27 Towns In Ireland Perfect For A Weekend Of Hikes & Pints With Friends This Autumn

So, you’ve been tasked with planning a weekend away with friends/himself/herself.

They’ve told you that wherever you go has to be somewhere that’s close to a load of walks and hikes. The more the better.

It also has to be home to some decent pubs, where you can tuck yourself away for an evening of pints, chatter and mayyybe some live music.

If you’re struggling to find a place that ticks all of the above, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find a heap of different towns and villages perfect for a weekend of hikes and pints.

1. Newcastle (County Down)

Newcastle is a small seaside town in the gorgeous County Down, a stone’s throw from Belfast (45 minutes) and a handy spin from Dublin (a little over 2 hours).

Newcastle is the ideal base for a weekend of hiking, walking and (responsible) drinking, thanks to its proximity to the Mourne Mountains and a clatter of fine pubs.

Hikes and walks

You’ll have your pick of a number of great hikes and walks in the Mournes. The best hike, in my opinion, takes you up Slieve Donard (the highest peak in Northern Ireland).

It can take between 4.5 to 5 hours to complete and you’ll be treated to spectacular views on a clear day. If you’re looking for handier rambles, there are several lower-level trails to try, also.

Post-hike pints

Newcastle is home to a heap of great pubs for a post-hike/walk pint. Quinns Bar, the Anchor Bar and the Percy French Inn are all in the town and well worth nipping into.

If one of your party is driving, take the short spin out to the Maghera Inn – it’s a proper old-school pub that serves a savage pint of Guinness.

2. Blessington (Wicklow)

If you’re living in Ireland, the chances are you’ve spent a day or a night in Wicklow (that’s a big ass assumption, I know!). And, if you’re anything like me, you probably go to the same places over and over.

This is one of the reasons that I never really spend a night in Wicklow. However, this is going to change in 2021, after a random trip to Blessington a few weeks back.

Hikes and walks

Blessington is the perfect base for many a walk and hike. You can grab some breakfast and then head off on a stroll around the Blessington lakes, tackle the Blessington Greenway or spend the morning exploring Glendalough or around Lough Tay and Lough Dan.

If it’s lashing down, you can hop in the car and head off on a little road trip on the Sally Gap Drive. Russbourough House is also just down the road.

Post-hike pints

I ended up in Blessington randomly at the start of January. It’s a gorgeous little town that’s home to heaps of great pubs and restaurants (look at the pint from Hennessy’s Hardware above).

I’ve also heard a lot of good things about the West Wicklow House. I have a friend that was here on a Wednesday night recently and they had a trad night on that’s apparently been running for 30 years.

3. Cahersiveen (Kerry)

The town of Cahersiveen is one of the most frequently overlooked stops on the Ring of Kerry. It’s surrounded by towering mountains and all of the wonderful scenery that you come to expect with towns on the Iveragh Peninsula.

Hikes and walks

There are a number of different trails near Cahersiveen. The only one that I’ve done personally is the  Cahersiveen to Beentee Loop. This is a 9km challenging walk can take up to 4 hours.

You’ll be treated to spectacular views over the Dingle Peninsula, the Iveragh Peninsula and the gorgeous Valentia Island.

There’s plenty more to see and do around Cahersiveen: you could spend the morning driving the Skellig Ring and then dedicate an afternoon to exploring Valentia.

Post-hike pints

For pints (or whatever you’re sipping away at), try Mike Murt’s and The Fertha. If you’re after a serious feed drop into the nearby O’Neill’s The Point Seafood Bar.

4. Enniscorthy (Wexford)

The picturesque town of Enniscorthy in Wexford is another solid option for a weekend away. It’s the second largest town in the county and it’s close to a heap of things to do and places to see.

Hikes and walks

There’s a solid 10km/2 hour walk at Forth Mountain (25-minute drive from the town) that offers spectacular views. For those of you that fancy staying on level ground, the 6km scenic Enniscorthy Riverside Walk is a nice alternative.

