Best Hikes in Ireland: Our 2026 Guide
Dramatic sea cliffs. Lush green countryside. Enchanting castle-topped ridges. Discover the best hikes in Ireland beckoning intrepid adventurers worldwide to explore these alluring landscapes. Uncover heritage trails lined with folklore. Roam coastal trails gazing out into the endless Atlantic Ocean. Ascend to peaks offering panoramic views of Ireland’s diverse terrain.
Our local MT Sobek expert Ireland hiking guides lead hikers on unforgettable treks around Ireland. The best hiking spots in Ireland await your footprints!
Table of Contents
- Carrauntoohil Mountain
- Wild Atlantic Way
- Slieve League Cliffs
- Glendalough Upper Lake Trails
- Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Trail
- Torc Mountain
- The Cliffs of Moher Trail
- Dingle Way Walking Trail
- Tips for Hiking in Ireland
- Ireland’s North to South Hiking Tour
- Why Explore Ireland With MT Sobek?
Carrauntoohil Mountain
Hike to Ireland’s highest mountain peak.
One of the best hikes in Ireland takes daring trekkers to the highest point on the Emerald Isle. Carrauntoohil sits 3,407 feet above sea level. Stand at the peak to spot landmarks like MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Lakes of Killarney, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Devil’s Ladder is a favorite for hikers, giving a direct, yet steep, route to the peak. Take your time and enjoy summiting Ireland’s three highest peaks—Carrauntoohil, Beenkeragh, and Caher—all on the same trip around the Coomlough Horseshoe Loop!
Wild Atlantic Way
Passage to Ireland’s famous cross-country hike.
The famous Wild Atlantic Way Tour explores the best landscapes across Ireland, from breathtaking coastal cliffs to rolling countrysides to exaggerated flatlands.
The Wild Atlantic Way, the longest defined coastal route in the world, stretches 1,500 miles along the west coast. While there have been a few record-breaking feats for completing the entire route, most hikers attempt just a section. Take the Glencolmcille Tower Loop to uncover Irish history. Set off on the Appalachian Trail for seascape vistas. Retreat to a remote hike through the Wild Nephin National Park on the Mayo trail.
Can’t decide on which Wild Atlantic Way route to take? See the most stunning 70 miles on this guided MT Sobek Ireland hiking tour.
Slieve League Cliffs
Marvel at dramatic vistas of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
Hiking the Slieve League Cliffs reveals the Emerald Isle’s most dramatic cliffsides. These otherworldly sea cliffs are the highest in Europe at 1,972 feet high—that’s nearly twice as tall as the Eiffel Tower! Reach the peak on a Sliabh Liag Loop Trail or squeeze through the narrow pathways of One Man’s Pass.
Glendalough Upper Lake Trails
Cool off from your hike with a dip in a glacial lake.
Thank the last Ice Age for creating one of the best hikes near Dublin. Glendalough Upper Lake is a glacial lake located approximately 30 miles away from the city center. Escape the city for the scenic nature surrounding this lake. The Spinc Loop Trail winds through Wicklow Mountains National Park for views overlooking the lake and Glendalough Valley.
Reward yourself after your hike with a dip in Upper Lake. The cool waters are perfect for a post-summer hike in Ireland.
Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Trail
Embark on a spiritual Irish pilgrimage hike.
Walk in the footsteps of one of the central figures of the Catholic religion. The history of Croagh Patrick dates back to 441 AD when Saint Patrick spent 40 days fasting on the summit. This heritage trail takes devout believers and curious hikers to the peak of Ireland’s holiest mountain to experience enlightenment with every step.
The loop trail starts at the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre and takes approx. 3-4 hours to complete. Along the route, you’ll encounter the early Christian Monastic town of Balla, be greeted by a statue of St. Patrick at the foot of the mountain, and views overlooking Clew Bay at the summit.
Participate in the annual Reek Sunday tradition on the last Sunday of every July to join thousands of pilgrimage hikers.
Torc Mountain
Indulge in the best waterfall hike in Ireland.
Let the sound of the Torc Waterfall guide you along the Torc Mountain. It’s one of the many natural wonders located inside Killarney National Park. Torc Waterfall is 180 feet tall but cascades more than 360 feet down the rocky slope into the Devil’s Punchbowl. The waterfall is part of the Ring of Kerry, one of the longest Ireland walking trails. After a few moments at the waterfall, ascend the steep stairs en route to the mountain summit overlooking the Lakes of Killarney.
