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.
Dingle Way
La boucle la plus occidentale d'Irlande — 179 km autour de la péninsule de Dingle, où les églises de…
5–10 Jours
À partir de
€695
Kerry Way
Le plus long sentier balisé d'Irlande — 215 km autour de la péninsule d'Iveragh, à travers le parc…
5–12 Jours
À partir de
€715
Wicklow Way
Le premier sentier de grande randonnée d'Irlande : 127 km à travers montagnes de granit, vallées…
5–10 Jours
À partir de
€785
Barrow Way
Le sentier longue distance le plus facile d'Irlande — 114 km de randonnée au fil de l'eau le long de…
5–8 Jours
À partir de
€635
Burren & falaises de Moher
Le paysage karstique le plus insolite d'Europe — des fleurs sauvages arctiques-alpines et méditerranéennes…
5–7 Jours
À partir de
€655
Cooley & Mournes
Deux massifs montagneux de granit séparés par le Carlingford Lough et reliés par un ferry — là où les…
5–8 Jours
À partir de
€625
The Beara Peninsula
La péninsule la plus sauvage d'Irlande — 196 km de montagnes reculées, de ruines de mines de cuivre et de…
5–9 Jours
À partir de
€595
Chaussée des Géants
L'expérience complète de l'Irlande du Nord, des Glens of Antrim et de la Causeway Coast : 100 km de…
5–8 Jours
À partir de
€695
Chemin de la Grande Famine
Parcourez les 165 km de ce sentier patrimonial de Strokestown à Dublin. Vous suivrez le Royal Canal et les…
6–13 Jours
À partir de
€795
Chemin de Saint Patrick
Parcourez 132 km d'Armagh à Downpatrick sur le chemin de pèlerinage d'Irlande — à travers les Mourne…
6–9 Jours
À partir de
€755
Sheep’s Head Way
Le sentier balisé le plus paisible d'Irlande — une boucle de 90 km autour de l'une des péninsules les plus…
5–8 Jours
À partir de
€595
How to Choose Your Trail
The right route depends on your time, fitness, and the experience you want.
By Difficulty Level
- Facile Barrow Way, Burren Way, Antrim Glens — flat or gently rolling terrain, suitable for first-time long-distance walkers.
- Modéré Kerry Way, Dingle Way, Wicklow Way, Causeway Coast — sustained climbing, good fitness needed, routes with rewarding views and variety.
- Exigeant 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.