You can also head for a nosey around Enniscorthy Castle, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Vinegar Hill (the scene of one of the most significant battles of the 1798 rebellion).

Post-hike pints

You’ll find a heap of great pubs for post-adventure pints in Enniscorthy. The Antique Tavern, the Ballycarney Inn and Rackards are all lovely pubs for a post-adventure tipple!

5. Athlone (Westmeath)

If you’ve yet to head for a weekend away in Athlone in County Westmeath, then you’re in for a treat. This place boasts a tonne of history, the oldest pub in Ireland and a load of things to do nearby.

Hikes and walks

You’ve your pick of several different walks in and around Athlone. One that I’ve done recently enough is the Warren Point Loop Walk. This ramble takes you past a deserted Norman town and follows lovely woodland tracks through Rinn Duin Wood.

You can also nip down to Lough Boora Parklands where you’ve your pick of several walking trails, ranging from 3km to 16km. There’s another fine walk called the Portlick Millenium Forest Walk that follows a 5km trail through woodland.

Post-hike pints

The obvious destination is Sean’s Bar (the oldest in Ireland), but there are plenty more great pubs in Athlone. Gertie Browne’s and The Shack are two other great options. If you’re after a late-night spot, get yourself to the Piano Bar.

6. Derry City

A lot of people overlook County Derry for some bizarre reason. If you read the guide we published recently, you’ll know that there’s an almost endless number of things to see and do in Derry.

Hikes and walks

There’s a ridiculous number of walks that you tip-off on near Derry City. The best, in my opinion, is the Downhill Demesne walk that takes you through beautiful gardens and then on to see Mussenden Temple (takes 2 hours).

Another fine option is to head off for a saunter along Portstewart Strand (a 3.2km long beach). You could also head to Ness Country Park where you’ll find the largest waterfall in Ulster.

Ooor you could visit Roe Valley Country Park where you can conquer a couple of different trails.

Post-hike pints

Derry is home to one of the finest pubs in the land – Peadar O’Donnell’s (you’ll nab some of the best Guinness in the county here, also). I’ve heard a lot of good things about Badgers Bar and Restaurant, also!

7. Cashel (Tipperary)

Cashel is one of those towns that tends to often get overshadowed by its main attraction – the Rock of Cashel. Which is a shame, as there’s plenty more to see and do nearby if you make Cashel your base for a night or two.

Hikes and walks

If you stay in Cashel, you’re a handy 30 minute spin from the Glen of Aherlow, a valley nestled between Slievenamuck and the Galtee Mountains.

There are several looped walks that you can do here. I’ve done the Rock an Thorabh Loop in the past and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

The trail is roughly 6km in length and should take you around 1.5 hours to complete. It starts at the Christ the King statue, follows a forest track and continues up along the ridge of Slievenamuck.

Post-hike pints

Cashel is home to several brilliant pubs. I’ve been to Mikey Ryan’s, TJ Ryan’s, Foley’s and Feehan’s over the years and would happily spend an evening nursing pints in any of them again.

8. Ballina (Mayo)

The town of Ballina is the largest in County Mayo. It’s home to the River Moy, a clatter of pubs and the ruins of Moyne Abbey.

It’s also a great little base to explore some of Mayo’s best attractions, which make it a grand little base for a weekend of scenery and pints.

Hikes and walks

If you’re visiting Ballina, make sure one of your group has a car, as you’ll need your own transport for exploring.

You could spend a day visiting Downpatrick Head, the historic Ceide Fields and Benwee Head (above). There’s a 5-hour looped walk here that starts and ends at Carrowteigue Village.

You could spend another exploring the mighty Mullet Peninsula (the Erris Head Loop Walk is well worth a bash!).

