1 | Hill of Tara Walk

Step back in time to when high kings ruled the kingdoms of Ireland on the Hill of Tara walk in Meath. The iconic circular ridges in the landscape mark the site where people in ancient Ireland believed sacred gods lived, and later it became famous as the place where St Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland.

This short 1.3km looped walk begins at lively Maguires Café and passes by St Patrick’s Church as you climb the short hill to Mound of the Hostages and Stone of Destiny. The loop brings you back to the start point in less than an hour.

2 | Mullaghmeen Forest

In stark contrast to the pine forests found across the county, Mullaghmeen in Westmeath is Ireland’s largest planted beech forest. Explore 1,000 acres of amazing biodiversity with colourful plants, cheeky squirrels zipping through the undergrowth and flocks of birds nesting high in the treetops.

Mullaghmeen Forest has three looped trails ranging from 3km to 8km that take in the best sights and sounds of the forest – the longest route takes just over two hours to finish. Dogs are welcome if they’re on a lead and the gravel trails make this a great place for all levels of walkers to visit.

3 | Errigal

Ascend the striking peak of Errigal in Donegal. This trail is just over 4km and climbs for 500m, with the 2.5 hour long hike particularly steep in parts.

Some sections are quite open, loose and rough so this trail is best suited to these who don’t mind a bit of scrambling. The route begins in the boggy lowlands before becoming rocky and open until you’re rewarded with spectacular views at the top. If you don't want your epic day to end, tag on the 2km stretch at Mackoght to experience even more hiking in Donegal.

4 | Ballyteige Burrow

Breathe in the fresh sea air on a walk along Ballyteige Burrow, just outside Kilmore Quay in Wexford. This 4.5km looped trail hugs the coastline and is flat throughout, unless you decide to climb one of the golden sand dunes for even better views of the Saltee Islands and Hook Head. Most should comfortably complete the loop in two hours.

This part of the country is popular with nature lovers as the warm climate provides a welcome habitat for all manner of colourful butterflies. Make time to spot some of the rare wild asparagus growing on the edges of the trail. If the Wexford coastline leaves you wanting more, you can continue walking on the sand split through the Ballyteige Burrow Nature Reserve for a further 9km.

5 | Ticknock

On the southern edge of the city, Ticknock is a fantastic escape for anybody based in Dublin and beyond. Park in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains and begin your walk to the top through the pine forest. The route is a great choice for those looking for a quick jaunt as the forest road to the lookout is paved and pedestrianised.

With incredible views over the capital and Dublin Bay, you may get distracted from the 10km of walks to explore in Ticknock. The 6km Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop is a rewarding hike that takes no more than two hours to finish. Make sure you pose for a photo at Three Rock Mountain before making your way on to Fairy Castle.

6 | Queen Maeve Trail

Not only are you rewarded with an incredible view of Sligo Bay from the top of the Queen Maeve Trail in the Knocknarea Mountains, but there’s also the ancient cairn of Queen Maeve to entice hikers to the top.

The 2.3km long trail in Sligo has some steep sections as you climb the 300m to the top with surfaced paths and reliable mountain trails making the almost two hour long hike as easy as possible. Standing beside the 5,400-year-old cairn at the summit, hikers can see Strandhill, Coney Island, Rosses Point and on a clear day, the stunning Donegal coastline.

7 | Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park

Visit Galway and find one of Ireland’s most memorable lookouts from the summit of Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park. Standing tall on the outskirts of Letterfrack, Diamond Hill is a 442m high peak with stunning views out to sea of Inishbofin, Clare Island and Inishturk. The 6.2km Upper Diamond Hill Loop remains challenging throughout but the trail surface is a mix of gravel paths and wooden boardwalks, making the steep sections on the two-hour-long loop as manageable as possible.

The shorter Lower Diamond Hill Loop at 3km is a great option for those who want to experience some of the views without climbing all the way to the top. Head back to Letterfrack for a well-earned meal, or head on another hike in Connemara National Park and keep your active day going.

8 | Coumshingaun

The demanding 7.5km-long hike around Waterford’s Coumshingaun Lough in the Comeragh Mountains is a spectacular trail filled with unique features that you won’t find anywhere else in Ireland. The natural amphitheatre, also known as a corrie, was formed during the Ice Age as a glacier eroded the mountain, leaving behind near vertical cliffs and an expansive lake.

The route leads hikers to sky high vantage points and then back down to the edge of the water, the route takes two to three hours to finish. Seasoned swimmers brave the chilly water for a quick dip while others journey to Coumshingaun to go rock climbing in summer and ice climbing when the temperatures drop.

