7 ‘Must-Do’ Hikes and Walks in Ireland
Fancy scenic walks? Ready to take on challenging hikes?
Getting out and experiencing nature at its best is what weekends are made for.
Not only is walking great exercise, but it gives us the opportunity to step away from our busy lives for a while, and really take in the most beautiful parts of Ireland.
This short list includes some of the more difficult and popular hikes in Ireland but it also includes leisurely walks that can be enjoyed by the whole family. There are plenty more stunningly scenic walks that aren’t mentioned here but this list can provide you with a good starting point.
So, ditch those horrible weekend hangovers.. book your caravan and campsite.. embrace that inner child that yearned for adventure and check out some of the best hiking and walking trails this country has to offer…
Check for Covid-19 regulations, or closures, before planning any of these walks
• Carrauntoohil Hike, Co.Kerry
For the experienced hikers, Carrauntoohil is definitely one to add to the list. At 1,038m, it’s Ireland’s highest mountain. The most popular route to take is the ‘Devil’s Ladder’ (sounds inviting, doesn’t it?). This is the shortest route and will take between 4 to 6 hours to complete. If you’re not too exhausted when you reach the summit, be sure to take in the breath taking views that spread out around you in every direction. Using this trail, you will descend the same way you ascended.
Best for: Experienced hikers or inexperienced hikers with a guide.
Watch out for: Loose rock, changeable weather, and limited visibility.
Map: http://www.activeme.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Carrauntoohil-via-Devils-ladder.pdf
Caravan Parks to stay at: Fossa Caravan and Camping Park, Glenross Caravan and Camping Park, Fleming’s White Bridge Caravan and Camping Park
Book your caravan: Choose between 4 & 6 berths and check availability
• Spinc and Glenealo Valley Walk, Glendalough, Co.Wicklow
If you want a vast view of Wicklow’s beautiful scenery, this popular trail has it all. Lakes, forest, cliffs, an old miners village, a waterfall and wildlife. It will take about, or a little over, three hours to complete and is challenging at times. This route is known as the ‘White Route’ and is marked with white arrows to guide you in the right direction. You start by climbing the Spinc, passing Poulanass Waterfall on the way. Once you reach the Spinc boardwalk you are rewarded for the steep climb with spectacular views of the Valley. You then descend through Glenealo Valley, passing the Old Miners Village.
Best for: Adults and teens.
Watch out for: Narrow boardwalk and steep edges.
Caravan Parks to stay at: Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Roundwood Caravan Park, River Valley Holiday Park
Book your caravan: Choose between 4 & 6 berths and check availability
• North Antrim Cliff Path Walk, Co.Antrim
If you have never visited the North Antrim coastline, this walkway is a must. On a sunny day, the view out over the Atlantic Ocean is like something you see in the Mediterranean. All around is lush green grass and mighty cliffs that tower above a glimmering blue ocean. Even when the sun is hibernating, the coastline is definitely worth visiting.
The walk can be done in either direction, but we’ll begin at Dunseverick Castle. From there your walk will take you through open farmland and rugged cliffs. The walk finishes at the iconic Giants Causeway. As you approach from above you get a truly unique view of the basalt columns that depict the Giants Causeway.
The walk is 8 km long but if you have the extra time, make sure to add in the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This will add another 3.5 to 4 hours to your walk, or you could get a bus from the Giants Causeway.
Best for: Any walker to the Giants Causeway but you may not want to bring small children to Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge.
Watch out for: Cliff edges on a windy day.
Map: https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/MjA2NDYxNA==
Caravan Parks to stay at: Causeway Coast Holiday Park, Ballyness Caravan Park, Benone Holiday and Leisure Park
Book your caravan: Choose between 4 & 6 berths and check availability
• Howth Cliff Path Loop Walk, Howth, Co.Dublin
Howth is one of my favourite places to visit and a beautiful part of Dublin. The seaside village boasts scenic coastline and lots of great options for delicious food. This particular walk (the green route) is quite easy, uphill for a bit though, and can take around 2 hours to complete. Start at Howth DART station. From there, soak in the atmosphere as you walk along the harbour. Then, take time to appreciate the stunning views of Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island and Dublin Bay, as you walk the clifftops. You will then return to the DART station on a path parallel to the original route. If you feel like extending your walk, when you see the Baily Lighthouse in front, continue on to it instead of following the trail to the right.
