Essential Guide to Hiking in Ireland

Coastal landscapes are the most accessible for visitors. There are too many beaches to count in Ireland, and most are great for walking. Some beaches and shorelines are part of longer routes, such as the beaches of the Dingle Peninsula, while others are part of short loops, such as on Inisbofin or Strandhill in Sligo.

Ireland is also home to coastal cliffs, like the famous Cliffs of Moher, though if cliffs are your cup of tea, plenty of other coastal cliff routes exist, from Slieve League in Donegal to parts of the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland.

Generally, expect fresh air, relatively straightforward terrain and lots of wind. Most coastal areas will have plenty of amenities too.

Lush and leafy forests dot Ireland’s wild spaces. Though one of Europe’s least-forested regions, what forests we do have are generally full of way-marked paths. Expect these to be well kept and maintained, as Coillte, Ireland’s forestry association, manages them.

Most forest paths are short and nearly always looped. They are ideal for families or those looking for a short outdoor jaunt. Paths are dirt or gravel; some forest parks have amenities on-site, while others are a short distance from towns and villages. Some longer trails, such as the Wicklow Way, traverses forested terrain for those who prefer longer walks in the woods.

Much of Irish terrain can be classified as hilly and boggy. Often both. Mountains in Ireland are clustered in a few places, and of course, there is plenty of coastal terrain. But in between are the hills.

While some hills have narrow trails tracing the slopes, most are remote, lush, and unspoilt. Expect boggy terrain underfoot, uneven footing, stone fences, sheep and cow pastures, and stiles. Good footwear and waterproof outerwear are a must.

Knowledge of navigation is a plus but generally unnecessary for hikers sticking to small hills. Do keep in mind that larger and more remote hills may require some navigation skills. However, local area knowledge of the region is integral due to a low number of waymarked trails.

Most hill walking is on private land. As always, be respectful of the land and the livestock, leaving everything as you found it. Local amenities can be limited, particularly in remote west coast regions, so be mindful that you have everything you need for a day on the hills.

Where are Ireland’s mountains located? The highest peaks are in the MacGillycuddy Reeks mountains in Co Kerry, including Carrauntouhil, Ireland’s highest mountain, as well as a number of other soaring peaks.

Other regions for mountain lovers include Connemara’s rugged Twelve Bens in Co Galway, the beautifully eerie Maamturks located across the fjord in Co Mayo, the Blue Stacks in Co Donegal, the Wicklow Mountains (part of the national park) just south of Dublin, as well as the Comeraghs in Waterford. In Northern Ireland, the Mourne Mountains dominate the landscape south of Belfast on the east coast and the Sperrins march across the centre of the small nation.

There are rarely waymarked trails through Ireland’s mountainous areas. The terrain itself is usually rough underfoot, with rocky and boggy patches. Knowledge of navigation is needed. It’s best to avoid mountain hikes unless you are travelling with an experienced guide for safety purposes. The ground is often boggy and uneven. Expect steep slopes, scree and boulder fields. Good boots are essential, as are high-quality waterproofs.

Amenities in mountainous regions are generally limited. though you’re never far from a town or village in Ireland, it’s important to remember that mountain areas are remote and little travelled.