Post hike pints

Ballina is also home to a load of different pubs that you can seek respite in after your busy day. I’ve been to Ballina a handful of times over the years and can happily recommend that you nip into the Auld Shebeen, the Merry Monk and Dillon’s.

9. Limerick City

If you’ve visited our guide to the best things to do in Limerick, you’ll know that there’s no end to the number of things to do in the city and across the wider county.

The city lies on the mighty River Shannon and boasts a rich medieval history (it’s also home to one of the finest castles in Ireland).

Hikes and walks

If you’re visiting Limerick and you fancy escaping the city for a walk, there are several excellent forest walks a stone’s throw away, in and around Ballyhoura.

You’ll find the Ballyhoura Mountains in south-east Limerick and north-east Cork. There are  several different looped walks that you can choose from here.

Post hike pints

I’ve spent a good few weekends in Limerick over the years, and I always find myself back in two pubs – Dolans (a traditional Irish pub with three live music venues) and JJ Bowles (the oldest pub in Limerick, dating back to 1794).

10. Dungarvan (Waterford)

Dungarvan is a little coastal town in Waterford that’s at the heart of an almost endless amount of scenery and activities. If you’re in search of a place to base yourself from for a very active weekend (or week) get yourself here.

Hikes and walks

Dungarvan’s a handy spin from one of my favourite hikes in Ireland – the Coumshingaun Lake Walk. This is a strenuous 4.5 – 5-hour hike that’ll treat you to mighty views from the top.

If you prefer to cycle, you could easily spend a couple of hours spinning along the Waterford Greenway (you could also walk it over the course of a day).

If you visit when it’s raining, the Copper Coast is one of the best driving routes in Ireland (and it’s one that people often miss). There’s plenty of beaches and stunning coastal scenery to keep you amused.

Post hike pints

Dungarvan is also home to a flurry of brilliant pubs. I’m a fan of the Anchor Bar and the Moorings, but Nagle’s, An Seanachai and the Shamrock are all good options.

11. Knightstown (Kerry)

You’ll find the little village of Knightstown on the breath-taking Valentia Island in County Kerry, off the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula. Now, although this village is on an island, you won’t need a ferry – you can cross a handy bridge from Portmagee.

Hikes and walks

There are a number of different walks on Valentia, but the best, in my opinion, is the Bray Head Loop Walk.

This is a 2.5 to 3-hour walking route that’ll take you up as far as Bray Head and out along the coastline at the western end of the island. This walk offers incredible views of the Skellig Islands.

Post-hike pints

There are several great pubs in Knightstown. There’s a fine view from O’Neills The Point Seafood Bar. I’ve also heard good things about the food in Boston’s Bar (also in the village).

12. Sligo Town

Sligo Town is a solid base for exploring the surrounding county (Strandhill and Rosses Point are two other great spots that you’ll have seen in our guide to the most underrated villages in Ireland).

Hikes and walks

For those looking for a handy early-morning ramble, head for Culleenamore Beach. You can totter off on an easy 1-2 hour here. If you fancy a lengthier trail, give the Queen Maeve Trail up Knocknarea a crack.

This is a reasonably handy climb that’ll take the guts of 1.5-2 hours. Another great walk in Sligo is the 1-hour climb up Killaspugbrone. You’ll encounter the ruins of an ancient Church and catch glorious views of the surrounding landscape, also.

Post-hike pints

If you’re staying in Sligo Town, the Swagman Bar is a solid spot for food and a pint. If you’re like me and you love an old-school pub, look no further than the brilliant Thomas Connolly.

For those fond of the black shtuff, I can’t recommend Hargadon Bros. enough. Annnd if you’re looking for a buzzy late-night spot, you can nip into the Garavogue.

13. Belfast (Antrim)

Many people that visit Belfast never leave the city. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty to see in Belfast City, but there’s also some fantastic walks and hikes nearby.

Hikes and walks

The 5km Divis Mountain Loop Walk is the cream of the crop. This is a pretty challenging walk that takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. The views out over Belfast from the top are worth the effort.

