© Tourism Ireland / Failte Ireland
Hike Ireland's coast: cliffs, waves and wonderful wide beaches
Hiking Collection by Irland
8
Tours
14:43 h
32.3 mi
3,650 ft
The waves crash against steep cliffs, your gaze sweeps over the impressive landscapes of green meadows and the deep blue Atlantic. In the distance, you see a dilapidated castle up high, defying the weather. The seagulls cry, there’s a salty tang in the air and the wind tousles your hair; it’s a vision of pure Irish coastal idyll. This is exactly what awaits you on the nine walks in this Collection, which take you to the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the Emerald Isle. From relaxed strolls to longer hikes, these Tours will amaze you over and over. You'll fall in love with Ireland – if you haven't already, that is.
The destinations are spread all over the island so you can easily combine them into a comprehensive exploration. Most of the routes are quite short so you can easily fit them into your day.
No matter which coast you choose, the landscapes are simply magnificent. While the high cliffs in the north and west of the island are impressive, you can also enjoy carefree ambles along the sandy beaches in the south and east. One of Ireland’s most iconic features is the Cliffs of Moher, definitely worth a visit. But there's plenty of breathtaking scenery to discover away from the popular spots too. Climb the cliffs of Sliabh Liag – among the highest cliffs in Europe. Stroll for miles along the sandy beach at St Helen's or gaze out over the Irish Sea along the coastline near Dublin. At the end of your Tours, find a cosy pub and warm up with a cup of tea or enjoy a freshly-tapped Guinness. And because you need a relaxing break in between all those days of walking, we've picked out 11 wonderful, hidden sandy beaches in addition to the nine hiking routes.
The weather in Ireland is special: the warm Gulf Stream ensures a moderate climate through the year. Therefore, you can do the walks all year round. However, the best chances for good weather are from May to September. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing that protects you from wind, cold and rain. The weather can be rough on the Atlantic coast but even then, Ireland has a unique beauty when the sea is particularly choppy — a fascinating natural spectacle. This Collection is ideal to really let yourself be blown away and fully experience Ireland's unique atmosphere.
A few tips on how to get there: you’ll find airports in all parts of the country, whether Dublin, Knock, Kerry, Galway or Cork. A rental car also gives you flexibility, allowing you to easily get to the coastal Tours. So, nothing stands in the way of your adventure in Ireland. We wish you lots of fun and unforgettable experiences!
If you are looking for more Tours in Ireland, take a look at our profile: komoot.com/user/ireland/collections
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- Intermediate03:356.23 mi1.7 mph1,775 ft1,775 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
On this wonderful hike you will get high: the cliffs of Sliabh Liag (also known as Slieve League) are 600 meters among the highest in Europe. The Pilgrims Path takes you to the plateau of this impressive landscape and lets you marvel at the beauty of this corner of Ireland. You hike over narrow paths…
by Irland
- Intermediate02:114.87 mi2.2 mph475 ft475 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Steep ledges, wonderful views over the sea and a lighthouse - what more do you need for a perfect coastal hike? The eight kilometer long Cliff Path at Howth combines all of this and offers you a wonderful hike. And who knows, you might even spot some gray seals basking on the rocks on the way.
The tour…
by Irland
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- Easy01:012.53 mi2.5 mph0 ft0 ftEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Do you fancy a long walk along the coast? Then the four-kilometer route from St Helen's to Carne in County Wexford is for you. The path runs on the south-eastern tip of Ireland and awaits you with rugged rocky outcrops and gentle sandy beaches. Of course, wonderful views over the sea are included.
It…
by Irland
- Easy01:363.77 mi2.4 mph150 ft250 ftEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
This long walk along the coast connects the two towns of Bray and Greystones. On a wonderful hiking path you follow the coastline and let your gaze wander over the Irish Sea. Perfect for letting your head blow out once and for all.
The hike starts in Bray. You can easily reach the start and end point…
by Irland
- Easy00:511.96 mi2.3 mph125 ft125 ftEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
To the left and right of the sandy beaches of Ballybunion, sheer cliffs jut out of the sea, in which, depending on the water level, caves emerge. A wonderful stretch of coast that is best discovered on the three-kilometer-long Ballybunion Loop.