Hiking this trail after rainfall gives the best view of the waterfall. However, watch for muddy and slippery paths.
The Cliffs of Moher Trail
Hike with scenic coastal views.
Crowned ‘Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction’ by The Irish Independent, The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions. Hiking is the best way to experience these famous cliffs. The Cliffs of Moher Trail runs five miles along Ireland’s Atlantic Coast. There are endless sights of the rugged cliffs shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion.
This hike is excellent for all skill levels. It has paved pathways and attracts walkers and runners.
Dingle Way Walking Trail
Adventure on a multi-day hike in Ireland to discover traditional villages.
Put your physical capabilities and stamina to the ultimate test on the Dingle Way. This popular hiking and walking trail traverses the Dingle Peninsula coast, where hikers will discover Irish heritage and scenic landscapes.
To complete the 109-mile route, plan for 7-9 days. Trek countryside roads between traditional villages dotting the Dingle Peninsula. Restock on trail snacks and drinks at each village before continuing to other points of interest, including beaches, rolling farmlands, and Atlantic Ocean views.
Tips for Hiking in Ireland
According to AllTrails, there are more than 3,000 different hikes in Ireland. Each trail has its own characteristics and challenges. Be sure to review the details of each trail, its length, and the recommended skill level before starting any hiking route.
Each trail takes its own preparation, but we’ve got a few essential tips on navigating the enchanting landscapes of the Emerald Isle, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.
Know your limits. Make sure you’re up for the challenge before attempting challenging or multi-day hikes (check out these tips for preparing for a multi-day hike).
Stay on official trails. Avoid getting too close to the edge of cliffs and summit ledges.
Check the weather. Locals know that some parts of Ireland can experience all four seasons within the span of just a few hours. Stay prepared for Ireland’s sporadic weather with the right hiking gear to endure the elements.
Ireland’s North to South Hiking Tour
MT Sobek’s Ireland North to South Hiking Tour offers an epic 12-day active journey that covers 70 miles of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way. From the northernmost tip at Malin Head to the southern end at Mizen Head, our expert local guides will lead you through a land rich with beauty and history.
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin & Transfer to Derry
After arrival at Dublin airport, meet your MT Sobek guide for the transfer to Northern Ireland and Derry, the last remaining intact walled city in the country. Check into the hotel, and then grab lunch. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a walk along the walls and learn first-hand about the city’s complex history and vibrant community.
Day 2: Reach the Giant’s Causeway
Today walk along clifftops and stretches of white-sand beaches to reach the Giant’s Causeway, a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs and 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that project into the ocean. The Giant’s Causeway has for centuries inspired artists and stirred scientific debate. Legend has it that a feud between an Irish giant and a Scottish giant spurred the former to build the causeway to fight his rival. The clash ends with the Scottish giant fleeing back across the causeway, destroying it on his retreat.
Day 3: Hike the Inishowen Peninsula
Explore the most northerly point of your journey and of Ireland, the Inishowen Peninsula. This wild and windswept headland, peppered in ancient archaeological remains, is perfect for blowing away the cobwebs. This walk takes you across rugged hills, overlooking dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden coves, providing you with views across the north coast of Inishowen, Northern Ireland and, on a fine day, even Scotland.
Day 4: Knocknarea and Queen Maeve’s Grave
Transferring from the north to west coast today stop to climb the uniquely shaped Knocknarea, a little mountain perched on the shores of Sligo Bay. The hill is crowned by a 180-foot high cairn built over a millennium ago in honor of a Celtic heroine, Queen Maeve. Lunch is in Strandhill, the surf village that sits between Knocknarea and the perfect Atlantic waves that break here year round.
Day 5: Climb to the Summit of Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland — the tradition of pilgrimage to its summit stretches back over 5,000 years. Thousands of devout Catholics climb the heather-covered hills and rough-stone paths to the small chapel at the summit every year, some barefoot. Weather permitting, climb to the summit today and take in the magnificent views of the northwestern Wild Atlantic Way along Clew Bay and its 365 islands. This evening, take time to explore the town of Westport on your own.
Day 6: Discover Killary Harbor & Kylemore Abbey
Today hike along the edge of one of Ireland’s three fjords, visit the fairytale castle of Kylemore Abbey, and take in the rugged mountain scenery, with steep, craggy peaks framing the harbor on each side. This part of Ireland was particularly affected by the Great Famine of 1845-49; stone ruins across the landscape speak of the hardship of that era. Pass by a ruined village which was abandoned during that time, and a relief road dating back to 1846 which was constructed by locals in return for food rations.