There’s another great (but much more challenging) walk up at Belfast Castle, on Cave Hill. The 7.2km walk passes several caves before climbing towards McArt’s Fort.

Post-hike pints

You’ve your pick of pubs in Belfast. It’s hard to beat the very old Crown Liquor Saloon. The Dirty Onion is another great spot for a pint (it also does great food!)

14. Ballyboy (Offaly)

Ballyboy is arguably the smallest village to make this guide. You’ll find it in Offaly, a stone’s throw from Kilcormac. It’s also a handy 30-minute drive to some of the best hikes in Ireland in the mighty Slieve Blooms.

Hikes and walks

There are a tonne of different walks and hikes that you can try in the Slieve Blooms (here’s their official site), from looped walks, like the Kinnitty Forest Walk, to longer waymarked walks, like the Slieve Bloom Way.

Post-hike pints

So, you have your hikes, but what about nightlife in Ballyboy? Now, while the village isn’t home to many pubs (it’s only home to one as far as I can tell), the local is Dan and Molly’s – one of the finest examples of a thatch pub in Ireland.

15. Carrick-On-Shannon (Leitrim)

Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. You’ll often hear Carrick-on-Shannon referred to as ‘the hen and stag capital of Ireland’. Translation: this is a lively town.

Hikes and walks

There are loads of things to do in Leitrim. One of the best, in my opinion, is a visit to the 50ft Glencar Waterfall (it’s particularly impressive after heavy rain).

If you fancy a long aul ramble, the North Leitrim Glens are just the job. You can explore them by foot, bike or car, and they pass through Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan and part of Fermanagh.

If you fancy a shorter stroll, the Carrick-on-Shannon Town Trail will offer an insight into the towns many historical buildings, like the Workhouse, the Famine Graveyard and Costello Chapel.

Post-hike pints

You’ve your pick of pubs in Carrick-on-Shannon – Dunnes Bar, Murtagh’s, Gings, Flynn’s and The Barrelstoe are all well worth nipping into.

16. Killarney (Kerry)

There’s a load of great things to do in Killarney… there are also a load of great pubs. Pop two and two together and you have the ingredients for a deadly weekend away.

Hikes and walks

Now, for those of you looking for lengthy hikes, you could try the one up Torc Mountain – it takes between 2 and 2.5 hours and offers views of the town, the National Park, Muckross House and the McGillicuddy’s.

Or, if you’re a seasoned hiker, you could give Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland, a lash. Or you could just head for a ramble around the national park.

If you’re up for a bit of peddling, you could also cycle the Ring of Kerry (or part of it, at least).

Post-hike pints

Killarney is home to a rake of pubs. Murphy’s Bar, The Laurels, O’Connors, Hannigans and Reidy’s are five out of about fifty pubs in the town to choose from. There’s also a Lord of the Rings themed pub.

17. Keel (Mayo)

You’ll find the little village of Keel on the glorious island of Achill in County Mayo. It’s the perfect base for a heap of great walks, hikes and drives.

Hikes and walks

The beautiful Keel Beach is right on your doorstep and it’s perfect for an early morning and pre-sunset stroll.

For the experienced hikers among us, there’s a hike that’ll take you up to the Croaghaun cliffs, the highest in Ireland. The hike here is strenuous and takes 4 and 5 hours in total.

If you’re not an experienced hiker that knows their way around a map and a compass, give this a miss or opt for a guided hike. Here are several more great walks and hikes on Achill.

Post-hike pints

There are loads of deadly little pubs in and around Keel. The Amethyst Bar, The Annexe Inn and Gielty’s Bar and Restaurant are all well worth whittling away a night in.

18. Lahinch (Clare)

The gorgeous little town of Lahinch in Clare, similar to the buzzy Strandhill, is well known to surfers across Ireland and beyond. It’s also a fine place for exploring Clare.

