10 Best Hikes in Ireland
Take a Walk Around Ireland's Most Beautiful Landscapes
The best hikes in Ireland can be found all over the nation, from County Wicklow’s panoramic peaks to the windswept landscapes of Achill Island. Ireland may be famed for its historic cities, lucky shamrocks, whiskey distilleries, and rowdy Saint Patrick’s Day parades, but it’s also a nation of undulating countryside and majestic mountains.
The Emerald Isle is a fairy tale setting for hikers who favor picture-postcard scenery paired with challenging terrain (and cozy pubs serving homecooked meals and pints of frothy Guinness). So, slip on your hiking boots, pack your compass, and get ready to traverse some of Western Europe’s most breathtaking trails. And don’t forget to keep a look out for those mischievous little leprechauns.
1. The Wicklow Way
A beloved national treasure
Categoría: De aventura, Económico
An 82-mile (132 km) long-distance trail that crosses the wild Wicklow Mountains, The Wicklow Way has long been considered one of the most scenic hikes in Ireland. Beginning in Marlay Park in Dublin and ending in Clonegal in County Carlow, the track is conveniently split into 7 distinct sections (that take a week to complete, in total).
Folks intrepid enough to walk the entire route will be rewarded with some of the country’s most dazzling vistas including ancient forests peppered with burial tombs, the cascading Powerscourt Waterfall, dreamlike Djouce Mountain, and the monastic valley of Glendalough. When you pass the finish line, treat yourself to a pint of cold Guinness and a cheesy woodstove pizza at The Dying Cow pub.
The Wicklow Way
2. Carrauntoohil, County Kerry
Scaling the heights of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks Mountains
Categoría: De aventura, Económico, Foto
The highest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohil in County Kerry ascends to 3,407 ft (1,038 meters) before tapering into a razor-sharp ridge. Situated on the Iveragh Peninsula (home of the candy-colored Portmagee fishing village), this epic peak is a hit with hikers who flock to its multitude of exhilarating routes during the warmer months of the year.
You can reach the Carrauntoohil summit via the Coomloughra Horseshoe Loop, the Devil’s Ladder Route, The Caher mountain walk, and Brother O’Shea’s Gully Trail. Do note that Carrauntoohil shouldn’t be attempted by novice climbers unless you’re accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. That said, the payoff at the top is utterly worth it.
Carrauntoohil, County Kerry
3. Coumshingaun Lake Loop, County Waterford
Fairy tale trail featuring whimsical bodies of water
Categoría: De aventura, Foto
Hidden away in County Waterford’s spectacular Comeragh Mountain Range, Coumshingaun Lake Loop delights moderate to advanced hikers with its atmospheric forest trails and starkly beautiful scenery. You’ll be rewarded with a simply breathtaking aerial view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Be warned though: parts of the Loop pose a real challenge, so prepare for plenty of scrambling over treacherous rocks and a steep descent from the height of the summit.
Planning your hike here is totally dependent on the weather, and wearing top-notch hiking boots is also a must. Afterwards, picnic on the shores of the lake or take a short drive south to another natural wonder: the magnificent Mahon Waterfall.
Coumshingaun Lake Loop, County Waterford
4. Croaghan Cliffs from Keem Bay
Spectacular-storm-battered scenery as seen in the Banshees of Inisherin
Categoría: De aventura, Gastronomía en , Foto
Croaghan Cliffs, on County Mayo’s windswept Achill Island, delivers a cinematic vista unlike any other. Europe’s third-highest coastal precipice teeters over the dramatic Atlantic waters of unblemished Keem Bay (which boasts a powdery white sand beach that’s a real treat in the summer).
Due to its rather precarious nature, this rugged trail should only be attempted when the weather offers perfect visibility, due to the height of the cliffs and irregular terrain. The panorama from Croaghan’s 2 distinct summits is definitely worth the challenge though. Afterward, head to Gielty’s Bar and Restaurant, the most westerly pub in Europe, for traditional Irish music and hearty home-cooked fare.
Croaghan Cliffs from Keem Bay
5. Mweelrea from Silver Strand
Where the mountains meet the sea
Categoría: De aventura, Económico
Mweelrea from Silver Strand is one of Ireland’s most beloved coastal hikes; a rugged route on the Murrisk Peninsula that offers terrific views from the mountain’s summit. At 2,671 ft (814 meters), Mweelrea is frequently exposed to intense Atlantic winds and sudden sweeps of low clouds, so a good level of fitness, and the ability to navigate challenging weather, is a must before you begin.
