About Walking Holiday Ireland
Your trusted partner for unforgettable Irish hiking adventures
Why We Do What We Do
We believe the best way to experience Ireland is on foot — breathing in the salt air along rugged coastlines, following ancient paths through misty mountains, and discovering stories woven into every stone and valley. There's something magical about travelling at walking pace, where every turn reveals a new vista and every village offers a warm welcome.
At Walking Holiday Ireland, we handle all the logistics so you can simply walk, wonder, and wander. From carefully curated routes to handpicked accommodations and seamless baggage transfers, we take care of the details while you immerse yourself in the landscape. Our goal is simple: to give you the freedom to explore without the burden of planning.
A Proud Member of ATTA
Walking Holiday Ireland is a proud member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) — the global industry body that sets the standard for responsible, sustainable and high-quality adventure travel. ATTA membership means we're held to a shared code of best practice on guest safety, environmental stewardship, fair treatment of local partners, and genuine community benefit.
For you, it's a quiet reassurance: you're booking with a vetted operator that takes its responsibilities — to you, to the trails, and to the Irish communities we walk through — seriously.
Meet Cliff & Louise
Walking Holiday Ireland was founded by Cliff and Louise Waijenberg — avid hikers whose love for Ireland runs deep. Cliff brings his Dutch roots and a fresh perspective to the trails, while Louise grew up exploring the Dublin Mountains and knows these landscapes like old friends.
Together, they've walked countless routes across the country, from the heather-clad Wicklow Way to the dramatic Antrim Coast. Their passion? Sharing the Ireland they've fallen in love with — its mythology, its history, and its wild beauty. Every route they offer has been personally tested and refined to ensure it delivers an authentic Irish experience.
The couple were especially captivated by Cooley's rolling patchwork hills and the Mourne Mountains sweeping down to the sea. Here, ancient legends come alive: tales of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, the hero Cú Chulainn, and Viking longships on Carlingford Lough. Historic treasures abound nearby too — from the atmospheric ruins of Monasterboice and Mellifont Abbey to the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange, which predates the Egyptian pyramids by centuries.
What We Offer
Self-Guided Walking Holidays
Explore at your own pace with detailed walking notes, up-to-date maps, and carefully selected B&B accommodations along the way. We handle your baggage transfers between stops, so you can walk freely with just a daypack. Learn more about our self-guided walking tours.
Group Tours
Join fellow hikers for a shared adventure with experienced guides who bring the landscape and its stories to life. A sociable way to discover Ireland's most iconic trails.
Tailor-Made Experiences
We're a small, flexible team. Have a special request? Want to adjust an itinerary or extend your stay? Just ask — we love creating bespoke journeys. Our tours span the entire island, Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Why Walk With Us
We Verify Every Route
We update and personally check every route each year with local experts and guides, ensuring our walking notes and maps remain accurate and reliable. We walk at least two routes ourselves every season, so we know first-hand what you'll experience.
Handpicked Accommodations
We handpick accommodations that offer genuine Irish hospitality — the kind where you're greeted with a warm smile, a pot of tea, and perhaps a story or two.
Matched to You
Because every traveller is different, we create experiences matched to your pace, preferences, and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking challenging terrain or a casual walker looking for gentle paths and plenty of time for pub stops, we'll craft the right adventure for you.
24/7 Support While You Walk
It's the attention to detail and personal touch that keeps adventurers coming back — and recommending us to friends. Real people on the end of the phone, not a call centre, not a chatbot.
The Team
Cliff
Co-Founder & Operations
Cliff brings his Dutch roots and fresh perspective to the trails. He handles operations, customer service, route planning, and the tech side — personally responding to walkers and ensuring every booking runs smoothly from enquiry to final day.
Louise
Co-Founder & Hospitality
Louise grew up exploring the Dublin Mountains and knows these landscapes like old friends. She brings warmth and personal touch to every aspect — ensuring every accommodation partner meets their high standards and that every walker feels genuinely welcomed.
Why Self-Guided?
We believe the best way to experience Ireland is on foot, at your own pace. No groups to keep up with. No rigid schedule. Just you, the trail, and the extraordinary Irish landscape. Walk 20km or stop at 10 — it's your call. But you're never truly alone: our team is a phone call away, your route is clearly marked, and your bags arrive before you do.
As Cliff likes to say: "Our guide shows the group when we'll get to the pub!" It's that spirit — equal parts adventure and enjoyment — that defines every Walking Holiday Ireland experience.
Ready to Walk Ireland?
Let us help you discover Ireland on foot. Get in touch with Cliff or Louise today to start planning your unforgettable walking adventure.
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