Hikes and walks

The guided Doolin cliff walk is a unique way to see the Cliffs of Moher. You can do it alone or on a guided tour. It takes 3 hours and kicks off from Fisher Street in Doolin. There’s another fine walk out at the cliffs near Loop Head Lighthouse.

Park up in front of the lighthouse and stroll over to the right – you’ll find a big aul sea stack here. If you’re looking for a longer walk, you can do a 5-hour looped walk from the lighthouse car park to Kilbaha.

Post-hike pints

There are loads of great pubs in Lahinch for a pint or five. I’m a fan of the Corner Stone, Kenny’s and Danny Mac’s. Flanagan’s is another great little spot if you’re a fan of traditional pubs.

19. Clifden (Galway)

Clifden in Galway is one of those towns in Ireland where I could see myself happily retiring. It’s home to plenty of great restaurants, cafes and pubs and it’s at the heart of some of the best scenery in Ireland.

Hikes and walks

You’ve a tonne of different walks and hikes nearby if you spend a couple of nights in Clifden. The Diamond Hill Trail will take you up to 3 hours to complete, but you’ll be treated to an incredible view out over Connemara from the top.

Post-hike pints

I spent a long evening in Lowry’s in Clifden last April. We walked through the doors at 5 and left at close. There were two lands playing music and the place was hopping.

Another great pub in Clifden is Griffin’s. You’ll catch some live music here at the weekend, also.

20. Cavan Town

Cavan Town is a handy base for several different walks (both short and long-distance). It’s also home to plenty of pubs and the best breakfast in Ireland (the Hard-Boiled Egg Cafe is unreaaaal).

Hikes and walks

There’s a heap of different trails to explore in the Cavan Burren Park. The Promontory Fort Trail is one that I’ve done a couple of times over the last few years.

This is a 2.9km trail that includes a bog bridge and that offers spectacular views across the landscape that engulfs the area.

Another great spot for a ramble is Dún na Rí Forest Park. A stroll here is hands-down one of the best things to do in Cavan. There are several different trails to explore here, each of which is easy to follow.

Post-hike pints

After your ramble, nip into McCaul’s for a post-walk pint. If one of your party is driving, there’s a lovely little gastropub inside the Derragarra Inn. It’s only a 10-minute drive, so a taxi wouldn’t break the bank, either.

21. Trim (Meath)

Trim in County Meath is well known for its castle, however, there are plenty more reasons for making this your base for a weekend of exploring. The town is home to and within a stone’s throw of heaps of things to see and do.

Hikes and walks

The walk up at Loughcrew in Meath immerses visitors in an area that boasts a whopping 5000 years of history. This hill here is the highest in the county, but it’s only 276 meters high, and you’ll reach the top after a steep 10 -15-minute walk.

You can also head off on several signposted rambles near Trim Castle that’ll take you along the river.

Post-hike pints

Trim is home to many great pubs. I’ve stayed here on several different occasions and spent far too much time in the James Griffin Pub, the Old Stand and Marcie Regan’s.

22. Clare Island (Mayo)

You’ll find the often-overlooked Clare Island off the coast of Mayo, a handy 25-minute ferry ride from the mainland. This island is a walkers paradise.

Hikes and walks

There are two great looped walks on Clare Island. The Fawnglass Loop follows surface roads and green tracks over the course of 1 to 1.5 hours. Another walk, the Knocknaveena Loop takes around 2.5 hours.

Both walks boast mighty views of cliffs, the Mayo coastline and plenty more. Visitors to Clare Island can also have a nosey at the 16th century Clare Island Tower House, a 13-15th century Cistercian Abbey, a Bronze-Age Fort, a 19th-century Signal Tower and a 5,000+-year-old Megalithic Tomb.

There’s also the Clare Island Lighthouse (above) a Napolenoic Tower, endless sea cliffs and a gorgeous Blue Flag beach.

