who are renowned for their friendliness, humour and storytelling. 

Where are the Best Walking Holidays in Ireland?

This entirely depends on the nature of the experience you’re after. There’s everything to go at here from epic wilderness walks, gentle hills, coastal strolls, and family-friendly outdoor adventures. 

We’ve selected our favourite walks in Ireland – all supremely special in their own way – to help get that heart rate up and inspire you to head off on your own Irish exploration….

Walking Holidays in Northern Ireland | The Causeway Coast Way 

Perfect for folks looking for a mix of history, geology and stunning coastal scenery, the Causeway Coast Way is famous for its world-famous landmarks and breathtaking views.

Stretching along the coastline of Northern Ireland, this 195 mile trail passes through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Highlights include the iconic Giant’s Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and mind-blowing geological phenomenon), Dunluce Castle (a medieval castle perched on a cliff), Mussendum Temple (a cliff-top temple with dramatic ocean views), and our personal fave – the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (a 20m-long airy bridge that links the mainland to the island of Carrickarede).

Tackling the entire route in one go takes in the region of 10-12 days - quite an undertaking in terms of planning and logistics – so it’s understandable that many walkers opt to take their time, breaking the route down into several more manageable sections. 

Insider tips for walking The Causeway Coast Way

1. Looking to split the route into sections? We recommend the following breakdown: Belfast to Larne (21 miles, 1-2 days), Larne to Ballycastle (43 miles, 3-4 days), Ballycastle to Portstewart (32 miles, 2-3 days), and Portstewart to Derry/Londonderry (24 miles, 1-2 days).
   
   
2. If you’ve only got the time/inclination to do one of the sections listed above, the 32 mile Ballycastle to Portstewart section packs in a heap of the route’s must-sees, including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
   
   
3. If peace and tranquility are your primary motivators then the Portstewart to Derry/Londonderry section tends to see fewer crowds.
   
   
4. Looking for a spot of luxury along the Causeway Coast? The Elephant Rock Hotel in Portrush and Me & Mrs Jones in Portstewart are two epic boutique hotels with big reputations for design, décor, local produce and cocktails!

Walking Holidays in County Kerry | The Dingle Way

This 111 mile circular coastal route around the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry combines the best of Ireland into one unforgettable walking holiday.

A superlative route with stunning sandy beaches, dramatic mountain passes, lush green farmland, ancient ruins, and vibrant Irish culture, The Dingle Way is perfect for nature lovers, culture vultures and history buffs. Highlights include Slea Head (one of the most westerly points in Europe with epic views of the Blasket Islands), prehistoric and early Christian sites (including Ogham stones, Dunbeg Fort and Gallarus Oratory), Mount Brandon (Ireland’s second-highest mountain), and our fave - Dingle town itself (a lively village with colourful streets, traditional pubs and a vibrant music scene).

With plentiful accommodation options along the route, most folk tend to complete the route in one push, typically over 8-10 days. Breaking it down into shorter sections is possible, however, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the towns and villages along the route - Dingle, Annascul, Dunquin, etc. 

Insider tips for walking The Dingle Way

1. Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September) are the best times of year to visit if you’re hoping for mild weather and quieter trails 
   
   
2. Don’t miss the high route over Mount Brandon for big-time views and a strenuous, yet memorable, challenge!
   
   
3. If you’re tackling the entire route in one push, consider using a baggage service to transport the bulk of your kit between accommodations. Hiking with a lighter day pack will enable you to enjoy the journey – and save your knees!
   
   
4. Accommodation can fill up quickly in peak season so you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re looking to rest your weary limbs in the likes of the stunning Dingle Skellig Hotel, widely considered to be one of the finest hotels in Ireland with stunning views of Dingle Bay.

Walking Holidays in County Wicklow | The Wicklow Way

Ireland’s oldest long-distance trail, The Wicklow Way winds its way through the beautiful hills of the Wicklow Mountains where green valleys, peaceful wooded forests, and panoramic mountain views await.

One of the most popular long-distance hiking trails in Ireland, The 81 mile Wicklow Way runs from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal in County Carlow and takes in the region of 5-7 days to complete. Be sure not to rush the experience though - there’s so much to absorb along the way!

