Best Hikes in Ireland

Distance: 2 miles/3.2 km out and back
Duration: 2-3 hours
Start Point: Car park above Teelin village
Best For: Cliffs, remote hiking spots, amazing sea views, hiking Nat Geo’s “coolest place on Earth.”

At 609 m (1,998 feet), the Slieve League cliffs in Co. Donegal are three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher – though they are still far off the beaten path. Take the ancient Pilgrim’s Path up the mountain to the old oratory ruins.

If the weather is good, walk along the Old Man’s Track, a narrow path that overlooks the steep cliffs. Enjoy an expansive view of the thundering Atlantic from the cliff’s edge. Discover old ruins, rocky inlets and secretive strands tucked along the route as you walk along these impressive cliffs – certainly one of the best hikes in Ireland! Then, drive around to the Bunglass Viewpoint for the classic panorama of the impressive cliffs.

Food & drink tips: Head back to Donegal town to the hip and contemporary Quay West, an award-winning restaurant with stunning views of Donegal Bay for dinner, creative cocktails and local craft beers. Donegal Castle is worth checking out to learn about the history of the region.

Get more details on the route here.

To hike these incredible cliffs yourself, join our Causeway Coastal Route and Donegal Hiking trip, where you’ll get the chance to stand upon the wind-blasted summit of the Slieve League cliffs, among other adventures. 

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Distance: 4.5 miles/ 7 km
Duration: 5 hours
Start Point: 5 miles from Westport on route R335
Best For: Climb Ireland’s holy mountain, walk in the footsteps of St Patrick, enjoy amazing views of Clew Bay

Known locally as ‘The Reek,’ Croagh Patrick has been a pilgrimage route since ancient times. This impressive mountain overlooks the town of Westport, Clew Bay and the hundreds of islands populating the bay. It is famous for its saintly connection – St Patrick is said to have fasted on the summit for 40 days, and there is a shrine dedicated to him at the summit. Considered Ireland’s Holy Mountain, thousands of pilgrims still climb it on the last Sunday in July – some of whom even choose to walk up the mountain barefoot.

Please keep in mind that the Pilgrim’s Path on Croagh Patrick is highly eroded, not only posing a danger to you but also to the mountain, its ecosystem and the future of the path. Instead, best to use one of the other paths up the mountain, perhaps the west path to the ridge. 

Food & Drink Tip: Relax at the Tavern Bar & Restaurant at the foot of the holy mountain after taking in one of the best hikes in Ireland. Full of pilgrims set to climb Croagh Patrick, the menu is as varied as it is delicious – the local speciality is seafood from Clew Bay. 

Hike Ireland’s holy mountain on our Hiking the Mountains of Connemara & Mayo.

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Distance: 6.2 miles/10 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Start Point: Car park in Carrowtiege village
Best For: Explore one of Ireland’s wildest regions, learn about a fascinating story from Irish folklore

Head deep into the wilds of the west coast to hike through the vast and desolate wilderness of North Mayo – the perfect place to learn about Ireland’s rich tales and folklore of old while following one of the best hikes in Ireland. One such Irish legend is that of the Children of Lir: the four children of the sea god Lir, who were turned into swans for 900 years by their jealous stepmother.

The hike at Carrowtiege features in the legend – the Children were exiled in the form of swans for 300 years on the Sea of Moyle here at Carrowtiege. This accessible and gorgeous hiking loop offers incredible coastal views of sea stacks and cliffs, islands and sheep-shorn slopes, giving you a sense of the mighty Atlantic. Keep an eye out for the Children of Lir sculpture that represents those who have emigrated from northern Mayo to wander distant shores, much like the legendary children of the story. Read more about the story of the Children of Lir in our folklore series.

Food and drink tips: As this part of Mayo has some of Ireland’s wildest regions, the closest food option is Stella Maris in Ballycastle, one of the most popular restaurants on the west coast and the very picture of serenity.

Get more details on the route here.

Hike the Carrowtiege loop and more stunning spots in rural Mayo on our self drive trip on the west coast along Ireland’s Surf Coast to Westport. As a self drive trip, enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace and make the trip your own.

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Distance: 18 miles/29 km
Duration: 10+ hours
Start Point: Newport or Brogan Carroll bothy at Letterkeen
Best For: Hike through Ireland’s loneliest and only roadless hills

Mayo boasts, without argument, some of Ireland’s wildest and remotest spots. There is perhaps no place wilder or more remote than this challenging 29 km stretch across the rugged Erris Peninsula through the Nephin Beg mountain range. In fact, the Nephin Beg is the only big range of hills that have remained roadless. It was originally used to drive cattle from Mayo’s desolate northern coast to the market at Newport.

The Bangor Trail, argued by some to be the loneliest place in Ireland, is an opportunity to escape from civilisation, de-connect from technology and take a break from everything in the backcountry of Ireland.

This is possibly the wildest and most remote part of Ireland, so options for food and be quite far away – be sure to bring a lovely picnic to eat in the wilderness. In the evening, drive down the coast to Westport to treat yourself at the fabulous La Fougère in Knockranny House Hotel. In the sophisticated dining hall, enjoy fine, modern cuisine locally cultivated and with perfectly paired wine as the sun sets.

Get more details on the route here.

While not currently on any of our scheduled trips, request a tailor made trip to hike one of the best hikes in Ireland, the Bangor Trail.

