The Best Hiking Trails in Ireland — Handpicked by People Who Walk Them
From wild Atlantic cliffs to mountain passes. Trail guides, difficulty ratings & insider tips.
Ireland packs extraordinary hiking diversity into a compact island. From glacier-carved valleys and granite mountains to dramatic coastal cliffs and ancient boglands, the best hiking trails in Ireland offer endless variety — and they're closer together than you'd think.
At Walking Holiday Ireland, we've personally walked every trail we recommend. We know where the best accommodation waits at the end of each day, which routes reward early starts with empty paths, and which sections demand the most careful footing. This guide brings together our favourite routes across the island — the ones that stay with you long after the walk ends.
Whether you're planning your first long distance walk in Ireland or adding to your trail tally, you'll find routes here suited to every pace and season.
Our Top Hiking Trails
The routes that define Irish hiking, personally walked and thoroughly recommended.
The Dingle Way
The westernmost loop in Ireland — 179km around the Dingle Peninsula where ancient stone churches meet…
5–10 Days
From
€595
The Kerry Way
Ireland's longest waymarked trail — 215 km around the Iveragh Peninsula, through Killarney National Park,…
5–8 Days
From
€615
The Wicklow Way
Ireland's first long-distance trail: 127km through granite mountains, glacial valleys and ancient…
5–10 Days
From
€655
The Barrow Way
Ireland's easiest long-distance trail — 114km of riverside walking along towpaths and quiet roads from the…
5–8 Days
From
€635
The Burren & Cliffs of Moher
Europe's most unusual karst landscape — Arctic-Alpine and Mediterranean wildflowers blooming on…
5–7 Days
From
€675
The Cooley & Mourne Mountains
Two granite mountain ranges separated by Carlingford Lough and connected by a ferry crossing — where the…
5–8 Days
From
€625
The Beara Peninsula
Ireland's wildest peninsula — 196km of remote mountains, copper mine ruins and untouched Atlantic…
5–8 Days
From
€525
Glens & Causeway Coast
The complete Northern Ireland, Glens of Antrim and Causeway Coast experience; 100km of basalt cliffs and…
5–8 Days
From
€595
Saint Patrick's Way
Walk 132km from Armagh to Downpatrick on Ireland's pilgrim trail — through the Mourne Mountains, along…
6–9 Days
From
€700
The Sheep's Head Way
Ireland's quietest waymarked trail — a 90 km loop around one of West Cork's most unspoilt peninsulas.…
5–8 Days
From
€595
How to Choose Your Trail
The right route depends on your time, fitness, and the experience you want.
By Difficulty Level
- Easy Barrow Way, Burren Way, Antrim Glens — flat or gently rolling terrain, suitable for first-time long-distance walkers.
- Moderate Kerry Way, Dingle Way, Wicklow Way, Causeway Coast — sustained climbing, good fitness needed, routes with rewarding views and variety.
- Challenging Beara Way, Cooley & Mournes — steep mountain terrain, technical sections, aim for strong hiking fitness and experience.
By Duration
- Weekend (3-4 days): Causeway Coast Way, Antrim Glens, Connemara (short route)
- Week-long (6-7 days): Wicklow Way, Barrow Way, Burren Way
- Two weeks (9-10+ days): Kerry Way, Dingle Way, Beara Way, Cooley & Mournes extended
By Landscape Type
- Coastal Cliffs: Dingle Way, Causeway Coast Way, Beara Way
- Mountain Terrain: Kerry Way, Wicklow Way, Cooley & Mournes, Connemara
- Unique Geology: Burren Way (limestone karst), Causeway Coast (volcanic basalt)
- Gentle & Cultural: Barrow Way (history-rich towpath), Antrim Glens (forest & waterfalls)
By Season
- Summer (June-August): Best for all trails; mountain routes safest with longer daylight and stable weather.
- Spring/Autumn (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): Burren Way blooms spring; Wicklow & Barren ideal for mild temperatures.
- Winter (Nov-March): Avoid mountain routes; choose coastal or low-level walks like Barrow Way.
What Makes a Great Hiking Trail?
Our criteria when recommending the best hiking trails in Ireland.
Well-Maintained Paths
Clear signposting, regular maintenance, and safe footing matter. We don't recommend trails that require specialist equipment or put walkers at unnecessary risk.
Quality Accommodation
We know where comfortable B&Bs and hostels wait at the end of each stage. Good beds and warm meals transform a walking holiday from endurance test into genuine pleasure.
Cultural & Historical Features
The best trails tell stories. Ancient monastic sites, Celtic legends, medieval castles, and living villages add depth to the walk and connect you to the landscape's history.
Varied Scenery
Routes that change constantly—coastal views giving way to mountain passes, forests opening to bogland—keep your attention and prevent any stretch from feeling monotonous.
Found Your Trail?
Ready to walk one of Ireland's best hiking trails? Browse our complete tour selection for all routes above, or tell us what you're looking for and we'll design your perfect walking holiday.
