You can hit the hiking trail in thousands of diverse and stunningly beautiful places in all four corners of Ireland, but here is a narrowed-down list of ten of the most scenic hikes on the island.
1. The Causeway Coast, County Antrim
Widely regarded as one of the best coastal walks in Europe, the full Causeway Coast Way runs for 53km between Portstewart and Ballycastle, passing the world-famous Giant’s Causeway and much more. For a shorter hike, try the wonderfully scenic section from Portballintrae to the Causeway.
2. Diamond Hill, County Galway
This 7km loop in the spectacular Connemara National Park takes you to the top of a mountain named for the sparkle that appears when sunlight reflects off its rocky surface. With the ocean on one side and the Twelve Ben Mountains on the other, the landscape here is an achingly beautiful snapshot of the Wild Atlantic Way.
3. Divis and Black Mountain Ridge Trails, Belfast
There are four trails, ranging up to 7km, situated high on the hills above Belfast. They offer moderate hikes paired with exhilarating views over the city, every county in Ulster and even to Scotland. The routes feature a mosaic of grassland and heathland bog, wildlife and archaeological remains.
4. Glendalough, County Wicklow
There are nine hikes of varying lengths and difficulties in Glendalough, an ancient and world-renowned Irish monastic site. However, the 9km Spinc Ridge and Glenealo Valley Trail (White Route) is the perfect hike to see everything the area has to offer, including stunning mountain lake views.
5. Slieve Donard, County Down
The highest peak in the famous Mountains of Mourne offers a wonderful, leg-stretching 5km hike to the summit. It’s through forest, open mountainside and past waterfalls, and the reward at the top is a completely awesome view that sweeps down to the sea.
6. Achill Island, County Mayo
There are various ways to hike on this rugged island, where much of the landscape remains as it was centuries ago. One of the best is the Slievemore Loop, which climbs to a height of about 60m and extends to a length of 4.5km. Highlights along the way include a megalithic tomb, ancient graveyard and a deserted village.
7. Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail, County Fermanagh
Known locally as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, this hike is along a wooden boardwalk that stretches across the weathered wilderness of Cuilcagh Mountain. You will climb through eight million years of geological history to the summit, where spectacular views of the lakelands of Fermanagh and beyond await.
8. The Cavan Way
Perfect for a day-long hike in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, this 26km route progresses from the village of Dowra along country paths and quiet roads to reach the magical Shannon Pot, the source of the mighty River Shannon.
9. Ballycotton Cliff Walk, County Cork
This linear Atlantic coastal path runs for 8km from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen Beach. There are many stiles to cross, but you will not mind. In fact, and you will wish the route is even longer, because the views are simply mesmeric.
10. Carrauntoohil, County Kerry
A seriously challenging hike with incredible views, this is the central peak of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. Getting to the summit takes between four and six hours, but will be worth it for the incredible views over the Killarney lakes.
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