Experience the great outdoors with some fantastic walks in Ireland
What better way to explore your surroundings than on foot? Discover the best walking opportunities in Ireland with our useful walking guide. Find the most picturesque routes and enjoy the best of the scenery Ireland has to offer
With over 44 different way-marked trails passing ancient dwellings, majestic waterfalls, enchanting forests, rolling hills and through six National Parks, walkers are spoilt for choice.
The Wicklow Way was the first of the trails to be formally established in the year of 1980. It stretches 81 miles from the Dublin suburb, Rathfarnan, to the village of Clonegal in County Carlow, passing through the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glenmalure. Walkers with less time can follow sections of the trail on numerous shorter routes that still provide fantastic views of the Irish landscape. Whether you are an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or a beginner looking for a leisurely stroll, there are walks in Ireland to suit every capability.
If you are looking for coastal walks in Ireland, follow the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s longest coastal trails at 1,600 miles, and explore 9 of Ireland’s counties as you go. This lengthy path begins in the rocky and unforgiving headlands at Malin Head, Co. Donegal and ends at the sheltered Kinsale Harbour in County Cork, and can be separated into 14 stages.
Bringing a four-legged friend? There are plenty of dog walks in Ireland that the whole family will love. Take the short walk up Montpelier Hill to the remains of an 18th century hunting lodge for commanding views of Greater Dublin and the Bay, or visit the sheltered sandy stretches of dog-friendly Brittas Beach.