10 unmissable routes for hikes and walks in Ireland

Hiking in Ireland means magnificent coastal cliffs, rewarding family friendly walks and a variety of terrain and scenery that'll leave you in awe of the beautiful Emerald Isle.

The country has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, and seeing it on foot is one of the best ways to experience it. Ascend steep rocky paths, jump in the ocean right after, and then sit in a local café to analyze the peaks and pits of the trail you just conquered.

Here's, our curated picks of Ireland's best hiking and walking routes, from the north to the south of the country.

1. Mt Errigal, County Donegal

Best sunrise or sunset hike
Distance: 5km (3.1 miles) out and back
Duration: 2–3 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

The best views in Donegal have improved markedly since a new trail and stairs were added to this beautiful mountain, making it easier to reach the summit.

If you’re looking to catch a sunrise or sunset, Errigal is the hike for you. The 360-degree views of Donegal guarantee the perfect vantage point to watch the sun appear or disappear. If you’re lucky, you might even get above the clouds and see a cloud inversion. The best time to catch one of these is during autumn or winter.

2. Croaghan Cliffs, County Mayo

Best island hike
Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) loop
Duration: 4–5 hours
Level of difficulty: hard

This hike route traverses the third highest sea cliffs in Europe, located right beside one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, on an island that’s accessible by car. You cannot find a more idyllic route in County Mayo.

With cliffs three times bigger than those at Cliffs of Moher, this hike is a bucket-list activity while traveling the west coast of Ireland. If the full hike is too long, there’s a shorter one-hour-long round-trip hike up to a viewpoint looking down on Keem Bay. The views are nothing short of spectacular.

3. Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

Best for a unique trek
Distance: 8km (5 miles) out and back
Duration: 3–4 hours
Level of difficulty: hard

If you’re looking for a unique hiking experience then plan to hike Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July), when thousands of pilgrims hike up to the summit to attend mass in honor of St Patrick – some will even hike barefoot as an act of penance.

If a pilgrimage isn’t your scene, climb this spectacular mountain any other day of the year. The summit offers some of the most incredible views of Clew Bay, a natural ocean bay containing 365 islands.

4. Mweelrea, County Mayo

Best for a post-hike swim
Distance: 10.5km (6.5 miles) out and back
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: hard

Offering up incredible views of the surrounding mountains, don't miss hiking Mweelrea if you’re traveling along the Wild Atlantic Way. The highest mountain in the province of Connacht, standing at 814m (2671ft), has many different routes to the top that vary in difficulty and views.

For many, the best route starts and ends at Silverstrand Beach. The trail offers constant coastal views, as well as the opportunity to hop straight into the sea to cool down afterwards.

5. The Great Sugar Loaf, County Wicklow

Best for families
Distance: 2.5km (1.5 miles) out and back
Duration: 1 hour to 90 minutes
Level of difficulty: easy

One of Ireland’s most recognizable hikes, the Great Sugar Loaf gets its name from resembling a giant pile of sugar. This short walk includes a steep scramble to the summit that makes the panoramic views from the peak that little bit more rewarding.

If you happen to hike the Great Sugar Loaf on an exceptionally clear day you can see all the way across the Irish Sea to Snowdonia in Wales. It's pretty impressive for a mountain that stands at only 501m (1643ft) tall.

6. Ballinastoe to Djouce, County Wicklow

Best hike to take it slow
Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) out and back
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes to 30 hours and 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: moderate

Take a mythical walk through Ballinastoe Woods before emerging at a viewpoint overlooking Guinness Lake. This is one of those trails where you have to keep reminding yourself to watch where you’re putting your feet because it’s nearly impossible to take your eyes off the views.

Keep an eye out for the JB Malone Memorial along the trail. He is the man responsible for getting the Wicklow Way to become a recognized trail, and a true legend in the Irish hill-walking community.

7. Lough Ouler Loop, County Wicklow

Best for a date hike
Distance: 8km (5 miles) loop
Duration: 3–4 hours
Level of difficulty: hard

Lough Ouler is known as the "Love Heart Lake," so you can probably guess why it’s the ultimate hike to go on for a date. This trail is the best place to catch an epic sunrise with your significant other, but of course it's just as amazing solo.

If you’re willing to brave the cold lake waters, Lough Ouler is the perfect place for a swim; Set up camp quite comfortably beside the lake7

8. Lugnaquilla, County Wicklow

The best hike for sweeping views of Wicklow
Distance: 13km (8 miles) out and back
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes hours
Level of difficulty: hard

A combination of forest paths, cliff faces, a valley trail, a waterfall and a river guides you up to the highest point in Wicklow. This hike offers some of the best views of the Wicklow mountains and is the perfect way to pick out any of the other peaks you would like to attempt.

If you’re finishing your hike in Glenmalure, grab a pint of Guinness in a cozy pub, take a cold plunge in Coolalingo waterfall or hit up the local sauna – all of which are a five minute drive from the hike's starting point.

9. Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop, County Laois

Best for reconnecting with nature
Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles) loop
Duration: 1-2 hours
Level of difficulty: easy

This gentle hike offers you the chance to stroll along a riverside as you explore a moss-covered forest. Many people will take the opportunity to go for a dip in the waterfall or meditate beside it, taking in the calming sounds of the flowing water.

The trail is located in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, a great place for hikers and trail runners to enjoy. With routes that range from 2km (1.2 miles) all the way up to 60km (37 miles), this mountain range caters for every ability level.

10. Carrauntoohil, County Kerry

Best calculated challenge
Distance: 3km (8 miles) out and back
Duration: 4–5 hours
Level of difficulty: hard

The route you will most likely take to reach the highest point in Ireland is known as “the Devil’s Ladder.” As the name suggests, it is no joke. Expect a route it is challenging, steep and, at times, dangerous. Be aware of the difficulty and potential falling rocks from above before embarking on this trail.

If you’re not 100% confident in taking on this hike but still want to reach the top of Ireland, contact a local guide. There are plenty in the area and hiring one to help you safely reach the summit is a good idea.

Top tips for hiking in Ireland

• Pack for all weather. The Irish weather can be volatile, particularly on exposed peaks, so come prepared.

• Trails can sometimes be hard to follow on the more difficult routes, so do your research before attempting any trail. Make use of the official, detailed regional maps called Ordnance Survey Maps.

• Walkers and cyclists in Ireland have no rights of access to privately owned land. Access has been negotiated with landowners for many national trails and waymarked walks. However, you will occasionally come across locked gates, barbed-wire fences or "no walkers allowed" signs. These are legal and must be obeyed.

• Leave no trace. Anything you bring with you on a hike must come home with you.

• Pack snacks and water before you leave your accommodation or get them in the town or city where you are staying. There are very few shops close to many of Ireland's best hiking routes.

• The emergency numbers for Ireland are 112 or 999.