16 of the Best Hikes in Ireland (From Hard to Handy)

This is a collection of the hikes in Ireland that I’ve enjoyed most over the last 10 years, from Carrauntoohil (1,038m – Ireland’s highest peak) to Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain.

While some of these trails, like Mount Brandon, require strong navigational experience others, like Knocknarea, are very easy to follow.

You’ll find a good mix of short ascents along with some great day hikes in Ireland, too. Cheers!

The best hikes in Ireland

A warning: more and more often, videos on TikTok and Instagram parade lists of the best hikes in Ireland to the masses without acknowledging the risks they pose.

Many hiking trails in Ireland, while manageable on good, clear days, can urn treacherous in moments when fog rolls in, posing a real risk to your safety. When in doubt, seek out a guided hiking tour.

1. Coumshingaun Lake Walk (Waterford)

The Coumshingaun Lake Walk is one of the toughest mountain walks in Ireland that I’ve done over the last few years.

It’s a steep 6-7.5km loop with around 2.3km of relentless climbing at the start and a scrambling section that has caught plenty of people out.

I did this during a mid-summer heatwave and I’d say I stopped a good 20 times on the way up (OK… maybe 30!). This trail is treacherous in places and poses a genuine safety risk if mist rolls in or if you’re not comfortable navigating.

But for those used to demanding mountain routes, Coumshingaun is the type of walk that stays with you long after you leave its slopes.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 7.5 km
• Start point: Coumshingaun Lough car park

2. Carrauntoohil (Kerry)

The Carrauntoohil hike is widely regarded as one of the best hikes in Ireland and it requires good hiking/navigational experience.

At an impressive 1,038 metres, Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest mountain and preparation for the trail is crucial.

If you take the Devil’s Ladder route from the now-famous Cronin’s Yard it’ll take you between 6 and 8 hours.

If you aren’t familiar with prepping for a hike of this nature, please only attempt Carrauntoohil if you join the likes of Kerry Climbing’s guided hike.

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Length: 12km
• Start point: Cronin’s Yard

3. Croagh Patrick (Mayo)

Climbing Croagh Patrick when the weather’s fine and there’s no cloud cover is one of those experiences that just sticks with you.

I did this one several years back with my dad, about a year after having spinal surgery, and it was a challenge and a half.

However, despite the damage I did to my knee that is still present to this day, this was the most enjoyable of the many walks in Ireland I’ve done over the years.

It took us 3.5 hours to complete and good God the view out over Clew Bay will be imprinted upon my mind forever more. This is widely touted as one of the best hikes in Ireland for good reason.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 7km
• Start point: Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre

4. Slieve Donard (Down)

The Mourne Mountains in County Down are home to some of the best day hikes in Ireland, including the mighty Slieve Donard hike.

Standing over Newcastle town at a height of 850 metres, Donard is the highest peak in Northern Ireland and the 19th highest peak in Ireland.

You’ll want to allow between 4-5 hours for this one. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to views out over Newcastle, Carlingford Bay and beyond.

Now, this is one of many Mourne Mountain hikes – the likes of Slieve Doan and Slieve Binnian are also worth considering!

• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Length: 9km
• Start point: Donard Car Park

5. The Mount Errigal Loop (Donegal)

The Mount Errigal hike has had a serious upgrade over the last 12-or-so-months thanks to conservation work that has made what was once a boggy hike in places now nice and walkable.

At 2,464 ft high, Errigal is the highest peak in the Seven Sisters and it’s the tallest peak in Donegal.

If you reach its summit on a fine day, you’ll have views of everywhere from Slieve Snaght in north Donegal to Sligo’s Benbulben. See my Donegal walks guide for more trails in the area.

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Length: 4.5 km
• Start point: Errigal Mountain Hike Parking

6. Torc Mountain (Kerry)

I know a lot of people who’ve visited Killarney and never realised that one of Kerry’s finest rambles started a short spin from the town.

On a clear day, the Torc Mountain walk offers glorious views of the lakes of Killarney and the wider national park.

It’s a very busy trail (parking nearby can be a nightmare) at times and, while it’s graded as ‘Moderate’ it’s reasonably strenuous in places.

There are plenty of things to do in Killarney, but if you’re looking to work up an appetite while soak up outstanding views, the Torc hike is a must.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 8km
• Start point: One of several nearby car parks

7. Galtymore (Tipperary/Limerick)

Galtymore is one of the most overlooked hiking trails in Ireland and, like several hikes mentioned above, requires good navigational experience.

At a whopping 919m, Galtymore Mountain is the highest point in both Tipperary and Limerick.

It’s part of the Galtee Mountain range which runs 20 km east to west in between the M7 and the Glen of Aherlow.

The trail is a solid 11 km-long and takes a good 4 hours to complete. There’s a long aul steep section that leads to the summit which makes this a tough one!

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 11 km
• Start point: Galtymore North Car Park

8. The Knocknarea Queen Maeve Trail (Sligo)

The Knocknarea Queen Maeve Trail is one of the best walks in Sligo, but do it either early in the morning or at an off-peak time as it gets busy!

