We are delighted this morning to find out that Ireland is considered one of the top five destinations for hiking and scenic walks in the World! We at Overland agree!
The great news for future Overlanders is that some of the best hikes and coastal walks are included in our small group tours of Ireland and our Ireland self-drive tours! Of course, you can also do them all on a private tour around Ireland if you prefer.
We want to add adventure and energy to your trip and there is no better way than to embrace the outdoors, put on a pair of walking shoes, and discover Ireland on foot. You can take all of these hikes at your own pace and stick to our motto ‘It’s your holiday – do it your way!’
Hiking the Ballycotton Cliff Walk in Cork
Ballycotton Cliff Walk offers an easy-paced cliff walk in the sunny southeast of Cork. Allow for a two-hour hike along the stunning coastline taking you 3.5km each way. That means this route isn’t a loop and comes with a total distance of 7km out and back. The footpath connects the village of Ballycotton with Ballyandreen Beach. At the Ballycotton end, the trail begins near the Mary Stanford Lifeboat.
Given its proximity to Cork and Cobh, this accessible walk is popular with locals and tourists alike, so aim for a weekday stroll if possible. The trail is also unpaved and gets muddy, so wear sturdy, broken-in footwear to ensure an experience that’s as comfortable as it is enjoyable.
This is a fantastic hike to do on your own as part of our popular Ancient East Self-Drive Tour of Ireland.
Hike Slieve League in Donegal
Slieve League stands at almost 600 meters over the Atlantic Ocean in County Donegal, making them the tallest accessible sea cliffs in Europe. The views from the cliffs rival the famous Cliffs of Moher, so they are a must-see if you’re in Ireland’s northern region. The best way to access Slieve League is by car or on an organized tour. And the good news is, Overland has got you covered! Slieve League features in our The Northern Way Self-Drive Tour and our Ultimate Ireland and Full Irish small-group tours.
Starting at the village of Teelin, you can follow the Pilgrim’s Path. To do this, you need to walk a narrow road for around a kilometer until you reach a parking lot, trailhead, and the road’s end. The Pilgrim’s Path is around 3km long and takes an average of two to three hours to complete out and back. However, you can also continue along One Man’s Pass to Bunglas before walking back along the country roads or trying to arrange a taxi. This whole loop will take about four to five hours to finish.
You can also start your walk directly from the Bunglas Viewpoint. This is a popular option as it offers the best and most famous views of the Slieve League and is less strenuous than the Pilgrim’s Path. There is a large parking lot outside the visitor center at the end of a narrow lane leading to the Bunglass viewpoint.
The first section of the cliff path here consists of stone steps. Follow the path and take in the spectacular scenery, diving sea birds, and mountain sheep. Before long, you’ll arrive at the highest point of the Slieve League cliffs.
Hiking Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park by foot is great, wherever you venture! But among its many highlights are the loop walks at Diamond Hill, surrounded by the Twelve Bens Mountain range. At 1,450 ft (442 meters) high, Diamond Hill has the dual appeal of being not overly challenging while providing some of Galway’s most awe-inspiring views.
There are two fantastic hikes to choose from here in County Galway.:
- The Lower Trail: 2.8km long and takes around 45 minutes
- The Upper Trail: 6km long and takes around two hours
There is a large parking lot at the visitor center here. But as this hike is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Galway, it fills up quickly during busy periods. The earlier you arrive, the better!
Your Ireland to Island Active tour will take you here for an unforgettable experience.
Hiking in Glendalough, County Wicklow
There are a plethora of choices for walking and hiking in Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations. If you are feeling like a stroll, you can choose a short half-hour wander around the lake or step it up a gear with a four-hour hill walk! Regardless of your choice, you’ll enjoy every second of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Glendalough is also home to a famous early medieval monastic settlement dating back to the 6th century, with sites including churches and a round tower. You can find parking (for a fee) at the parking lot outside the visitor center.
Overland will send you there on the Greenway Self-Drive Tour where you will be treated to waterfalls, lakes, ancient sites, and plenty of delightful flora and fauna!
Hiking the Causeway Coast Way in Northern Ireland
If you have extended time on your self-drive tour or plan to go up north after a small-group tour, you could challenge yourself to a two-and-a-half-day Causeway Coast Way hike from Portstewart to Ballycastle.
The Causeway Coast is one of the most beautiful parts of the island of Ireland, and the Causeway Coast Way passes through the heart of it all. Your route will take you into the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and numerous Areas of Special Scientific Interest. And then there are the views of dramatic cliffs, offshore rocks, sandy beaches, and wonderful wide bays!