9 | Slieve Foy Loop

Base yourself in the medieval village of Carlingford on a hiking break in Louth’s Cooley Mountains. Slieve Foy stands tall over the village and it takes about 2.5 hours to complete the Slieve Foy Loop – this hike is a mix of country lanes and open mountain top rambles, keep an eye out for roaming horses and flocks of sheep as you go.

Head out on this 9km route along moss green forest paths and admire the vistas over Carlingford Lough, where impressive mountains meet the calm lough. Reward yourself with some famous Carlingford oysters on your return and enjoy a warm welcome from the friendly locals.

10 | Ballycotton Cliff Walk

Get the best of both worlds on a gorgeous hike in Ballycotton, Cork. The Ballycotton Cliff Walk is a glorious coastal route with striking views of land jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Keep an eye out for pods of dolphins playing in the water and ramble along as countryside lanes from the village of Ballyandreen bring you back to your starting point in Ballycotton three hours later.

The loop is 9.25km long and climbs for a total of 180m, so this is a great choice for those who love hiking through rugged landscapes, but would prefer not to tackle steep mountains. The Ballycotton Cliff Walk is very popular and ideal for a midweek hike.

11 | Blackrock Loop

In Limerick, beautiful Ballyhoura is paradise for anybody who loves the outdoors with endless trails, the powerful Seefin Mountain and enough activities to keep any hiker busy for days on end. There are three looped walks here but the star of the show is the three-and-a-half-hour-long Blackrock Loop.

The 10km long trail is known for its challenging terrain that climbs to the peak of Seefin Mountain and passes by ancient cairns, before returning you to the car park in Greenwood Forest. If you still have energy left, the Nature Trail (2km) and Greenwood Trail (4.8km) are two more looped walks to extend your day. Detours are in place on the Blackrock Loop while work takes place on the trail.

12 | Nore Valley Walk

Set off on a walk from historical Kilkenny city to the charming riverside village of Bennettsbridge along the Nore Valley Walk. This 8.2km route passes by a limestone quarry through rolling farmland on the banks of the river.

There are a few sections of moderate difficulty on the walk and a handful of stiles to cross, but regular walkers enjoy every step of the two-hour-long walk. For a much longer day out, the Nore Valley Walk extends all the way to Inistioge in the south.

13 | Sheep's Head Lighthouse Loop

Take in the rugged beauty of West Cork on this 3.7km loop walk from the far tip of the scenic Sheep's Head Peninsula. Head out from the Tooreen car park and follow a well-signposted footpath that will lead you past high cliffs, rocky outcrops and Lough Akeen before reaching the lighthouse at the end of the headland.

Sheer cliffs and steep coastal crags along this hike, particularly on the northern side of the peninsula, mean you'll want to be sure-footed and wear the right gear. But taking just two hours to complete, it's a moderate hike with rewarding views. 

14 | Croagh Patrick

As one of our Ireland’s most iconic hikes, reaching the summit of Croagh Patrick in Mayo is a rite of passage for experienced hikers. The loose stone paths, tricky ascent and 764m of climbing is all worth it once you’re standing at the chapel at the summit.

Croagh Patrick is of major religious significance with some passionate devotees climbing the mountain barefoot on Reek Sunday. If that’s not for you, lace up your sturdy hiking boots, pack some sandwiches and fill a flask with tea to take on the four-hour-long, 7km climb, giving you plenty of time to admire the view from the top.

15 | Mount Leinster

Towering over the Carlow landscape is the lofty peak of Mount Leinster. Standing at an impressive 759m high, it is the fifth highest summit in the province. There are a couple of routes to the top ranging between 7km and 10km, but the route from The Nine Stones is the most popular Mount Leinster walk.

The trail is consistent and reliable throughout, but it’s susceptible to poor visibility when the weather turns. Keep your eyes peeled for road cyclists tackling one of Ireland’s steepest roads as you approach Mount Leinster and don’t be surprised to see hang gliders taking flight from the summit. Give yourself six hours to climb Mount Leinster as some of the detours are well worth the extra steps.

16 | Carrauntoohil

In Kerry, the mighty Carrauntoohil stands at 1,038m high, making it Ireland's tallest mountain and a bucket list trek for avid hikers. There are three routes to the top, all of which involve tricky climbs, challenging scrambles and testing ascents, but ultimately this is one route that keen hikers find hard to resist.

With a name like 'Devil’s Ladder', it’s safe to assume that this route up Carrauntoohil is going to be demanding, but at 12km long and taking six hours to climb it’s the shortest route to the top. The ‘ladder’ itself is a series of steep rocks that hikers clamber up to reach the cross at the top. The slightly longer routes of Caher and Brother O’Shea’s Gully both have their own mix of technical hiking and inspiring scenic views.