Best for: Any walker, not recommended for strollers or wheelchairs.
Watch out for: Cliff edges with children, and windy weather.
Map: https://visithowth.ie/the-cliff-path-loop/
Caravan Parks to stay at: North Beach Caravan Park, Camac Valley Caravan Park
Book your caravan: Choose between 4 & 6 berths and check availability
• Cuilcagh Boardwalk Hike (Stairway to Heaven), Co.Fermanagh
I don’t know if I’d recommend this as your only plan for the day. If you do decide to take on the Stairway to Heaven, make the most of it and arrange to visit the Marble Arch Caves before or after your walk. They’re only 1km away from the trail. In 2015 the boardwalk that zig zags across the land was built to protect the blanket bog underneath. 450 wooden steps climbing the mountain were also added to prevent erosion. This popular hike will take between 3-4 hours, from the car park to the summit and then back down again.
It’s not an extremely difficult hike but the steep steps do make it challenging. When you start off from the car park, you’ll walk for about 5km along a gravel path before starting on the 1.6km boardwalk. After that, it’s time to reach for your inner Mr.Motivator, and tackle the 450 steps to the summit. Try and avoid a bad weather day when hiking, you will feel pretty disappointed after climbing all those steps to be confronted with a blanket of fog obscuring the spectacular view around you.
Tip: Book the paid car park in advance online.
Best for: People with a decent level of fitness. In my opinion, not suitable for small children.
Watch out for: No toilet facilities (use at Marble Arch Caves). If the day is anyway wet wear suitable footwear. Bring water.
Map: https://marblearchcaves.co.uk/site/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Cuilcagh-Boardwalk-Trail-Map-1.pdf
Caravan Parks to stay at: Rushin House Caravan Park, Castle Archdale Caravan Park, Blaney Caravan Park
Book your caravan: Choose between 4 & 6 berths and check availability
• Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher Walk, Co.Clare
We couldn’t talk about walks and not mention the Cliffs of Moher. They’re the most famous cliffs in Ireland for a reason and if you’ve never been, make sure to add this to your list. The marked trail starts at Doolin and finishes at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. It’ll take around three hours. It’s not a difficult walk but it’s not recommended for children under 8 due to the danger of walking close to cliff edges. I cannot stress enough that you should not venture close to the edge. Sudden gusts of wind and unstable parts of the ground mean you need to use caution.
Like with most walks, try choose a day with good weather. You want to see the best that the west coast has to offer. From O’Briens Tower, at the highest point of the cliffs, you are treated to views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Surrounded by these mighty cliffs, hearing and feeling the power behind the crashing Atlantic waves, make this walk an experience you won’t forget.
Tip: If you like guided walks, book with local farmer Pat Sweeney. His knowledge of the area and passion for it shines through while he guides you along the paths.
Best for: Anyone over the age of 8.
Watch out for: Winds, cliff edges and unstable ground.
Caravan Parks to stay at: O’Connors Doolin Riverside Camping and Caravan Park, Nagle’s Camping and Caravan Park
Book your caravan: Choose between 4 & 6 berths and check availability
• Dún na Rí Forest Park Walks, Kingscourt, Co.Cavan
We’re finishing on a nice and easy walk that the whole family can enjoy. At Dún na Rí Forest Park there are four signposted trails for you to choose from. These simple trails provide a leisurely stroll through stunning grounds. There is plenty to see and do as you walk. Try and spot all of the impressive animal sculptures that take residence throughout the park. Make a wish at the Wishing Well. Watch the ducks splash and play in the duck pond. Immerse yourself in history and see the castle ruins and old military barracks. Enjoy an afternoon picnic in a park that is brimming with natural beauty and character.
Best for: All ages.
Watch out for: Have €5 in coins for the car park.
Map: https://www.coillte.ie/media/2017/01/Cavan-Dun_A_Ri-Forest-Park.pdf
Caravan Parks to stay at: Loughcrew Caravan and Camping Park, Lough Ramor Caravan and Camping Park
Book your caravan: Choose between 4 & 6 berths and check availability
