32 great hikes around Ireland – one in every county

Antrim

Hike name Glenariff Trails
Distance 8.9km
Elevation gain 304m
Approximate duration 2-2.5 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Glenariff Scenic Trail Circular
Amenities Car park (fee), toilets, cafe
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Walking boots are a must here. There are also lots of other walks at Glenariff if you fancy something shorter

Armagh

Hike name Slieve Gullion summit
Distance 13.9km
Elevation gain 610m
Approximate duration 3 hours
Difficulty Advanced
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Slieve Gullion
Amenities Toilets, cafe, parking
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips The path on route down can disappear at times so keep alert

Carlow

Hike name Mount Leinster
Distance 8km
Elevation gain 612m
Approximate duration 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty Moderate
Route type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Mount Leinster
Amenities Limited parking
Dog friendly No
Tips Head off peak during the week or very early on weekends as it can get very busy.

Cavan

Hike name Killykeen Forest Park
Distance 4.8km
Elevation gain 101m
Approximate duration 1 hour
Difficulty Beginner
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Killykeen Forest Park Circular
Amenities Parking, picnic tables
Dog friendly Yes
Tips Stop in by Cabu by the Lakes post-walk for tea and snacks

Clare

Hike name Cliffs Of Moher Coastal Trail
Distance 25km
Elevation gain 852m
Approximate duration 5-5.5 hours
Difficulty Moderate
Route type Out and back
GPS starting point Doolin Village is the best place to park and set off from. It's a 10- or 15-minute walk to the starting point, which is a gate leading to the path. See AllTrails Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail
Amenities Plenty of pubs, cafes and shops in Doolin village, and toilets in the visitor centre which you will pass along the trail (about 8km or 9km in)
Dog-friendly? No
Tips This is an out-and-back, so if the 25km is daunting, remember you can turn back whenever suits your level

Cork

Hike name Gougane Barra Horseshoe Loop
Distance 11.9km
Elevation gain 541m
Approximate duration 3.5-4 hours
Difficulty Advanced
Starting point Google Map "Gougane Barra National Forest Park"
Amenities Parking (fee)
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Make sure to have some extra time post-hike to soak up the scenes of St Finbarr's island. There are also plenty of shorter and easier hikes marked in Gougane Barra if you're looking for something less taxing

Derry

Hike name Binevenagh Forest Circular Walk
Distance 15km
Elevation gain 570m
Approximate duration 3.5-4 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Loop and out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Binevenagh Forest Circular Walk
Amenities Parking
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Don't forget extra socks and shoes for the journey home, as the forest path can get very muddy

Donegal

Hike name Mount Errigal
Distance 4.4km
Elevation gain 504m
Approximate duration 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty Intermediate/advanced
Route type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Mount Errigal
Amenities Parking
Dog-friendly? No
Tips You'll come across loose stones near the top, so take care: have the hands free just in case

Down

Hike name Slieve Donard
Distance 9.5km
Elevation gain 799m
Approximate duration 3-3.5 hours
Difficulty Advanced
Route type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Slieve Donard
Amenities Toilets; the car park is in the town, so plenty of cafes around
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Pack an extra warm layer for the top, as you'll be taking in the 360-degree views and a well-deserved break for a while, and it's always very windy up there
Note Due to fire in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident last weekend and the public was urged to stay away. Please check before embarking on this route

Dublin

Hike name Fairy Castle Loop, Ticknock
Distance 6km
Elevation gain 444m
Approximate duration 1hr 45 mins
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type: Loop
Starting point See Sport Ireland
Amenities Parking
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Get there earlier to get a space, especially at the weekends; on the route up, take the forest path, and don't forget to take in the views of Dublin Bay when you reach the masts.

Fermanagh

Hike name Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail: Stairway to Heaven
Distance 9.5km
Elevation gain 628m
Approximate duration 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route Type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Culcaigh Legnabrocky Boardwalk
Amenities Car park
Dog-friendly? No
Tips As with most hikes, try to get here early, to enjoy the boardwalk, stairs and view before the crowds

Galway

Hike name Diamond Hill
Distance 7.2km
Elevation gain 400m
Approximate duration 2-2.5 hour
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Diamond Hill Loop
Amenities Parking, toilets, cafe, information desk
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips If you head off really early you'll have the summit to yourself and might even catch the mountain goats waking up

Kerry

Hike name Carrauntoohil Via Brother O'Sheas Gully and down the Zig Zags
Distance 14km
Elevation gain 1040m
Approximate duration 6-7 hours
Difficulty Advanced
Route type Loop
Starting point Google Map "Cronins Yard"
Amenities Toilets, cafe, parking
Dog-friendly? No
Tips I recommend getting a guided hike of Carrauntoohil especially for a first-timer; Kerryclimbing are fantastic for a great day out
Note Firefighters have been tackling a large blaze in Killarney National Park near Carrauntoohil. Please check before embarking on this route

Kildare

Hike name Killinthomas Woods
Distance 3.7km
Elevation gain 39m
Approximate duration 1 hour
Difficulty Beginner
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Fr Doyles, Killygurie, Hazel and Ballydermot Loop
Amenities Parking
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips The best time to walk here is spring, to take in Bluebell Way

Kilkenny

Hike name Brandon Hill Loop
Distance 12km
Elevation gain 650m
Approximate duration 3-3.5m
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Brandon Hill
Amenities Parking (limited)
Dog-friendly? No
Tips Bring a map and a good sense of direction, as there isn't much signage

Laois

Hike name Glenbarrow Red Trail
Distance 9.5km
Elevation gain 520m
Approximate duration 2-2.5hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Rosenallis Glenbarrow Red Trail
Amenities Parking
Dog-friendly? No
Tips There is a mix of trails here to suit your fitness abilities; if you're a beginner try out the blue trail

Leitrim

Hike name Eagles Rock
Distance 3.5 km
Elevation gain 335m
Approximate duration 2 hours
Difficulty Advanced
Route type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Eagles Rock
Amenities Few car spaces at the start point
Dog-friendly? No
Tips There aren't any signs, so make sure you have a good knowledge of your route before setting off from the car

Limerick

Hike name Blackrock Loop, Seefin Mountain
Distance 11km
Elevation gain 570m
Approximate duration 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty Advanced
Starting point See limerick.ie
Amenities Parking (fee), picnic tables, toilets
Dog-friendly? No
Tips If you are looking for a lighter hike, why not do the Seefin summit out and back, a cool 5km, and intermediate.