The short hike starts at the castle ruins in Ballybunion…
by Irland
- Easy01:122.84 mi2.4 mph125 ft125 ftEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Mullaghmore is known to surfers for the high waves that crash against the cliffs. But the resort in County Sligo also has a lot to offer hikers. On the Mullaghmore Head Loop you can enjoy the picture book scenery on the coast to the fullest. The path takes you almost five kilometers along the coastline…
by Irland
- Easy01:233.34 mi2.4 mph150 ft125 ftEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Capel Way is a delightful walk around the tip of the Knockadoon Peninsula. The almost six kilometer long path leads you on gravel roads and quiet back roads along the coast and offers you wonderful views of the sea and the offshore islands. The tour starts in the parking lot at Knockadoon Pier.
The…
by Irland
- Intermediate02:526.79 mi2.4 mph850 ft875 ftIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
A wild landscape awaits you on this ten-kilometer circular hike: The cliffs along the Benwee Loop drop steeply into the Atlantic and offer you a dramatic backdrop. The waves rush against the rocks, swampy meadows stretch out on the plateau and in between there is a natural moor path. Sounds great, doesn…
by Irland
Strandhill Beach
Hiking Highlight
Strandhill Beach is located in County Sligo and is known beyond Ireland as a surfing beach. Accordingly, you will find many surf schools here - do you want to ride waves? In addition, from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of Knocknarea and Benbulben and go on great hikes.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Beaches by Stonefield
Hiking Highlight
Beautiful long sandy beaches that invite you to take long walks. From the beach you have great views of the cliffs that surround the beach on both sides. In addition to the fantastically beautiful sand dunes, you will also find a small cave under the cliffs that you can explore. The sheltered bay of Carrowteige is great for swimming.
Tip by Marion
Keem Bay Beach
Hiking Highlight
Here, Caribbean turquoise meets lush green: Keem Beach is located in a beautiful horseshoe bay on Achill Island in County Mayo. The sandy beach is surrounded by high cliffs and thus protected from the wind.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Dog's Bay Beach
Hiking Highlight
The beautiful Dog's Bay has a spectacular horseshoe shape with a white sandy beach that is more than a kilometer long. The sand does not consist of conventional limestone, but of shell fragments that give it a pure white color. The beach is naturally protected by the headland and is considered safe for swimming and is also ideal for other water sports such as windsurfing and kite surfing.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Barley Cove beach
Hiking Highlight
The dream beach Barley Cove is located between two headlands on the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork. The beach is ideal for a trip with the whole family. It impresses with an extensive dune system and a wild and beautiful landscape. This beautiful beach, which is just as suitable for long walks as it is for great beach days with bathing fun, is designated as a special protected area under the European Habitats Directive.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Tramore Beach
Hiking Highlight
Fantastic 4.8 kilometers of sandy beach with dunes and cliffs invite you to long walks on the beach, kite flying and relaxing afternoons. Tramore Beach is located in the town of the same name in County Waterford.
By the way, Tramore means "big beach" - which makes a lot of sense, given this large stretch of golden sandy beach.Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Curracloe Beach
Hiking Highlight
A mixture of the Baltic Sea and the Caribbean: Curracloe Beach is a beautiful white sand beach in County Wexford. The beach, which has already been seen in a Hollywood movie, stretches for several kilometers and is famous for its soft, fine sand. The beach is particularly suitable for families because its shallow access makes it safe for swimming.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Morriscastle Beach
Hiking Highlight
Morriscastle Beach is close to the quaint village of Kilmuckridge, which is one of the most popular resorts in South East Ireland. The long sandy beach is ideal for relaxing walks, and you will also find many secluded bays on the beach where you can have cozy picnics with your family. You can also take a stroll down to Newtown from the beach, visiting Ballteigue Bog and bird-abundant Fodagh along the way.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Derrynane Beach
Hiking Highlight
Derrynane Beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Even if you can only splash around in the Atlantic in midsummer, a visit is worthwhile at any time of the year. Whether you are building sandcastles with your children, going for a walk by the water or just lying in the sand - the beach fulfills all your wishes.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Mulranny Beach
Hiking Highlight (Segment)
Mulranny Beach is a popular sandy beach southwest of Mulranny in County Mayo. The texture of the beach is a mixture of large pebbles and sand. The beach invites you to relax, swim and kayak.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
Rossbeigh Beach
Hiking Highlight
Rossbeigh Beach is near the village of Glenbeigh in County Kerry. The extensive sandy beach is ideal for swimming, hiking, surfing and just relaxing.
Tip by Sebastian Kowalke
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Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Highlights11
- Distance32.3 mi
- Duration14:43 h
- Elevation3,650 ft
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