Best Hikes in Ireland
Ireland’s landscape is a masterclass in rugged beauty, offering everything from sheer coastal cliffs to mystical mountain peaks steeped in folklore. For those looking to trade the city streets for the “forty shades of green,” the hiking trails here are world-class. Whether you’re chasing the views of the Atlantic or walking in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims, these trails offer a profound connection to the land.
Here are the top 10 best hikes in Ireland:
1. Carrauntoohil (The Devil’s Ladder), Co. Kerry
As the highest peak in Ireland, Carrauntoohil is a “must” for any serious hiker. Standing at 1,038m (3,406 ft), the most popular route takes you through the “Devil’s Ladder.” It’s a strenuous climb with plenty of loose scree, but the reward is an unparalleled 360-degree view of the Reeks and the Atlantic.
2. Mount Brandon (The Faha Route), Co. Kerry
Dominating the Dingle Peninsula, Mount Brandon is often cited as one of the most beautiful and spiritually significant climbs in the country.
The Experience: You’ll pass dramatic glacial lakes (paternoster lakes) and jagged ridges.
The Vibe: It feels ancient—named after Saint Brendan the Navigator, who is said to have seen “the promised land” from its summit.
Difficulty: Strenuous; expect some light scrambling if you take the Faha Grotto side.
3. Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo
Known as Ireland’s “Holy Mountain,” this iconic conical peak is famous for its pilgrimage history. While the scree near the summit can be tricky, the views of the hundreds of tiny islands in Clew Bay make every step worth it.
4. The Causeway Coast Way, Co. Antrim
For those who prefer coastal vistas over mountain summits, this trail connects the Giant’s Causeway to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. It’s a relatively flat but visually stunning walk along the edge of the North Atlantic.
5. Glendalough & The Spinc (White Route), Co. Wicklow
Located in the “Garden of Ireland,” this loop takes you high above the famous 6th-century monastic settlement. The boardwalk sections (to protect the bog) offer incredible views of the Upper Lake and the surrounding Wicklow Mountains.
6. Slieve Donard, Co. Down
The highest point in Northern Ireland, Slieve Donard offers a unique landscape where the Mourne Mountains literally meet the sea. On a clear day, you can see all the way across the water to the Isle of Man and even Scotland.
7. Coumshingaun Lake Walk, Co. Waterford
This is home to one of the finest examples of a “corrie” (a glacial cirque) in Europe. The hike takes you along the rim of the Comeragh Mountains, looking down into the deep, dark waters of the lake below. It is breathtaking and dizzying in equal measure.
8. Diamond Hill, Co. Galway
Located in Connemara National Park, this is one of the best-maintained trails in the country. The gravel paths and wooden boardwalks lead you to a summit with purple-hued heathers and views of the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic coastline.
9. Mount Errigal, Co. Donegal
Donegal’s highest peak is famous for its shimmering quartzite slopes that look like snow from a distance. A recently upgraded path has made the “boggy” start much more manageable, leading to a narrow “One Man’s Pass” at the summit ridge.
10. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, Co. Clare
While most tourists stay at the visitor center, the full coastal path from Doolin to Hags Head is the real way to experience the cliffs. At 214m (702 ft) high, the scale of the cliffs against the crashing waves is something you’ll never forget.