17 | Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail

Visit the Cliffs of Moher in Clare for a gorgeously windswept day of walking. The 20km Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail starts in Liscannor and ends in Doolin, and its exposed nature makes it best for experienced walkers. A 5.5km stretch of the route is currently closed for updates and repairs, including a 5km section south of the cliffs between Doolin and Hags Head and a 500m section north of the cliffs, but keen walkers can still access the trail through open areas both north and south of the cliffs and Doolin. Take caution when walking this route and always heed any weather warnings – stick to the main paved path and avoid the unpaved sections on the cliff edge, as there are no barriers.

Watch seabirds tend to their nests high in the cliffs, spot surfers catching the famous Atlantic Ocean waves and enjoy endless sea views and coastal towns. For an unforgettable walking holiday, explore the Burren Way and extend your stay in Clare.

18 | The Wicklow Way

No hiking list about Ireland is complete without the Wicklow Way. Originally a path for transporting cattle to Dublin, the trail through the Wicklow Mountains has great views of mountain peaks, heather-dotted hillsides and and calm lakes.

The Wicklow Way begins in Marlay Park and ends in Clonegal, a full 128km in total. Walking the entire route is a dream hike for outdoor fanatics, but if you’re looking for a special one-day hike, the 22km section from Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) to Glendalough is a great option.

19 | The Cavan Way and Cavan Burren Park

Hike through the raw landscape of the Cavan Burren Park, with its unique geological features and imposing dolmens. Cavan Burren Park is one of the highlights along the 21.7km long Cavan Way which runs from Dowra to Blacklion.

The tranquil Cavan Way is quite flat, with only a few stout drumlins and hills to navigate, making it a great choice for hikers who want to stretch their legs for a full day without climbing any significant hills. Explore Cavan Burren Park and its network of four short, looped trails that take in some of the park’s most notable features like the sinkholes and glacial erratics.

20 | Lough Derg Way

Amble along the edge of Lough Derg and the River Shannon on the multi-day Lough Derg Way. Follow 69km of shoreline all the way from Limerick city to Dromineer in Tipperary on this three-day hike. The trail is in great condition throughout, with some sections of moderate difficulty due to hills and elevation gain.

Enjoy the contrast of vibrant Limerick city, packed with history and amazing places to eat, and the green, calm Tipperary countryside.

21 | Slieve Bloom Way

Here’s one for the serious hikers out there. The Slieve Bloom Way is a four-day-long hike through the Slieve Bloom Mountains, with the 71.4km looped route climbing 1275m. Hike through the valleys and climb the ridges of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Laois and Offaly for this challenging but rewarding hike.

The route can be split up into 20 to 30km long sections, leading you through calm country roads. Reward all your hard efforts with lunch at Kinnitty Castle in the charming town of Kinnitty before visiting Kinnity Pyramid, Ireland’s only pyramid.

The Slieve Bloom Way is mainly made up of forest paths, hiking trails and pretty boardwalks that sit atop the land and lead walkers through the landscape. The trail officially starts in Glenbarrow, Laois, where you'll find the shorter Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop, but you can make your own route from any of the trailheads along the way.

22 | Suck Valley Way

Treat yourself to a multi-day walk along the idyllic trails and paths of the Suck Valley Way in Roscommon. Wander through sun-speckled forests, skirt along the riverbanks and experience the warm welcomes in the tranquil villages on the route that takes five days to finish.

The entire Suck Valley Way is a 124km looped walk, beginning and ending in Castlerea, which remains quite flat throughout. The single-day walk from Glinks to Ballymoe is a rewarding 22km walk with a stunning lookout over Lough Lounge. If you want to tackle the most challenging section, try the 23km route from Castlecoote to Ballygar.

23 | Barrow Way

The 117km long Barrow Way in Kildare is one of Ireland’s most scenic walks. The four-day walk starts in Robertstown and follows the route of the Grand Canal until it reaches Athy, where it meets with the River Barrow to St Mullins in Carlow.

The trail is quite flat throughout with only some sections becoming difficult in extreme weather. Dogs are welcome anywhere along the trek as long as they’re kept on a lead.

24 | The Royal Canal Way

Following the mighty Royal Canal all the way from Cloondara in Longford to Dublin city, the 146.3km Royal Canal Way is an epic six-day walk from the peaceful centre of Ireland to our buzzing capital city. One of the main advantages of a canal side walk is that there’s few noticeable uphill sections.

The first section of the route from Cloondara to Ballymahon is a fantastic choice for walkers who want to enjoy lovely Longford. This 25km route surrounds hikers with rich green landscapes in truly peaceful settings. If you have time, take a detour to the nearby Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre and see the roads that people walked during the Iron Age.