If you want to enjoy the beauty of Ireland’s natural landscape, then you should consider one of the best hiking trails in Ireland. These seven-mile hikes will give you a taste of the countryside and its stunning scenery. The routes will take you through bogs, grassy tracks, and roads. You can also find beautiful sculptures and challenging ascents.
Ballycotton Cliff Walk in Cork
From the Ballycotton village, a road leads you to Ballyandreen beach. From the beach, you can enjoy views of the ocean and meadow. You can also see a large number of birds. There are also plenty of opportunities to take photographs and enjoy the scenery.
One of the most beautiful walks in Cork is the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. The route spans approximately 13 kilometers (8.07 miles) and features breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s easy to walk with children and will take you a couple of hours to complete.
The walk is relatively easy to follow, and there are side paths leading to rocky beaches. There’s a lighthouse at the end of the cliff, but you should be careful in bad weather. The path is narrow and has stiles. You should bring a picnic or plenty of water and snacks. You can also stop for refreshments in a cafe or restaurant.
Divis and the Black Mountain ridge trail Belfast
If you’re looking for a beautiful hike, Divis and the Black Mountain ridge trail in Belfast is a great option. This trail offers sweeping views of Belfast and the surrounding country. In addition to a scenic trail, the mountain is also well-suited for mountain biking. It is 6 miles north of Belfast, making it easy to reach with public transportation.
A 4.8 km/3-mile loop trail begins along Tipperary Road and winds its way through open heath and blanket bog. It takes about three hours to complete the walk. The trail is way-marked and ends at the Divis Barn cafe, where you can refuel before continuing your walk.
Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail in Co Fermanagh
The Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail is a 7.4km hike that features a mix of boardwalks and gravel paths. It also includes an exposed mountain path that rises to over 550m. It crosses a variety of different habitats including limestone, extensive blanket bog, and a steep cliff. After the walk, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Co Fermanagh’s landscape.
If you are a keen hiker, the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail is an ideal destination. This linear trail offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape and is suitable for experienced walkers.
Slieve Gullion in Co Armagh
If you want to take a hike in Ireland, consider the Slieve Gullion forest park. Located in southern Co Armagh, this forest park features a spectacular mountain known as Slieve Gullion. The summit is capped by a stone cairn built during the Victorian era. It is the highest point of a ring of smaller mountains surrounding the mountain. The ring was created by a collapsed volcano, and the landscape is breathtaking.
The forest park surrounding Slieve Gullion has a large collection of giant-size sculptures and an interactive storytelling trail called the Giant’s Lair. You can also visit a “fairy village” and meet a mischievous fairy called Flynn. The trail also includes Ladybird House and Calliagh Berra.
Glenariff Forest Park Scenic Trail in Co Antrim
The Glenariff Forest Park is one of the nine Antrim Glens. The forest has more than 1,000 acres and has many hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy waterfalls, streams, and steep gorges. The park features an information kiosk, a gift shop, and a waterfall walkway that spans 2.7 miles.
The forest is located within easy reach of Waterfoot, Cargan, and Bushmills. There are several scenic walks and trails in the forest that offer amazing views. Visiting the forest is a great way to get your daily dose of fresh air and beautiful scenery.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the scenic trail passes three waterfalls and is a beautiful way to experience the natural beauty of the Glenariff Forest Park. The park is open to people on foot twenty-four hours a day. However, the car park gate closes at night.
The Causeway Coast in Co Antrim
The Causeway Coast is a popular hiking destination, and there are several trails to choose from, including the Glens of Antrim and Rathlin Island. Both have varying levels of difficulty, but are still an excellent option for a day out. If you’re in the mood for a long hike, you can also check out the Causeway Coast, which is nearly 70km long.
You’ll find that the Causeway Coastal Route is easily accessible via public transport. While some of the locations don’t have specific stops, you can hop on the Translink Rambler Service. There are also tours available from Dublin and Belfast that can help you get to the Causeway Coast.
Glendalough and the Spinc cliffs in Co Wicklow
For a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, take a walk along the Spinc ridge in Glendalough. The path begins on a steep slope by the Oulanass Waterfall and climbs to the top of the cliffs on wooden steps and a boardwalk. From there, you can continue on a path that skirts the top of the cliffs and down into the blanket bog. The trail also leads you to an abandoned Miners’ Village and a walk along the upper shore of the Lake.
There are nine trails in Glendalough, ranging from short and easy to challenging. The 9km Spinc and Glenealo Valley Trail is a popular hike that will let you see everything that Glendalough has to offer. The trailhead is a convenient and short walk from the Visitor Center and provides beautiful views of the Lower Lake.
Carrauntoohil Hike in Co Kerry
If you’re looking for a scenic hike in Ireland, the Carrauntoohil Hike is an ideal choice. This hike is postcard-worthy in Kerry, close to the Atlantic Ocean. The trail climbs the mountain, which stands at 1,040 metres, in the MacGillycuddy Reeks. A classic ridge walk, it takes between six and eight hours.
The hike is not difficult, but it is challenging, especially in wet weather. You’ll need a map, compass, and a fully charged cell phone. The first part of the hike is easy to follow and is very popular. You’ll begin at Cronin’s Yard, which is at the beginning of the trail. From there, you’ll follow a trail into Hags Glen, a broad valley with lakes on either side.
To reach the trailhead, drive to Cronin’s Yard, 25 minutes from Killarney. Then, follow signs for the hike. The map is interactive and owned by Ordnance Survey Ireland.
Diamond Hill in Co Galway
The trail to Diamond Hill is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, and it’s surrounded by the Connemara National Park. You’ll hike up the mountain by following gravel paths and boardwalks. There are some steep sections, so you’ll need to be careful and take it slowly. Nevertheless, the views from the top are spectacular – you’ll see the lakes, islands, and mountains of Connemara. The trail is rated as strenuous, and takes about two to three hours to complete.
You’ll have the option to hike the entire Diamond Hill trail, or you can take a shorter route. The lower Diamond Hill trail is only three kilometers long, and it takes about an hour to complete. You can also try the 7-km-long upper trail.
Achill Island in Co Mayo
If you’re looking for a scenic hike, Achill Island in Co Mayo is for you. You can start the trail from anywhere on the island and hike for four to five hours, taking in cliffs, bendy roads, and castles. One of the most popular hikes on Achill is the Slievemore Loop, which climbs to 197 feet and passes a megalithic tomb and ancient graveyard. You’ll also see a deserted village and a quaint hamlet.
The hike ends at the “booster” road, which winds through the trees and bushes to the ruins of historic buildings. The area was home to many artists and writers throughout the years, including Heinrich Boll, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1959. Paul Henry was another famous artist who drew inspiration from the beauty of the landscape. Over the years, many other famous authors and artists have visited Achill.