Highlights include the historic and scenic village of Glendalough (a popular spot along the route with a famous monastic site), Lough Tay – aka The Guinness Lake (a rich dark-coloured lake with white sand on the shoreline that looks like a pint of Guinness!), the stunning Wicklow Mountains themselves, and the truly epic Powerscourt Waterfall (the highest waterfall in Ireland).

If you’re looking to split the route, we’d recommend breaking it down into two manageable chunks – ie Dublin to Glendalough  and Glendalough to Roundwood. This will give you maximum flexibility to enjoy the numerous must-see landmarks along the way, including the Powerscourt Gardens (recently voted No.3 in the World’s Top Gardens by National Geographic).

Insider tips for walking The Wicklow Way

1. It may not be the most difficult trail in this list, but the Wicklow Way still has some pretty challenging sections, particularly around Djouce Mountain and The Spinc. Be prepared for steep terrain and uneven, rocky ground.
   
   
2. There’s not much accommodation directly on the trail so you may need to rely on buses or local taxis to get to your rest spot – all worth checking with your chosen accommodation provider ahead of time.
   
   
3. The majority of walkers tackle the route north-to-south, starting in Dublin and finishing in Conegal. This is our recommendation too as you’re likely to have flown into Dublin Airport so it’s easier starting point.  
   
   
4. Whilst wild camping is allowed in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, it’s forbidden in Glendalough Valley so be sure to bear this in mind and respect the rules. Follow the Leave No Trace Ireland principles to avoid disturbing the environment and other people

Walking Holidays in County Kerry | The Kerry Way

This circular long-distance hiking route starts and finishes in the buzzing Irish town of Killarney – aka the gateway to the infamous Ring of Kerry. Over the course of 133 quad-busting miles, walkers are treated to some of the most diverse and stunning scenery Ireland has to offer, from rugged mountain trails and serene forest paths to clifftop tracks with panoramic sea views.

It typically takes 8-10 days to complete, and with a host of accommodation options and luggage transfer services, most hikers choose to tackle the entire route in a one-er. You can of course split it into sections but with so many highlights along the way, figuring out which bits to include or leave out will be a real challenge!

There’s so many superlatives to explore, from MacGillycuddy’s Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountain range) and the picturesque coastal village of Waterville (a favourite haunt of Charlie Chaplin – no less!), to the remote and unspoiled Black Valley and the magical beauty of Killarney National Park.

Insider tips for walking The Kerry Way

1. If time allows, be sure to take a detour to the island of Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an ancient monastery that played a starring role as Luke Skywalker’s sanctuary  in not one, but two, Star Wars films! Boats to the island leave from Portmagee, near the Kerry Way.
   
   
2. Make sure you’ve got your binoculars handy to make the most of the plentiful wildlife spotting options along the route. Keep your eyes peeled for red deer in Killarney National Park, seabirds along the coast, and dolphins near Waterville
   
   
3. Another potential worthwhile detour to consider is a visit to Valentia island. One of Ireland’s most westerly points, it’s home to some fascinating ancient cairns, tombs, standing stones, and forts.
   
   
4. Known as "The Knot in the Ring of Kerry," the vibrant village of Sneem is a great place to visit along the route. Expect cosy pubs, colourful houses and a welcoming atmosphere. Pint of Guinness anyone?! Don't mind if we do....

Walking Holidays in County Clare | The Burren Way

And now for something a little bit different! Less well-known and as a result, far less traveled than some of the others in this guide, the Burren Way is a diamond of a route that will appeal to walkers looking for a hike with a real point of difference.

This stunning long-distance walking trail in County Clare is known for its unique karst limestone terrain, rich biodiversity, and fascinating cultural heritage, making it an ideal option for walkers looking for an out of the ordinary hike that can be completed in just 4-5 days.

Starting in Lahinch and ending 76 miles later in Corofin, the Burren Way is an extraordinarily varied route, packed full of highlights including the Cliffs of Moher (one of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders, offering breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean), the Burren National Park (a unique landscape of limestone pavements, wildflowers, and ancient archaeological sites), Poulnabrone Dolmen (a striking Neolithic portal tomb dating back over 5,000 years – a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts!), Corcomroe Abbey (a beautifully preserved 12th-century Cistercian monastery set in a tranquil valley), and many, many more!