Park in the rugby club (there’s an honesty box) and then head across the road and follow the fence upwards. 

You’ll get a bit of respite when the trail levels out, offering views over Strandhill, before it continues up through the forest towards the summit.

When you reach the summit, soak up the views behind you before tipping on another 10 minutes for a look at Queen Maeve’s cairn.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 6km
• Start point: The rugby club car park

9. Mount Brandon (Kerry)

Mount Brandon offers some of the toughest hiking in Ireland, with an ascent will challenge experienced hikers, never mind the inexperienced.

Standing at 952 metres in height, the trail here is often hard to follow and there are several treacherous points if you don’t know the way (you can find a guided hike online!).

However, for those with experience under their belt, this is one of the more rewarding mountain walks in Ireland with breath-taking views of the Dingle Peninsula from its summit.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 9 km
• Start point: Faha Grotto car park

10. Diamond Hill (Galway)

There are heaps of walks in Connemara but few pack a punch like the brilliant Diamond Hill walk.

There is a short (3 km) and a long (7km) trail to choose from, with the longer of the two offering views of everywhere from Inishturk Island to the Twelve Bens.

The trails begins at the visitor centre and there’s a relatively gentle uphill section before you reach the base of the hill. Then the fun begins…

This is one of several trails that regularly features in guides to great hikes in Ireland, and the result is that it can be mobbed at times, so arrive early.

• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• Length: 3 km – 7km / 1.5 – 3 hours
• Start point: Connemara National Park Visitor Centre

11. Croaghaun Cliffs (Mayo)

There are several ways to see the Croaghaun Cliffs (the highest sea cliffs in Ireland) on Achill Island in County Mayo.

You can access them from a point just before you arrive to Keem Bay or you can climb the hill over Keem and get to them from there.

Either way, you’ll be treated to some of the best scenery in the west from the viewpoint over Keem.

Like several of the walks in Ireland mentioned above, this is the last place you want to be when the weather turns and you’ve no navigational experience.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 8.5 km
• Start point: Keem Bay

12. Divis Summit Trail (Antrim)

There are plenty of walks in Belfast and, while the Cave Hill walk tends to grab much of the attention online, it’s the Divis Summit Trail that I find myself going back to over and over again.

Kicking-off a stone’s throw from the bustling Belfast city centre, this hike up to Divis Summit offers incredible views out over the city and beyond.

Although graded as moderate, it’s a longish slog to the top. However, it’s the perfect way to escape the city for a few hours before heading back in for a post-hike feed.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 4.8 km
• Start point: Trailhead car park

13. Tonlegee (Wicklow)

I’ve spent a handful of weekends ticking off the various walks in Wicklow this year, but one stands out as being the toughest – Lough Ouler.

You kick this one off from the car park at Turlough Hill and there’s a long and very steep climb until you reach the summit of Tonlegee.

You then ramble across to the other side and, after 15 minutes or so, are greeted with a view of Ireland’s heart-shaped lake. 

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 2 – 4.5 hours depending on route
• Start point: Turlough Hill car park

14. The Pilgrim’s Path (Donegal)

This is one of the more dangerous hiking trails in Ireland and I’d actively recommend you avoid it unless you have the ability to navigate if the weather turns.

The Pilgrim’s Path that takes you to the Slieve League Cliffs follows an ancient path that was once used by pilgrims to reach a small church.

The ocean and cliff views are outstanding but the trail can be hard to follow at times and there are numerous treacherous points.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 8 km
• Start point: Teelin

15. Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail (Fermanagh)

Often referred to as Ireland’s ‘Stairway to Heaven‘, the Legnabrocky Trail takes you up the boardwalk on Cuilcagh Mountain in Fermanagh.

I’ve done this one in spring and summer and on both occasions, despite the relatively mild weather, the wind that whips you from every side made it freezing, so dress appropriately.

The trail kicks off from the car park (you can book a space in advance) and follows a fairly bleak trail for a while before opening up and treating you to views of the boardwalk.

The boardwalk itself can be a challenge, but the reward on a clear day is views out over the surrounding landscape.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 9.5 km
• Start point: One of two car parks at the trailhead

16. The Spinc (Wicklow)

I’ve saved one of the best hikes in Ireland until last. The Spinc Walk isn’t the longest of the many hikes in Glendalough, but it’s arguably the best-known.

The Spinc is the name of the hill that stands overlooking the Upper Lake. The trail takes you up and over the Spinc, providing glorious views of the valley below.

If you walk it clockwise, you’ll have to conquer a fair few steps. But once this section is out of the way, it’s all level ground and descent. 

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 3.5 – 4 hours
• Start point: Glendalough

Less tricky Irish hikes and walks

As you’ve probably gathered, many of the best hikes in Ireland are only suitable to those with good fitness levels and decent hiking experience.

If you’re looking for handier trails, jump into my guide to the best walks in Ireland – here, you’ll find the likes of the Howth Cliff Walk along with many easy-going rambles.