The Cliffs of Moher to Diamond Hill – hiking the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland

In the past, hikers had to climb over pasture fences and dry stone walls to explore the Cliffs of Moher. Today they hike safely from Doolin on a trail along the precipice to the cliffs. At the deepest point they drop 200 meters down to the sea - a dizzying view that should always be enjoyed with caution. Either on the same way back (13 kilometers one way) or on small roads through the hinterland to Liscannor.

The hike begins about 1 km south of the church of Carran on the road R 480. Coming from the church, turn left into a field path and walk in a generous round (counterclockwise) over meadows, through hazel groves and over a stone area (after approx 1 km in an easterly direction) back to the R 480. No signs. Can be extended as required.

Diamond Hill (442 m) in Connemara National Park is one of Ireland's hiking classics. In contrast to most other hikes, the round tour runs on paved and signposted paths. But you shouldn't underestimate it, especially in wind and rain it gets uncomfortable on the summit - which offers spectacular views of the coast. Start and finish is the parking lot at the visitor center of the national park near Letterfrack.

From the Burren Outdoor Education Center, circle Turlough Hill on the left. After about 3.5 kilometers you come across three church ruins (Ucht Máma). Now keep right, go up Turlough Hill and go down in a straight line on the other side. Right hand back to the Education Center. If you want to extend the tour, go around the hill at the beginning and climb the elongated ridge from the northeast side.

This demanding round leads through the Connemara region near the village of Recess over several peaks including the highest mountain in the Maumturk Mountains, the Binn idir an Dá Log (702 m). Start and finish is at the parking lot below the Maumeen Pass, a well-known pilgrimage destination. From the pass you hike further north-west, the peaks of the "Middle Maumturk" serve as a difficult orientation. At the small Maumahoge lake, keep to the left, descend into the valley and then walk three kilometers back to the parking lot on the narrow, rarely used road.

The “Lub Cill Mhuirbhigh” circuit with the unpronounceable name brings visitors closer to the attractions of the Aran Island Inishmore. It is marked throughout with purple arrows on a white background. The trail follows small roads and grassy paths from the pier in the main town of Kilronan to the beach at Cill Mhuirbhigh.Here the tour can be extended to one of the main attractions of the island: The Bronze Age stone fort Dun Aengus is dramatically located on a nearly 90 meter high cliff. The way back then leads, always with a sea view, via Gort na gCapaill and Bothar na gCreag. Along the way, hikers will find a seal colony and several Bronze Age sites.

The Fanore-Ballyvaughan Trek begins in the coastal town of Fanore, at the signpost on the beach. From there follow the signs (brown arrow) up the hill. The tour takes you on small paths and quiet country roads along the coast to Ballyvaughan. From there it is easy to get back to Fanore by bus. Info: discoverireland.ie

For this round in the “Twelve Bens” mountain range you need good weather: exposed to the elements, it leads to the Benbaun (729 meters), among other things. The starting point is a small collection of houses on the banks of the Kylemore River on the R344 road. In a counter-clockwise direction you connect the Minnaunmore, the Benbrack, the Benfree and the Benbaun in a horseshoe shape. The Kylemore River points the way back to the car.