Day 7: Explore the Aran Islands
Renowned the world over, the three isolated rocky outcrops of the Aran Islands once held a position of great trading power in ancient Ireland. Today they are renowned as the bastion of traditional language, culture and music. Inishmore is the largest island, home to one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe: Dun Aonghusa (Dun Aengus), a semi-circular stone fort perched dramatically on top of a 328-foot drop into the sea. Walk to this spectacular location to take in magnificent vistas of Galway Bay, Connemara, and Black Head in the Burren.
Day 8: See the Cliffs of Moher
Get an early start this morning and head south, stopping at the staggering 700′-high Cliffs of Moher, home to one of the largest colonies of nesting seabirds on mainland Ireland. Continuing our journey, we’ll pause for a short hike along the Kilkee Cliffs to fully take in the breathtaking scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way. Walking along the coastal trail, look out for humpback whales or basking sharks. Spend this evening in the quirky little village of Dingle, one of the great strongholds of traditional Irish music. After dinner, you might like to join the locals in one of the pubs to experience some real craic agus ceoil (fun and music).
Day 9: Marvel at Mount Brandon
One of the highest mountains in Ireland is named after St. Brendan (Breanainn) the Navigator, who, according to legend, had a vision of a promised land while seated at its summit. He and his monks consequently set sail for that land and disembarked in 535 AD (over 900 years before Columbus) on American soil. Though there’s no way to prove it, there are many that believe the Irish discovered America. Today you will follow the Dingle Way along a spectacular trail that crosses a saddle to the north of the peak and descends into the fishing village of Brandon.
Day 10: Walk Around Slea Head Along the Dingle Way
Today the trail begins on the sand at Ventry Bay, then continues along the bottom of Mount Eagle, following the jagged Wild Atlantic Way around the spectacular Slea Head. Some of the finest archaeological sites in Ireland can be encountered on the Dingle Way, such as standing stones and beehive huts — dry-stone, dome-shaped buildings dating from circa 2,000 BC. At the end of the hike, transfer to Killarney and the final hotel of your journey.
Day 11: Explore the Lakes of Killarney & Torc Mountain
Today hike along a stunning stretch of the Iveragh Peninsula, or the Ring of Kerry, above the spectacular Lakes of Killarney. This is a windswept landscape broken only by the ruins of stone cottages and crumbling ancient monuments. The trail meanders between the mountains of Killarney National Park climbing up past Torc Waterfall to Torc Mountain. On a good day, the panoramic views of today’s walk could claim to be the best in Ireland.
Day 12: Rock of Cashel & Transfer to Dublin
Transfer to the iconic Rock of Cashel to explore its medieval castle and Gothic chapel—part of a historic site that dates back millennia. Enjoy lunch together one final time before continuing to the airport to say our farewells.
Why Explore Ireland with MT Sobek?
Step onto Ireland’s most spectacular trails with MT Sobek, the adventure travel leader since 1969. Our professionally guided hiking journeys reveal the Emerald Isle at a slower, more meaningful pace—where rugged coastlines, storied mountains, and living history unfold one step at a time. With expert local guides and seamless logistics, you can focus on the scenery, the stories, and the joy of walking Ireland’s legendary landscapes.
Join MT Sobek on an epic north-to-south coastal route along Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way. By isolating the most beautiful 70 miles, we’ve crafted an Ireland adventure itinerary found nowhere else—combining windswept headlands, golden beaches, and cliff-top paths with warm village stays and unforgettable local encounters.
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FAQs
The best time for hiking in Ireland is late spring through early fall (May–September), when weather conditions are milder and daylight hours are longer.
Yes, Ireland is excellent for beginners. Many trails are well-marked and range from easy coastal walks to moderate mountain hikes, making it easy to match your experience level.
Pack waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, layers for changing weather, a daypack, snacks, water, and navigation tools. Rain gear is essential year-round.
Yes, Ireland offers excellent multi-day hikes such as the Dingle Way and sections of the Wild Atlantic Way, with villages along the route for rest and resupply.
Some often use guided tours like MT Sobek to provide local expertise, cultural insights, and logistical ease especially for multi-day or remote hikes.
Yes, hiking in Ireland often includes cultural highlights such as historic ruins, castles, traditional music, and village life, especially along routes like the Wild Atlantic Way.
