Nine great walking routes on the island of Ireland

From greenways to cliff paths, and mountains to woodlands, there are wonderful trails on the island of Ireland to suit dedicated hikers and fair-weather walkers alike. Step out on these nine great routes.

1 Howth Cliff Path, Dublin
Walking this 6km looped trail is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon. Easily reached from Dublin city, the walk offers superb views over Dublin Bay as it wends its way along the cliff path and over heather-clad hills. You’ll see the picturesque Baily Lighthouse perched at the end of a peninsula before starting your descent into the charming village of Howth.

2 Hare’s Gap, Mourne Mountains, Down
The majestic Mournes offer many paths to its peaks but the climb to Hare’s Gap is easily done in a few hours. Considered to be the most dramatic pass in the Mournes, Hare’s Gap was created by glaciers and was once a favourite haunt of smugglers.

3 Glencar Hill Walk, Leitrim
This beautiful 7km trail rises up from the shores of Glencar Lake past the “wandering water” of the waterfall that was immortalised in the poetry of W B Yeats. At its highest point you will be treated to spectacular views over Sligo Bay, Knocknarea and beyond.

4 Carrauntoohil, Kerry
Ireland’s tallest mountain is the ultimate challenge for hikers in Ireland. Rising to over 1,000m, it has three routes to the top including the aptly named Devil’s Ladder. Not for the faint hearted, the climb is demanding and lengthy but rewards hikers with breath-taking views. For those looking for a less arduous climb, the Cronin’s Yard Loop is an 8km walk through the foothills of the mountain.

5 Gobbins Cliff Path, Antrim
Said to be Europe’s most dramatic cliff walk, The Gobbins is a unique adventure. Clinging to the side of a cliff, the walkway is made up of tubular and suspension bridges with steps down into smugglers caves and undersea tunnels. Only accessible on a three-hour guided tour, it combines an elemental experience with insights into local history and folklore.

6 Glendalough, Wicklow
The location of a sixth-century monastic site, Glendalough is one of the most beautiful places for a walk on the island. The ancient landscape is dotted with the remains of the religious buildings including an impressive round tower. The lake walk is stunning and the experience is even more magical on a night-hike.

7 Royal Canal Greenway
The full length of the greenway runs 130km from Maynooth to Longford but you can join it at 12 different access points to walk as much or little as you want. The route follows a towpath beside the canal and is mostly flat. Along the way there are plenty of heritage sights including old bridges, locks and aqueducts.

8 Sperrin Mountains, Tyrone
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty yet one of the lesser known parts of Northern Ireland, the Sperrin Mountains have walking trails to suit every ability. Ramble through Gortin Forest, loop around Vinegar Hill or enjoy a riverside walk at Dunnamore and let the peace of the mountains inspire you.

9 Lough Derg Way, counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary
If you’re looking for a multi-day hike, the Lough Derg Way is perfect. Stretching for 68km, it can be walked in three days and follows a mix of riverbank, canal bank, forest track, old roadway and minor roads. Along the way you’ll pass charming villages and heritage towns.

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