The Best Places to Go Walking in Ireland

17th September 2024

Walking outside can help improve your mood, improve your heart health, maintain a healthy weight, reduce your stress, improve your sleep and even reduce your chronic diseases. In fact, walking can be a great way to keep the whole family active. Why? You can walk with your kids and you do not need special equipment.

 

Looking for the best places to go walking in Ireland? Continue reading:

 

1. Grand Canal Way, Dublin

It is 130km in length and a great off-road route. It is also more secluded. You can walk from the coast in Dublin to the River Shannon. Walking along the Grand Canal can help restore your mind and body. This walking path has plenty of seating, wonderful wildlife and popular fishing points.

 

2. Causeway Coast Walk, Co Antrim

It is 52km in length. Therefore, it may take you 2 to 3 days to complete. Luckily, there are accommodation providers near this route. The Causeway Coast Walk follows the nature of the coastline. So, you will experience a wide range of terrains. For example, there are promenade strolls, beach walks and cliff sections. You can book this trip at Walking Holiday Ireland.

 

3. Errigal, Co Donegal

Do you want to hike the beautiful Mount Errigal? You should. Why? The route offers the most amazing scenic and tranquil views. And you do not need any special equipment to climb the mountain. However, you need to be careful on the way. Why? Because the path is narrow and rocky near the top of the mountain.

 

4. Cronin’s Yard Loop, Co Kerry

It is 8km in length. It is, therefore, one of the easiest walking paths in Ireland. In fact, it only takes 2 – 3 hours to complete. However, it features tricky terrain. So, if you are not an experienced walker, you may take longer to complete. The route follows mountain tracks, sandy paths, riverbanks and open terrain.

 

5. Glengarra Woods, Co Tipperary

Glengarra features exotic trees and shrub species. It is more suitable for families. This is because there are multiple walking paths to choose from. And there are so many scenic spots for families to enjoy. The trails have many interesting features, such as Galty views, the Mountain Lodge and old forest tracks.

 

6. Wicklow Way, County Wicklow

It is 131km in length. You will enjoy a variety of scenery, such as farmlands, forests, remote upland lakes, mountain streams and unspoilt mountain trails. It, however, takes 5 to 10 days to complete. You should expect steep-sided glacial valleys, upland lakes and mountains.

 

7. Hare’s Gap, Co Down

It is 6.9km in length. And it takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. Want to challenge yourself on your next walking tour? You should explore the Mourne Mountains. Why? Because it can be so difficult, especially for inexperienced walkers. This is a popular route. So, you will meet many people.

 

8. Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walking Route

It is 18km in length. And it takes approximately 4 hours to complete. You will see flocks of seabirds, the Maum Turk mountains, the Twelve Pins, Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. However, you have to be careful because you will have to climb cliffs. It is, therefore, dangerous to walk this terrain. But you will enjoy incredible views.

 

9. Diamond Hill, Co Galway

The best walking paths are on Diamond Hill. These walking paths are popular because they are well-marked and easily accessible. In addition, you will enjoy the most beautiful views in Ireland. You may enjoy the beautiful views of the coastline, especially if the weather is on your side. You can even see islands, such as Inishshark, Inishbofin and Inishturk.

 

10. Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

It is one of the most challenging routes. However, it is still a great area for trekking. The most popular route is the traditional pilgrim route. The route starts in the car park. It takes around 3 hours to complete. It, however, takes longer when there are many people. Remember, thousands of pilgrims visit the mountain on the last Sunday in July. They celebrate “Reek Sunday” on the mountain.

 

11. The Gap of Dunloe, Co Kerry

It is an 11km walking trail. It is a scenic narrow mountain route. You will be able to see the old-wishing bridge, several flowing lakes and the Black Valley. You will enjoy the mountain views. Also, there is Kate Kearney’s Cottage, which has been around for 150 years. It is a family-run restaurant and craft shop. So, you will be able to eat after your walk. also, nearby in Killarney is the Killarney Heights hotel, a great place to stay near all the tourist attractions of Kerry.

 

12. The Famine Walk, Connemara

Do you want to learn about the famine that swept Ireland in the 1840s? Then, you should take part in the Famine Walk. The route will take you through beautiful landscapes of lakes, valleys and mountains. You will feel a deep connection to the land while following the trail. You can even enjoy a refreshing pint at Gaynors.

 

13. Divis Ridge Trail, Co Antrim

It is one of the most popular trails for walking and hiking. In fact, you will enjoy 180-degree views of the city of Belfast. It is around 11km in length. Therefore, it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. You will enjoy amazing views in all directions. It is an easy trail. That is why it is perfect for families with kids.

These are the best places to go walking in Ireland. Remember, Ireland has some of the best walking and hiking trails and walks can last for days. So, if you want to enjoy your walk, you must know the most suitable trail for you. And you must check the length and difficulty of a trend beforehand.