Updated November 2024– By Seamus Keane. Ireland’s landscape is shrouded in mist and studded with some of the world’s most beautiful scenic treks. And all of it can be seen in the 5 most awe-inspiring walks in Ireland, detailed right here.
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Seamus Keane, an outdoor enthusiast as well as the CEO of Clann Health & Fitness, has taken on plenty of them, which is why we asked him for his list of favorite walks in Ireland.
What they may lack in Alpine altitude, Ireland's mountains definitely make up for it with atmosphere and a rugged beauty you won’t find anywhere else.
From Croagh Patrick to Carrauntoohil, the biggest in the land, there’s something for everyone on this list of the 5 most awe-inspiring walks in Ireland!
And what better way to toast a big climb than with a refreshing drink at the bottom in a legendary Irish pub!!
1. Inishturk Island, County Mayo
Get ready to be blown away by the stunning rugged cliff-lined coast and amazing local welcome.
Inishturk is 15 km (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 this treasure island.
This island is like heaven for the great outdoors and 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.
Read More: Blacksod Lighthouse Offers Guided Tours
2. Carrauntoohil Mountain, County Kerry
Amazing views all the way to the top of Ireland’s highest and certainly one of its most challenging peaks.
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 wait ‘til you see the view from the top!
The church at the summit lies at 764 meters (over 2,000 feet) and the panoramic view over the 365 islands of Clew Bay is 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 St. Patrick’s Chapel, which sits on the summit.
Where to Stay: Seapoint House B&B, The Wyatt Hotel, Castlecourt Hotel, Spa & Leisure Centre.
4. Slea Head Loop, Dingle, County Kerry
Kerry people are proud people and locally around beautiful Dingle, the Slea Head 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. Regular moments of euphoria and a mind flooding with adrenaline-fueled doses of emotion is a common feeling on this trek.
Ceann Sibeal is a well-known scenic headland on the Dingle Peninsula in South West Ireland.
It is also the Star Wars Episode VIII location of the old Jedi temple where Luke begins Rey's training in the ways of the force.
The rugged coastline and dramatic scenery set the scene as ocean world Ahch-To.
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 enjoying the beauty that comes with it, making it a well-deserved addition to 5 of the most awe-inspiring walks in Ireland list.
The Spinc Trail 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 again to hikers.
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The loop continues accenting 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? Perhaps you'd like to add these 5 walks to your itinerary.