Longford

Hike name Derrycassin Woods Walk
Distance 5km
Elevation gain 60m
Approximate duration 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty Beginner
Route type Loop
Starting point Google Maps "Derrycassin Woods Walk and Playground"
Amenities Parking, picnic tables
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Make your walk longer – build your own trail

Louth

Hike name Slieve Foye
Distance 7.8km
Elevation gain 491m
Approximate duration 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Slieve Foye
Amenities Toilets, car park in the town, so lots of shops/cafes/pubs around for afterwards
Dog-friendly? No
Tips There is parking at the start of the trail head, but parking down at the tourist office is a must to pass through the gorgeous town of Carlingford

Mayo

Hike name Croaghaun Mountain
Distance 8.4km
Elevation gain 765m
Approximate duration 3-3.5 hours
Difficulty Difficult
Route type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Croaghaun SW Top
Amenities Parking
Dog friendly No
Tips You can hike from the Keem Bay side also: it's just a little longer. Once you get to the summit, head down to the right for the best view looking out towards Belmullet, and don't forget to take a dip at Keem Bay afterwards

Meath

Hike name Mullaghmeen Forest Loop Walk
Distance 6km
Elevation gain 274m
Approximate duration 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty Beginner
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Mullaghmeen Forest Loop
Amenities Parking
Dog-friendly Yes
Tips Keep a sharp eye on the trail, as it's easy to go off. Take a picture of the forest map before setting off

Monaghan

Hike name The Rossmore Loop
Distance 7.5km
Elevation gain 185m
Approximate duration 2-2.5hours
Difficulty Beginner
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Rossmore Forest Park Loop
Amenities Car park, picnic tables
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Have kids? There is a children's park near the car park for extra fun after your walk

Offaly

Hike name Giant's Grave Loop
Distance 11.2km
Elevation gain 516m
Approximate duration 2.5-3hours
Difficulty Beginner/intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Giant's Grave Megalithic Tomb Walk
Amenities Parking
Dog-friendly? No
Tips Rocky to muddy path: don't underestimate proper walking shoes

Roscommon

Hike name Lough Key Nature Trail
Distance 8km
Elevation gain 180m
Approximate duration 2-2.5 hours
Difficulty Beginner
Starting point See AllTrails Lough Key Nature Trail
Amenities Picnic tables
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Don't forget to check out the underground tunnels or Zipit if you're feeling extra-adventurous

Sligo

Hike name Benbulbin
Distance 13.5km
Elevation gain 544m
Approximate duration 3.5-4 hours
Difficulty Advanced
Route type Out and back mostly, small loop.
Starting point See AllTrails Benbulben Loop Trail
Amenities Parking (limited)
Dog friendly? No
Tips Aside from getting there early for parking, I would just say wear hiking boots. It's very boggy.

Tipperary

Hike name Galtymore
Distance 10.7km
Elevation gain 815m
Approximate duration 3-3.5 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Galtymore
Amenities Toilets, limited parking
Dog-friendly? No dogs
Tips Keep an eye on the white painted stones for a good marker on the route up

Tyrone

Hike name Mullaghcarn and Gortin Forest Loop
Distance 13km
Elevation gain 740m
Approximate duration 3-3.5 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Mullaghcarn and Gortin Forest
Amenities Parking, toilets, cafe
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips There are lots of trails here to meander and make a route to suit your fitness levels and available time

Waterford

Hike name Coumshingaun horseshoe loop
Distance 8km
Elevation gain 655m
Approximate duration 3 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Coumshingaun Lough Loop
Amenities Limited parking
Dog-friendly? No
Tips Go very early, as the car park usually fills up, with limited access available. Also, on your route down the path (if you go clockwise around the loop) it's almost impossible to see, but keep left to avoid the steep ground. Stop at Crough Coffee afterwards

Westmeath

Hike name Mullaghmeen Forest East Loop
Distance 4km
Elevation gain 130m
Approximate duration 1 hour
Difficulty Beginner
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Mullaghmeen Forest East Loop
Amenities Parking, picnic tables
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips You can add distance on to this trail and join others and looping back. Take a picture of the area route maps before setting off to build your own routes

Wexford

Hike name Blackstairs Trek
Distance 10.9km
Elevation gain 580m
Approximate duration 3 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Out and back
Starting point See AllTrails Blackstairs Trek
Amenities No parking, just some space at forest gate
Dog-friendly? No
Tips Get there early for a space to park

Wicklow

Hike name Glendalough Spinc and Glenealo Valley White Route
Distance 9km
Elevation gain 471m
Approximate duration 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty Intermediate
Route type Loop
Starting point See AllTrails Glendalough White Route
Amenities Parking (fee), toilets, coffee shops, picnic tables
Dog-friendly? Yes
Tips Arrive early, especially at weekends, to get a parking space. You can also park in the Glendalough lower car park get a few extra kilometres in

Roz Purcell is a bestselling author and creator of the Hike Life