On the Full Irish 11-Day Tour, Ultimate Ireland 10-Day Tour, and Wild West and North Tour, you can experience the magic of the Giant’s Causeway and take a short hike around the Causeway with interactive storytelling about Irish mythology and giants! A perfect mix of activity and culture!
Be sure to read our Complete Guide to Visiting Northern Ireland for more travel inspiration!
Hiking Mount Brandon in Dingle
On this three-hour hike to the summit of Mount Brandon, you will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory. It’s fairly challenging to reach the 952-meter-high summit, but there are two routes you can take to make things easier if you prefer.
For a shorter and easier path to the top, follow The Saint’s Route (a medieval pilgrim’s path) which is on the Dingle (or west) side of the mountain. The longer and more challenging route starts at Faha Grotto to the east. It’s 9km out and back and provides jaw-dropping scenery from start to finish.
You can take it at your own pace but it is definitely an activity enjoyed by everyone on the Emerald Explorer 8-Day Tour of Ireland.
Hiking Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holiest Mountain!
Challenge yourself to a moderate hike up Ireland’s holiest mountain and learn about the man responsible for drowning the shamrock, painting the town green, and entertaining the masses with fantastic street parades around the globe!
Croagh Patrick is situated outside Ireland’s favorite town Westport and the summit offers stunning views of Clew Bay and its 360 islands! Did you know that once you reach the summit you are permitted to commit a sin… But you must then climb it again to absolve that sin… a bit of a vicious circle!
You will definitely deserve a great night out in Matt Molloy’s pub after your hike! Our guides will take you there on your Great Atlantic Adventure Small-Group Tour.
We take a closer look at this iconic peak in our Guide to Hiking Ireland’s Croagh Patrick, so head there when you have finished here.
Hike Howth Head in Dublin
If you have a little time in Dublin we highly recommend taking the coastal train out to the suburb of Howth for a leisurely walk around Howth Head! There are four different routes to choose from, with a bonus fifth starting at the summit. Let’s focus on the first four for now, each of which starts at the village DART station, which is:
- The Black Linn loop
- The Bog of Frogs loop
- The Howth Cliff Path loop
- The Tramline Loop
All routes starting at the DART station involve a long, steep walk that requires a moderate level of fitness. But if you want the captivating views with a little less effort, you can drive or take the bus to the top and enjoy the Howth Summit Walk.
After working up an appetite, visit the local market or one of our favorite fish and chips restaurants and eat your lunch al-fresco on the pier! It is a fabulous day out and a great way to discover the greater Dublin area.
Our blog Planning the Perfect Ireland Hiking Tour is another must-read resource, so be sure to add it to your reading list!
Hiking the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare
The three-hour hike from the Cliffs of Moher to Doolin Village is a highlight on many of our self-drive and small-group tours. Not only will you take some spectacular photographs of the rugged cliffs and stunning backdrop, but you will also discover the off-the-beaten-track routes with our expert guides.
There are a couple of hiking and walking options on the Cliffs of Moher, but none will disappoint. Our favorite guided hike is from Guerin’s Car Park all the way to Doolin Village – the hometown of traditional music. If you are on a self-drive tour, our exclusive Paddy the Pocket Pilot App will guide you all the way and show you some hidden gems.
Read our five amazing facts about the Cliffs of Moher to prepare for your visit!
Hiking Killarney National Park
The best thing about the Killarney National Park is the choice of walks and hikes available for us to enjoy while taking in the beauty of the park and its famous landmarks, flora, and fauna. Every level of interest and fitness is catered for. Discover Torc Mountain with a two-hour challenge to the summit or take the Lakeside walking route and visit Muckross House and Abbey!
If you feel a bit tired along the way why not flag down a horse and carriage to bring you back to Killarney town for some refreshments or retail therapy? It’s your holiday – do it your way.
Take a deeper dive into this incredible place by reading our blog Top 5 Adventures in Killarney for Your Ireland Trip.
Start Planning Your Hiking Tour in Ireland!
There you have it: Overland Ireland’s guide to the best hikes in Ireland. There are many more brilliant places to hike in Ireland; this is just our list of favorite spots. You can find even more recommendations on our list of 17 of the best hikes in Ireland.
Now is a great time to keep the inspiration flowing by browsing our self-drive and small-group tours of Ireland! If you have any questions about our tours, please get in touch. We’d love to help you plan your next Ireland adventure!