Though the Ramp Route and Horseshoe Route both have their high points, the Silver Strand Route is the quickest and most straightforward. At 4.9 miles (8 km), this hike takes approximately 3 hours and ends on a crescent-shaped beach that’s popular with sunbathers and swimmers during the summer.
Mweelrea from Silver Strand
6. Spinc Loop
One of Ireland’s best-kept hiking secrets
Categoría: De aventura, Gastronomía en , Foto
Serving up scintillating views of the Glendalough Valley, Spinc Loop is a lesser-known, 3-hour trail located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. This moderately challenging route passes Poulanass Waterfall, before linking up to a boardwalk that leads to an exhilarating viewing point that casts its gaze over Glendalough Lake and the St. Kevin’s Bed grotto.
Further up, hikers can skim the tops of the cliffs before descending to the ruins of the historic Miners Village. Feeling famished? Swing by the St. Kevin’s Kitchen food truck for piping hot coffee, big juicy burgers, doner kebabs, and golden fish and chips.
Spinc Loop
7. Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Trail
Revered hike to Ireland’s holiest peak
Categoría: De aventura, Gastronomía en , Parejas
One of County Mayo’s more exciting hiking routes, the Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Trail is best visited between April and October when the nicer weather makes the walk a joy. Considered moderate to strenuous, this 4-hour jaunt will see you taking in the beautiful vistas of Croagh Patrick Mountain, charming Westport Harbour, and expansive Clew Bay with its smattering of islands.
The religious often hike to the summit in bare feet during the pilgrimage (which takes place at the end of July, in honor of Saint Patrick). After you’ve descended, stop by the town of Murrisk for a meal at Campbell’s at the Reek (their black pudding pizza is truly legendary).
Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Trail
8. Slieve Donard from Donard Park
A walk amongst Northern Ireland’s giants
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Foto, De aventura
What better way to reach the heights of Slieve Donard than from the verdant surroundings of Donard Park? Set in Newcastle, County Down, this exquisite greenspace hugs the banks of the glorious Glen River and boasts a cinematic view of the imposing Mourne Mountains.
Spanning 5.9 miles (9.5 km), this stimulating hiking route takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete and wends its way through a forest rich with birch, pine, and oak trees, before meeting the iconic Mourne Wall, and later on, the summit. Back in the town of Downpatrick, satiate your hunger pangs at Murphys Bar & Restaurant (we recommend the McGreevy’s sirloin steak smothered in creamy peppercorn sauce).
Slieve Donard from Donard Park
9. Binn Gulbhain (Benbulben)
The jewel of the Dartry Mountains
Categoría: Parejas, De aventura, Foto
A 6.9-mile (11 km) out-and-back trail, the path to Binn Ghulbain is something of a heroic undertaking. This mammoth flat-topped nunatak rock formation is one of Ireland’s most magnificent, protected wonders (and is designated as a County Geological Site by the Sligo County Council).
Open year-round to visitors, the Benbulbin and Kings Mountain Loop Walk takes around 3.5 hours to complete and is suitable for those used to moderate and strenuous hikes. The inspiration behind many of Ireland’s folk tales and artworks, Benbulbin delivers spectacular panoramas from every angle. The rock is also a hit with budding fossil hunters.
Binn Gulbhain (Benbulben)
10. Cuilcagh Mountain Boardwalk
County Fermanagh’s most fabulous hike
Categoría: Familias, Gastronomía en , Foto
If you fancy a safer stroll through the wild Irish countryside, then a day out on the Cuilcagh Mountain Boardwalk is simply a must. Nicknamed “The Stairway to Heaven,” this wonderful wooden walkway meanders through expansive blanket bog and olive-green pastures before ascending steeply to a viewing platform on enchanting Cuilcagh Mountain.
Situated within the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, this scenic walking trail spans 7 miles (11.2 km) and takes 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on how many times you stop. The nearby Tully Mill Restaurant serves tasty meals to hungry hikers. Try the mushroom and pecan wellington or the bourbon-roasted belly of pork.
Ubicación: 43 Marlbank Road, Legnabrocky, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, Enniskillen, BT92 1ER, Northern Ireland
Teléfono: +44 (0)28 6632 1815
Cuilcagh Mountain Boardwalk
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