Post-hike pints

There are a couple of pubs on Clare Island. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Sailor’s Bar & Restaurant (there’s a fine view from this spot). There’s also a bar in the community centre.

23. Arranmore Island (Donegal)

Next up is another island – the mighty island of Arranmore, off the coast of Donegal. At around seven square miles in size, Arranmore island is the second largest of Ireland’s inhabited islands, and it’s the biggest of Donegal’s islands.

Hikes and walks

You can head off on a walk around Arranmore (it’s signposted as ‘Sli Arainn Mhor‘) that starts and finishes at the islands ferry port.

There’s a number of different things to see and do on the island, with everything from deep-sea diving and watersports to rock climbing on offer.

Post-hike pints

Arranmore is home to several different pubs, with Early’s Bar, Phil Bans Pub, Neilys Bar and The Glen Hotel all fine spots for post-walk pints.

24. Carlingford (Louth)

Next up is Carlingford, a beautiful little town on the Cooley Peninsula in Louth. This town is nestled between Carlingford Lough and Slieve Foye mountain and is known to be lively on the weekends.

Hikes and walks

The hike up Slieve Foye takes around 2 – 2.5 hours and offers amazing views of the lough and the surrounding patchwork-like countryside on a clear day.

If you’re in search of a long ramble, you could walk along the Carlingford Greenway to Omeath. This is a 7km long walk that can take from 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish.

Post-hike pints

You’ve your pick of pubs in Carlingford. We were here for a weekend recently and we spent a fair bit of time in PJs, Taafes and the Carlingford Arms.

25. Bray (Wicklow)

Next up is the buzzy little coastal town of Bray in County Wicklow. This is a fine aul base if you’re looking to get some walks and hikes in. It’s also home to one of the best pubs in the county.

Hikes and walks

The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk is a popular 7km stroll that follows the coast and takes around 2 hours. Another option is the Bray Head Walk. It takes about an hour max to get up and down.

At the top of Bray Head, you’ll find a now-iconic concrete cross which was placed there back in 1950. There are also great views from up here on a clear day.

Post-hike pints

Now, pub time – the Harbour Bar in Bray is one of the best pubs in Ireland. Get yourself in here for an evening. The Ardmore Bar is another solid Bray pub to venture into.

26. Dingle (Kerry)

The gorgeous Dingle Peninsula is home to more adventure opportunities than you can shake twelve sticks at. It’s also home to a town with heaps of pubs to work your way around.

Hikes and walks

For the experienced walkers looking to head off on a hike, try Mount Brandon – the highest peak on the Dingle peninsula. This will take you 4 hours if you kick the climb off on the Faha Grotto side.

Another lovely walk is the Conor Pass to Croaghskearda Loop Walk. This is a reasonably moderate walk that’ll take 3.5 to 4 hours. It starts at Conor Pass and climaxes at the summit of Croaghskearda.

Post-hike pints

Now, when it comes to post-adventure pints, there are an endless number of great pubs in Dingle to choose from. The pick of the bunch, in my opinion, are Dick Mac’s and Foxy John’s.

27. Westport (Mayo)

Our final stop, Westport, is the perfect base for those of you that fancy climbing Croagh Patrick Mountain in the morning and kicking-back in buzzy pubs with live music in the evening.

Hikes and walks

Those of you that spend a weekend here have your pick of an almost endless number of activities; Croagh Patrick is the most obvious attraction (it’s a 15-minute drive from the town) but you also have Achill Island (54-minute drive) down the road, also.

For those that fancy a cycle, you can head off on the Great Western Greenway. This is a walk and cycle trail that runs all the way from Westport to Achill.

Post-hike pints

Westport’s home to many… many pubs. The pick of the bunch, in my opinion, are Toby’s (small old-school pub) and Matt Molloy’s (busy spot with music).

Where have we missed?

Know of another great spot for a weekend of hikes, walks and pints? Let me know in the comments section below and we’ll take a look!