Hiking in Ireland: What to Expect

What to Expect

Going off that, when hiking in Ireland, you never know what kind of terrain to expect. Much of Ireland is muddy and boggy. The terrain is usually very uneven. Depending on where you are, expect different kinds of terrain: for example, in Donegal, Connemara and Mayo, expect mud and bogland, in the Wicklow Mountains, expect heathland and heathery hills, and in the Burren expect a craggy, barren landscape.

Even roads are often quite uneven, and usually very narrow so watch out for cars when walking on pavement. On the west coast of Ireland, be sure to take into account the wind factor, especially while biking along the coast, or hiking in Ireland’s open, exposed landscapes or summiting hills.

A good pair of comfortable and waterproof boots is a must in Ireland!

How to Prepare

You’ll need the right boots – waterproof, comfortable, well-worn in – and long, water-resistant trousers (rain over-trousers are a good idea too). Weigh the pros and cons of ankle support or low-cut models. Make sure that you’re used to walking on uneven terrain by adding in similar hikes to your training plan or daily activities back home.

Don’t try to cram too many miles in one day while hiking in Ireland as our uneven terrain will make the going slower than normal – this way, you can aim for quality hiking over quantity. Waterproof clothes and layers will help you prepare for Ireland’s changeable climate. You may want to consider gaiters when hiking in boggy terrain.

Learn more about what to wear while hiking in Ireland here.

As most of the hiking you’ll do in Ireland is on private land – often used for farming or grazing – it’s important to follow and respect the unspoken rules.

Hike at your own discretion. Rules of thumb for hiking: don’t hike alone, make sure someone knows your plans, have plenty of supplies with you, bring a map as well as a Garmin or similar device. Best practice while hiking in Ireland is to hike with an experienced mountain guide. And of course, make sure that the farmer or landowner has opened their land for hikers! All hiking is done at your own discretion, as the state of trails or terrain cannot be guaranteed if you’re off public land.

Always close a gate, even if you find it open. Just because you see a closed gate, doesn’t mean you can’t go through it, especially if it’s on a country lane. But do make sure you close it behind you, even if you found it open. These gates are meant to keep livestock within a certain area and leaving the gates open will only mean future headache for the farmer and potential danger to his livestock.

Never walk your dog off lead if sheep, cows, or other livestock are present. Farmers technically have the right to forcibly remove any animals that are threatening their livestock. While you can take you dog with you while hiking in Ireland, be aware of your surroundings. If you’re on private farmland and you see or think livestock might be present, keep your dog on its leash.

Do not approach any livestock. Though these animals are domesticated, most livestock in Ireland live in relatively wild conditions, and approaching them could be dangerous.

Respect the land. It seems obvious, but avoid walking through people’s yards or pastures, avoid moving any tools or equipment you see, and respect the terrain below your feet! That way, the farmer will keep letting hikers traverse his or her lands.

Leave no trace. Another obvious one, but always remove any trash, even if it wasn’t you who brought it. Best practice is to bring a plastic bag for waste.