Distance: 8 miles/14 km
Duration: 7 hours
Start Point: Lisleibane or Cronin’s Yard
Best For: Stand at the summit of Ireland’s tallest mountain

The highest peak in Ireland, Carrauntouhil well deserves its place on this top 20 list. It’s a challenge of a hike, but well worth it, for not only are the views from the summit some of the best (and highest!) in Ireland, but the trail around the mountain itself will rival the Alps or the Pyrenees in beauty.

Depending on the weather conditions, there are a few paths to the summit: Devil’s Ladder, O’Shea’s Gully, or the Caher Route. All are very challenging options and should only be attempted by experienced hikers travelling with a qualified mountain guide. 

Food and drink tips: Food lovers won’t find better than in Kenmare, Ireland’s gastronomic capital. One option is the Lime Tree, a chic eatery housed in a historic building featuring farm-fresh meat and just-caught fish. For a different option, try the Horseshoe Restaurant & Pub for a delicious blend of tasty cuisine and comfortable refinement.

Get more details on all of Carruntoohil’s routes here.

Hike Carrauntouhil, the highest peak in Ireland, on our deluxe hiking tour of Kerry’s mountains, valleys and forests. 

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Distance: 4.5 miles/7.5 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Start Point: Torc Waterfall car park
Best For: Listen to the water cascading down Torc Waterfall, explore a national park

Torc Mountain and Torc Waterfall comprise a lovely forest path within Killarney National Park, which offers stunning views that overlook the beloved Killarney Lakes, the Macgillycuddy Reeks, and Muckross House. Sweeping you past the ever-beautiful Torc Waterfall, you’ll continue on up the mountain through quiet, moss-covered forests and past rushing streams. Part of the Kerry Way, Torc Mountain path is dotted with Irish mythology.

In Irish, torc means ‘boar.’ The mountain’s name, therefore, comes from a magical boar that Irish mythological giant Finn McCool killed – the very same giant who is credited with creating the Giant’s Causeway.

Food and Drink tips: Eat at award-winning fine-dining Rozzers restaurant at Killeen House back in Killarney. Be sure to stroll around town to listen to traditional Irish music in the evenings.

Get more details on the route here.

Explore Torc Waterfall, Torc Mountain and Killarney National Park with us when hiking coast to coast on a deluxe hiking tour of Ireland. 

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Distance: 6.5 miles/11 km
Duration: 4 hours
Start Point: Kate Kearney’s Cottage
Best For: Making a wish at the famous Wishing Bridge while exploring Kerry’s famous and iconic valley

Kerry’s Gap of Dunloe is world-famous for good reason. A narrow glacial mountain pass between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain, the Gap of Dunloe sweeps you alongside five dazzling lakes, as well as the much-loved ‘Wishing Bridge’ (wishes made on the bridge are said to come true!). Popular with jaunting cars, the route then eventually descends into the Black Valley – one of the last places in Ireland to get electricity.

Read our guide to Killarney National Park here.

Food and Drink Tip: Head to Moriarty’s Heather for fresh, simple meals using ingredients from their own kitchen garden, local organic suppliers, and seafood from the wild Atlantic. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Macgillycuddy Reeks.

Get more details on the route here.

Hike the wilds of Killarney and Kerry on our deluxe hiking tour of the highlights of Ireland. 

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Distance: 4.5 miles/7 km; Longer option: 11 miles/18km
Duration: 3-6 hours
Start Point: Doolin village or Liscannor car park
Best For: Walking along with most famous cliffs of Ireland without large crowds

Whether you choose the shorter route finishing at the Cliffs of Moher or continue on along the longer route finishing in Liscannor, the Doolin-Liscannor Cliff Walk is a breathtaking hike along the sharp cliff’s edge. Hike along the narrow path while enjoying dramatic views of the swirling Atlantic Ocean far below your feet. One of the best hikes in Ireland, the Doolin to Liscannor Cliff Walk is the perfect way to access the famous Cliffs of Moher.

By approaching on foot from the northern or southern end of the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll enjoy the famous view and still avoid most of the crowds. (Plus, there’s no charge to those who walk to the Cliffs of Moher!). There are shuttles or taxis for those who don’t wish to walk the return.

Food and Drink Tips: Enjoy fresh fish n’ chips with locally sourced fish and hand-cut chips at The Ivy Cottage in Doolin, which overlooks one of the best hikes in Ireland.

Get more details on the route here.

Take the Doolin Cliff Walk to the Cliffs of Moher and more on a hiking and island hopping tour of Ireland’s west coast. 

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Distance:25 miles/40 km
Duration: 3 days
Start Point: three> options: Carlingford, Omeath on the shores of Carlingford Lough, and in Ravensdale at the Lumpers Pub
Best For: Learning about the famous Irish saga, the ‘Cattle Raid of Cooley‘

This 40km circular trail follows in the footsteps of the ancient Irish epic, the Tain Bo Cualinge, or the “Cattle Raid of Cooley,” through the mythical Cooley Mountains. Steeped in Irish mythology, walk through the landscapes that are alive with the legends of Irish heroes such as Queen Maeve, Cuchualain, Finn McCool and more along one of the best hikes in Ireland.

Here, the landscapes have inspired enduring legends so much that they began to shape the lands as well as culture. The town of Carlingford is one of Ireland’s top coastal towns, and it also happens to be in the heart of leprechaun country.

Food and drink tip: Award-winning PJ O’Hares in Carlingford is the best gastro pub in Co. Louth and has the added bonus of displaying leprechaun paraphernalia.

Get more details on the hike here.

While not currently on any of our scheduled trips, you can request a tailor-made trip to hike along the Tain Way.

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