Hiking in Ireland: Discover the best walks!

As beautiful as Ireland is, its turbulent climate can be difficult to predict. The country does enjoy pleasant temperatures for year-round hiking, and if you come in the warmer months of May-August you can expect temperatures of between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The summer months also coincide with the high season in Ireland, so expect higher prices for your stay along your route. You can avoid this with a visit to beautiful Ireland during the shoulder seasons (spring & autumn). It doesn't matter when you come or where you go, you're likely to get wet one day. Ireland is a rainy country, with an average of 150 days of rain a year on the east and southeast coasts and up to 225 days a year on the west coasts. If you come during the warmer months, you reduce the chance of heavy rainfall. If it does happen to you, you will realize that this is part of your authentic Irish experience.

Perhaps the best thing about a multi-day walk in Ireland is the fact that each stop is a village or small town, with the right accommodation for the weary hiker. Depending on the route, this ranges from full-service hotels in cities like Dingle to self-catering pubs, inns and bed-and-breakfasts in the more remote areas. The availability of meals and other essentials follows a similar pattern: routes with many developed stops, such as the Barrow Way and the Causeway Coast, have more than enough options in store for you. But if you're going further off the beaten track, it's advisable to stock up on snacks and other essentials.

Below, you will find the 5 best multiday hikes in Ireland and Northern Ireland according to our Bookatrekking.com experts.

With just over 1000 meters, the Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, isn’t exactly a highlight. But what Ireland lacks in height, it more than makes up for in rough natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience this is by walking the Kerry Way, a circular walking route of approximately 214 kilometers across the Iveragh Peninsula. This route starts and ends in Killarney. This is the walking alternative to the famous Ring of Kerry driving route and passes through some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

The Beara Peninsula is a 48-kilometer-long mountainous strip of land that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. The rather remote location makes it perhaps one of the most pristine parts of southwest Ireland. The Beara Way is a magical world of mountains and lakes, surrounded by a picturesque coastline. The route leads past grandiose archaeological remains of prehistoric inhabitants, in the form of standing stones or Tombstones.

The Burren is known for its unusual landscape. And what better way to experience the limestone pavements than on foot. On the road from Lahinch to Corrofin, the characteristic rocky landscape forms a penetrating contrast with the deep green of the Atlantic Ocean. It takes about five days to make your way along the quiet tarmac roads, forest trails, and a few tiring climbs.

The Dingle Way is a circular walk and begins and ends in the thriving city of Tralee, Co Kerry. During the eight to nine days needed to walk it, you'll experience the foothills of Slieve Mish, the crashing waves of the Atlantic at Slea Head, and the golden beaches on the Maharess. And also an abundance of Irish history, from standing stones to a multitude of beehives.

This 1000 kilometer route is a big step forward! But if you really want to explore Northern Ireland, there are few better ways to do it than on foot. The route runs through the Mourne Mountains, the coast of Antrim and the Sperrin Mountains, so there are a few climbs along the way. The hike takes about three weeks and usually takes place on quiet roads and forest paths. However, at a distance of this magnitude, there will inevitably be some busy roads.

You will also find various day hikes in Ireland, and below, we have created an overview for you with our top 5.

During this hike, you will be flanked by meadows on one side and the wild Atlantic Ocean on the other. There are plenty of vantage points along the route and the area is great for wildlife watching - so lookout for anything from peregrine falcons and oystercatchers to dolphins and whales.

One of the largest stretches of moorland in Northern Ireland can be traversed thanks to a 1.5-kilometer-long promenade which is opened in 2015. Locals call it the Stairway to Heaven. There is a steep climb to reach the 665m high summit of Cuilcagh Mountain. It is located in an area with a unique habitat and is part of the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, so be sure to spend some time in the nearby caves.

This large circular walk climbs to a mountain lake, two peaks and the ancient tomb on the Slieve Gullion mountain. Moreover, during this route, you have an epic view of Northern Ireland. Guillon is a mountain formed from a volcano that erupted more than 50 million years ago. You'll walk through the hills of the world's most famous ring dyke, the Ring of Gullion. What are you waiting for?

The entire Causeway Coast Way is regarded as one of the best coastal walks in Ireland and stretches for 50 kilometers, from Portstewart to Ballycastle, past Dunluce Castle and Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attraction, The Giant's Causeway. To avoid the crowds, go a little further where you'll find a secluded coastline rich in geological wonders, mythology, and great views. The trail runs along a rocky coastline.

For a spectacular hilly walk within easy reach of Dublin, head to Glendalough, home to 20,000 hectares of mountainous trails and landscapes. This trail runs through Glendalough's world-famous monastic complex and Lower Lake, before going steeply uphill next to the Poulanass waterfall to the towering Spinc cliffs. Enjoy views of the Lower and Upper lakes before descending again.