Despite it’s slightly more niche appeal, the paths along the Burren Way are super well-marked so it is still accessible and well-suited to a wide range of walkers. More than just a hiking trail, the Burren Way offers a unique opportunity for walkers to experience one of Ireland’s most fascinating regions – a real hidden gem!

 Insider tips for walking The Burren Way

1. The Cliffs of Moher are a prime spot for puffin watching (in season) so don’t forget your binoculars!
   
   
2. The Burren's limestone can become slippery in wet conditions, so pack sturdy, waterproof walking boots with good grip.
   
   
3. Make time to explore local villages like Doolin, Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna. If you're in the market for a hiking and life partner then be sure to visit Lisdoonvarna in September when the town plays host to the internationally famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival - Europe’s biggest singles festival!
   
   
4. Don’t miss Aillwee Cave – one of the oldest underground cave systems in Ireland with a fascinating Birds of Prey centre nearby

Types of Walking Holidays in Ireland

Self-Guided Walking Holidays

Well-marked trails, detailed maps, GPS support and luggage transfer services, all combine to make a self-guided walking holiday in Ireland an accessible and appealing option for both experienced hikers and anyone looking for maximum flexibility.

Resources such as Sport Ireland provide detailed information on routes, maps, advice and guidance. Apps like All Trails, Outdooractive and Komoot are great for trail planning and real-time navigation. 

Guided Walking Holidays

A guided walking holiday is great for hikers keen to gain a deeper insight into Ireland’s history, culture, and nature. It’s also the most sensible option if you’re less experienced and unused to travelling independently in remote and challenging terrain.

Companies like Wilderness Ireland offer small group walking holidays that include everything from handpicked accommodation, hidden local trails, luggage transfers, and great places to eat, in some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the country. 

Planning Your Walking Holiday in Ireland

Choosing the Right Time to Visit

Late spring to early autumn tends to be the best time to visit Ireland for a walking holiday. If you prefer quieter trails and cooler weather, late spring or early autumn would be ideal. If you’re after longer days and warmer temperatures, summer could be the best fit – just remember that there will be far more people around so the trails, towns and tourist sites will be busier.

Our favourite time to visit is late spring (April – June) when the days are longer, temperatures are on the up (without being too hot), and the landscape is at its most colourful. There’s fewer folk around at this time of year and the wildflowers are in full bloom, creating a stunning backdrop to your hike. 

Packing Essentials

When preparing for a walking holiday in Ireland, it’s essential to pack for the unpredictable Irish weather!

Waterproof Jackets – we’d recommend taking two waterproof jackets – one lightweight jacket and another more robust waterproof jacket – so that you’re prepared for both light precipitation and a proper deluge!

Waterproof Trousers – again, essential. Make sure they’re easy to pull on over boots and other walking trousers.

Walking Trousers – lightweight, technical, breathable with plenty of pockets

Lightweight, insulated jacket – for chilly dawn patrols and windy summit stops

Hybrid mid-layer – a wind and weather-resistant, breathable mid-layer that offers targeted protection is a game-changer

Baselayers and underwear – moisture-wicking, quick-drying and breathable (merino or synthetic – not cotton!)

Walking boots or approach shoes – waterproof and broken-in

Socks – soft, cushioned, moisture-wicking, quick-drying merino wool to keep feet warm, dry, comfortable, and stink-free!

Backpack – the size/capacity will depend on nature of your walking holiday (duration, camping, making use of luggage transport services, etc) - just make sure it comes with a waterproof cover

Hat and gloves – two sets (x1 lightweight and breathable for use on-the-go and x1 warmer set for emergencies)

Survival shelter – essential for emergencies and super useful if you’re in an exposed spot and just looking for some protection from the elements so you can eat your lunch!

Walking poles – highly recommended and particularly useful when tackling steeper sections and uneven ground  

Headtorch – essential for emergencies and/or longer days on the trail, particularly useful in autumn when daylight hours are shorter

Gaiters – optional but will definitely come in handy in boggy terrain and long wet grass

Maps/guidebook - A detailed map of the trail or a guidebook, especially if hiking in more remote areas.

Phone with power bank – useful for navigation, emergencies and capturing content on the move. A portable charger provides power on-the-go.

Monocular/binoculars – optional but great for birdwatching and dolphin/seal spotting on coastal paths

Tick removal tool – an essential item, no matter the time of year!