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Planning the Perfect Ireland Hiking Tour

Hike, Explore, Sleep, Repeat…at Overland Ireland, we are massive fans of getting outdoors. That’s why we love helping you plan the perfect Ireland hiking tour!

Ireland: The Greatest Outdoor Playground in the World

When did we all get so fit and into the great outdoors? At Overland Ireland, we have found that more and more of our guests look for that extra oomph to their holiday! We are no longer satisfied sitting on a bus and watching the world go by through a window. We need to jump straight in, explore, and get stuck into everything nature has to offer us. 

There is nothing more satisfying than putting together an itinerary for a hiking enthusiast who wants to embrace the outdoors and still see all the best Ireland has to offer! Our tailor-made tours of Ireland offer all the flexibility you want, allowing us to craft your dream trip.

The top hiking locations in Ireland are always a stone’s throw away from amazing experiences, top-class accommodations, and gourmet hotspots. We have a wealth of trails ranging from coastal hikes and forest walks to exploring vast national parks.

To help you plan the perfect hiking tour in Ireland, we’ve outlined the key points you should consider below. Start daydreaming about your trip of a lifetime and come join us on the Emerald Isle! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

The Best Locations for Hiking in Ireland

The Ireland hiking tour locations you choose will depend on how much time you have here. Although it is a small country and you can cover a lot of ground in a couple of days, it is a good idea not to overfill your itinerary. We want you to enjoy the great outdoors and explore the surrounding area as you do.

Whether you set off north, south, east, or West or cover all four provinces, you have plenty of hiking options to choose from. Ireland is awash with hiking spots to satisfy the most passionate hiker to the casual stroller! It is your holiday and we always want you yo to take it at your own pace!

Want some tips on where to go? Check out our guide on the best hikes on the Emerald Isle.

Find Local Guides for Your Ireland Hiking Tour

You cannot beat local knowledge when exploring a new place. Whether you choose a private or self-drive tour of Ireland, we can introduce you to our experienced local guides. They will take you on hikes off the beaten track, tell you bewitching tales of myths and legends, and keep you entertained throughout your stay with us. 

Many of Ireland’s best hiking trails are clearly marked, but off-the-beaten-track routes are celebrated here – as wild as you can get! With a local expert, you can really feel like you are on a proper adventure and not another tourist being led around the tourist traps.

Hold a baby lamb

Authentic Experiences to Enhance Your Ireland Hiking Tour

The perfect hiking holiday in Ireland should include as many authentic, unfiltered Irish experiences as possible. When putting together an itinerary, we love to include castles, traditional music, heritage sites, and other exciting activities. Everyone coming to Ireland has a bucket list. We love collecting these from people and helping them tick everything off!

Why not go and see a sheepdog trial after hiking the Cliffs of Moher, kayak in Dingle Bay after experiencing the panoramic views on top of Mount Brandon, or learn about castle life at Ross Castle in the Killarney National Park after a trek up Torc Mountain? 

Wind down with a pint of the black stuff in Matt Molloy’s famous pub after learning all about St Patrick and hiking up Ireland’s holiest mountain – Croagh Patrick in Westport. If this last one sounds especially appealing, we think you’ll love reading our Guide to Hiking Ireland’s Croagh Patrick!

Dingle Distillery

 Enjoy the Craic on Your Ireland Hiking Tour!

What is the ‘craic’? Put simply, having the ‘craic’ means enjoying yourself! It is our top priority on all tours that everyone has lots of ‘craic’. After a satisfying day exploring this wonderful country by foot, you will need some quality entertainment to finish on an even higher note. The combination of both is all part of experiencing the real Ireland.

A highlight of your hiking tour of Ireland will be some of the fantastic restaurants, cultural events, and lively pubs that make Ireland such a unique travel destination. A fast favorite thing to do on our Ireland hiking tours is visiting a local distillery and learning all about whiskey production. Discover why we have some of the finest whiskeys in the world!

Whatever ‘craic’ you desire, we can make it happen. Take advantage of the help of our local expert guides and recommendations from our virtual tour guide – Paddy the Pocket Pilot!

Accommodation for Hiking Tours in Ireland

Our guests and guides have happily tried and loved the guesthouse, hotel, and bespoke accommodations on our various tour routes. There is nothing like a great night’s sleep after the perfect day of hiking in Ireland. But having centrally located accommodation is just as important! You rightfully want to be a stone’s throw away from all the great restaurants, pubs, and evening action.

All our hand-picked accommodations have WiFi so you can update your social media and make everyone super jealous back home! What’s the point of going on holiday if there aren’t a few people green with envy?

What to Bring for Your Ireland Hiking Holiday

You will not be climbing Mount Everest, so no need to go overboard with the packing! Although we can experience changes in the weather – you might even see four seasons in one day – Ireland has a temperate climate and doesn’t get too hot or cold. 

We recommend a sturdy, broken-in pair of walking/hiking shoes, a raincoat, a pair of sunglasses, and sunscreen! You can do your laundry at every stop along the tour.

Be sure to read our blog What to Pack on a Trip to Ireland for a deeper dive into this all-important topic.

Start Planning Your Ireland Hiking Tour with Overland!

So, that is it in a nutshell. Your perfect Ireland hiking tour awaits! We guarantee you will have an unforgettable experience and will love Ireland as much as we do! Find out more about our small-group tours of Ireland and Ireland private guided tours — let’s start planning your dream trip to the Emerald Isle.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact us.