Here in Ireland we are spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking trails. From rugged coastal routes to undulating hillwalks or wide open landscapes – we have something for everyone! We have chosen our 5 Best Irish Hikes from our guided and self-guided tours. These are in no particular order, but we do have a favourite (Glencolumcille)…….don’t tell the others!!! 😊
Slea Head Hike
The Dingle Peninsula is the westernmost point in Europe. It shows what you can expect on the Wild Atlantic Way. We had to include the Slea Head hike from Dingle to Dunquin on this list. Combining spectacular views of the coast with Early Christian History and some ancient buildings and dwellings this is a tour not to be missed. You will also have the pleasure of a glorious beach walk along Ventry Beach early in the hike.
The path goes along the coast. You will see many beehive huts. You can even pet a baby lamb!
The day finishes at the Blasket Islands Interpretative Centre. Should your time in the west allow we would highly recommend taking the time to leave the mainland to visit this fantastic island.
Slea Head Hike is included in our multi day Dingle Way Self Guided Tours and Kingdom of Kerry Guided Hike.
Derrynane
When you hear about the Kerry Way or the Ring of Kerry, you think of Killarney National Park. You also think of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. Yes, these are highlights of the route, but not THE highlight!
If you go south to the lovely village of Caherdaniel, you will discover our favourite hike on the Iveragh Peninsula. It goes from Derrynane to Waterville.
From the starting point in Caherdaniel, your first part of this adventure is Derrynane House and Gardens. Open to the public, the historical home of Daniel O’Connell, the House was built in the 1700s and restored in the 1960s. You will also find a monastic site on the grounds with a chapel on Abbey Island.
Following on from Derrynane House, you will enjoy a walk along the Mass Path, through the gardens to bring you to the coastline.
Enjoy a wonderful stroll along the beach before rejoining the Kerry Way as it takes you around the furthest tip of the peninsula.
You can enjoy this hike on our Kingdom of Kerry Guided Walking Tour and our Self-Guided Kerry Way Hikes
Glendalough
The highlight of any hike through the rolling hills of the Wicklow Mountains National Park is Glendalough. With numerous looped hike options, from the low-level hikes around the lakes or the waterfall loop, to the 10 km hike up “the Spink”, there is something for every hiking ability.
Nestled in this glacial valley you will also find the famous monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin. Established in the 6th century, there is some amazing history, and monuments to be discovered here. The Gateway, Round Tower and Cathedral are all still standing at the monastery. Nearby there is also additional monuments around the lakes, including a miners village, churches and St. Kevin’s Bed – used as a retreat by St. Kevin and, in later years, St. Laurence O’Toole.
Its no wonder 3 days of our Wicklow Way self guided hikes feature Glendalough!
Killary
The West of Ireland – the home of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, the Cliffs of Moher Cliff Walk in Clare and the Aran Islands. Each of which has amazing hiking trails, but for something different, have you heard of Killary Harbour?
Ireland’s only Fjord is home to an amazing coastal hike along the Atlantic Coastline. Your hike starts where the road ends at Rossroe Pier. You will continue west following an old Famine Road, looking down on the Fjord and the fish farms below.
The hike will then join up with the Western Way trail before finishing in the quaint village of Leenane.
This wonderful days hiking is included in our Guided & Self-Guided Burren & Connemara Hikes
Glencolmcille (Best Irish Hike🤫)
This is a wonderful 13km looped hike from Glencolmcille to Port and back. The hike starts in a remote Irish-speaking village in South West Donegal on the Atlantic Ocean’s edge. Rich in archaeological heritag,e we climb steadily to the Signal Tower and continue to several sites to view the spectacular coastline.
Port is a hamlet of small cottages, cut off by the surrounding hills, and largely forgotten about after it was abandoned during the famine of 1845-1848. One of the cottages, which is off-grid, has been restored by an intrepid hillwalker.
You return to Glencolmcille on a high inland trail through big cuttings to return to the trailhead.
Always an atmospheric day out in the great outdoors of The Wild Atlantic Way.
Honourable mentions for Best Irish Hikes
This was not an easy list to compile. With so many amazing destinations and hiking routes, we struggled to whittle down the list to the Top 5 Best Hikes in Ireland. We have to give an honourable mention to Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast hike from Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge to Giant’s Causeway, Sheep’s Head Lighthouse hike in West Cork, Dursey Sound and Dursey Island in Beara and, for the more experienced hikers, Ireland’s highest point – Carrauntouhill.
Reading this list,t we just might need to write another one soon!!
If you would like to enquire about any of these hikes, please get in touch.
