Updated January 2026–Ireland’s landscape is shrouded in mist, folklore and many shades of green and it also includes some of the world’s most beautiful scenic treks. And all of it can be seen in these 5 awe-inspiring walks.
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Ireland’s mountains may lack in Alpine altitude but they definitely make up for it with atmosphere and a rugged beauty you won’t find anywhere else.
From Croagh Patrick to Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in the country, there’s something for everyone on this list of the 5 most awe-inspiring walks in Ireland.
1. Inishturk Island, County Mayo
Get ready to be blown away by the rugged cliff-lined coast and amazing welcome from locals on Inisturk, an island off the County Mayo coast.
Inishturk is 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) off the West Coast of Ireland. It is 5 km x 5 km (3 miles wide and 3 miles long) and there are currently 51 inhabitants living on the island.
This island is like heaven for outdoor enthusiasts and is ideal for a full day of hiking and exploring, but I recommend staying the night so you can go to the local community pub, mingle with the locals, listen to traditional music and hear the stories and legends that have been passed down through the generations.
Where to Stay: The Inishturk Cottages, Tránaun House, and Ocean View House.
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2. Carrauntoohil Mountain, County Kerry
Amazing views of County Kerry and beyond await at the top of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak.
Take the classic route by way of the Devil’s Ladder and Brother O’Shea’s Gully loop from Cronin’s Yard and then take the plunge with a swim in the highest lake in Ireland halfway to the top.
Where to Stay: Killarney: The Killarney Lodge B&B, Murphy’s of Killarney, Scott’s Hotel.
Experience The Kerry Way: An 11-Day Self-Guided Hike
3. Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Ireland’s holy mountain is the ultimate climb. And another great destination along the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,600-mile journey that will take you through some of Ireland’s most spectacular places.
Pick a clear day to climb this challenging peak and savor the views from the top.
The church, St. Patrick’s Chapel at the summit, lies at 764 meters (over 2,000 feet) above sea level, with panoramic views of the 365 islands of Clew Bay that are something you need to experience.
According to tradition, if you climb Croagh Patrick in the correct fashion, you can be spiritually cleansed or receive an everlasting holy reward.
Some people even make a bare-footed pilgrimage along the well-worn path from Murrisk to the top.
A new stone path, from the base to the summit, makes the walk a little easier and safer.
Where to Stay: Seapoint House B&B, The Wyatt Hotel, The Castlecourt Hotel, Spa & Leisure Centre.
4. Slea Head Loop, Dingle, County Kerry
The beautiful Slea Head Loop, a 5.9-mile/9.5-kilometer walking route is known as the finest in the world.
The climb along the cliffs and beaches features coastal views and stunning ridges, and the scenery is truly spectacular.
Ceann Sibeal is a well-known scenic headland on the Dingle Peninsula in Southwest Ireland.
It is also where the movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi was filmed.
By the way, the driving route is just as awesome.
5. The Glendalough Spinc Trail, County Wicklow
Glendalough is within close driving range of Dublin and attracts thousands of locals and visitors interested in taking advantage of its well-maintained walking trails and the beauty that comes with it.
The Spinc Loop is 9 kilometers long (about 5.5 miles) and takes you on an adventure through a wooded area, up 600 wooden steps. There you will be rewarded with magnificent views over the upper lake.
The iconic boardwalk was recently overhauled and is open to hikers.
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The loop continues over Poulanass Waterfall and back into Glendalough Valley, finishing up at the stone ruins of a monastic settlement originally built in the 6th century by Saint Kevin.
Are you planning an activities-based trip to Ireland in the near future? Let me know in the comments below.
