Irish wanderlust — 8 long-distance hiking trails on the Emerald Isle
Hiking Collection by Irland
8
Tours
239:45 h
547 mi
46,125 ft
Rugged coastlines, rolling green hills and mystical loughs; charming fishing towns, extensive national parks and inviting pubs. If you’re planning a long-distance hike in Ireland, these trails make for an all encompassing hiking adventure. While the island enchants with its many unique natural landscapes, the country is also peppered with historical and cultural highlights. In the mood to explore? You’re in the right place. Here are a few suggestions for a long-distance hiking adventure on the Emerald Isle.
Three wonderful multi-day Tours await you in the heart of Ireland: the Lough Derg Way takes you through typical Irish landscapes over a length of around 60 kilometres (37 mi); the Leitrim Way captivates you on the way from Leitrim to Dowra with an almost continuous view of Lough Allen; and the Cavan Way, showcases the Shannon, Ireland's longest river, as well as more mountainous landscapes.
In the east of the Emerald Isle, the paths become somewhat longer and the nature even more untouched. The Wicklow Way is a good 130 kilometres (81 mi) long and impresses with the overwhelming landscape of the Wicklow Mountain National Park and the hilly surroundings of County Wicklow. The Barrow Way lets you explore some of the region's most beautiful ruins, river and natural landscapes, always hugging its eponymous river.
Last but not least, we’d like to show you the west and southwest of the island. With the Dingle Way, the Burren Way and the Kerry Way, you’ll embark on the wonderful — albeit sometimes quite rough — coastline and enjoy another classic side of Ireland – this time shaped by the Atlantic Ocean and not only coastal, but also wonderfully mountainous.
There you have it: eight long-distance hiking trails on the Emerald Isle that’ll make every hiker's heart beat faster. Look forward to a time full of magnificent nature, fascinating history and of course, a relaxed pub evening or two!
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- Expert16:1937.8 mi2.3 mph2,400 ft2,300 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Lough Derg Way is more than 60 kilometers long long-distance hiking trail that first runs along the River Shannon and later along Lake Lough Derg in County Clare. The breathtaking scenery and fascinating heritage make this trail one of the most beautiful long hikes in Ireland.
Lough Derg Way is a…
by Irland
- Expert09:1815.8 mi1.7 mph625 ft575 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The section of the long-distance hiking trail Beara Way leads from Leitrim via Drumshanbo to Dowra. Sections over dirt roads alternate with stretches through gentle hills. The path is easy to hike, but quite long - if that is too long for you in one go, you can split the tour over two days. Incidentally…
by Irland
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- Expert05:5613.7 mi2.3 mph925 ft900 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
In the west of County Cavan rise the Cuilcagh Mountains, on whose west side the longest river on the island flows: the Shannon. The 22-kilometer Cavan Way runs through the valley from Dowra to Blacklion. You walk between the lakes Upper Lough MacNean and Lower Lough MacNean on the border with Northern…
by Irland
- Expert38:4681.5 mi2.1 mph11,925 ft12,050 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Over forest trails, up into the overwhelming mountain landscape of Wicklow Mountain National Park and through the hilly surroundings of County Wicklow: The Wicklow Way leads you through the diverse landscape of eastern Ireland. You will walk in the footsteps of J. B. Malone, who, as a hiking expert…
by Irland
- Expert23:5673.2 mi3.1 mph950 ft1,150 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The Barrow River and the landscape that surrounds it are some of the most beautiful places in Ireland. At 192 kilometers in length, the Barrow is the second longest river on the Emerald Isle after the Shannon. In addition to the wonderful hiking area that this region represents, the Barrow has also established…
by Irland
- Expert50:30114 mi2.3 mph9,175 ft9,175 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
As its name suggests, the Dingle Way takes you to the wonderful Dingle Peninsula. This region is characterized by spectacular sea cliffs and picturesque sandy beaches and is particularly known for its originality. On the 184 kilometers of this long-distance hike, you can see exactly that up close.
Starting…
by Irland
- Expert56:19123 mi2.2 mph14,450 ft14,500 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
County Kerry is known for its stony giants, the tallest mountains in all of Ireland. In between, lonely sections and lush green hills shape its landscape. And because you are right here on the Atlantic coast, there are of course steep coasts and picturesque beaches to see.
Sound to your liking? Then the…
by Irland
- Expert38:4087.5 mi2.3 mph5,700 ft5,675 ftExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
A part of Ireland that is a must-see for avid hikers is the so-called Burren. This is a landscape area in the west of the Emerald Isle, criss-crossed by rocks and rare plants. A karst landscape of around 250 square meters and a grandiose masterpiece of nature.
This is exactly what the Burren Way lets…
by Irland
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Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Distance547 mi
- Duration239:45 h
- Elevation46,125 ft
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