These are just four fab walking trails to explore Ireland. With an epic coastline, stunning mountain ranges, and endless amounts of beautiful spaces, a walking holiday in Ireland is next to unbeatable.
We’ve got countless walking trails suited to all ranges of fitness and ability. So, you can go short or long, completely alone, in pairs or groups. Add in a local guide, stay overnight, and you’re all set!
Beara-Breifne Way
If you’re looking for a walking challenge, you’ll enjoy the Beara-Breifne Way. This is Ireland’s longest national waymarked trail. It runs 500km north from the tip of the Beara Peninsula in Co. Cork, through the Hidden Heartlands to the Breifne area. This area is a medieval overkingdom in Gaelic Ireland, which lies in counties Leitrim and Cavan.
The Beara-Breifne Way in Co Cavan, with Lough MacNean in the background. ©Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland
The Beara-Breifne Way follows the route taken by legendary Irish chieftain O’Sullivan Beare, who led 1,000 people from Cork to Leitrim to escape invading forces in 1603. The walk covers some of the most beautiful and least explored areas of the country, including coastal areas, six different mountain ranges, and the banks of the River Shannon.
Giant’s Causeway Cliff Path Walk
Breathe in and enjoy a mindful moment atop the Giant’s Causeway Cliff Path Walk
For a shorter, but truly spectacular walk, visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim. The 10km Giant’s Causeway Cliff Path Walk traverses an undulating but extremely scenic cliff path maintained by the National Trust. It offers some of the best clifftop views in Europe. These include unforgettable views of Rathlin Island, sweeping coastal bays, high cliffs and the famed Giant’s Causeway itself.
St Declan’s Way
Ireland is the land of saints and scholars, so there are many ancient pilgrim walking trails to be found. St Declan’s Way links the ecclesiastical centres of Ardmore in Co. Waterford and Cashel in Co. Tipperary. This 96km route follows a path that Declan took on his way to meet St Patrick in Cashel in the fifth century. A walk here brings you through the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, celebrating the country’s 5,000 years of history.
Slieve Bloom Way
Slow down on Slieve Bloom’s forest walks. Image: SlieveBloom.ie
Boasting the unspoiled beauty of counties Laois and Offaly, the Slieve Bloom Way will take up to three days to complete at some 74km. You can walk in four or five-hour stretches across a mixture of gorse-covered flatlands and relatively gentle inclines. Head here for an authentic walk along forest paths in the heart of Ireland’s midlands.
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