Embrace spring by taking on five Irish walks and hikes
Putting on your hiking boots and heading out in search of a memorable stroll is often the perfect way to spend a free weekend. No matter your level of fitness or experience, there are plenty of routes scattered nationwide that will provide a worthwhile challenge or simply a pleasant outing.
Here are a handful of our favourites, which originally appeared in the magazine’s Tracks and Trails feature. Grab a copy of the magazine for more Irish travel inspiration.
Lough Tay County Wicklow
Highlights: Lough Tay, often dubbed Guinness Lake for its inky hue contrasted with a pale shoreline, is a spellbinding escape tucked within the Wicklow Mountains. Along the Sally Gap route you’ll find several scenic viewpoints, and the stroll down toward the lake guides you through shaded woodlands, grassy slopes, and stone walls steeped in history and character. A couple of cows from nearby pastures may accompany you through the vast and serene rolling hills.
Getting there and parking: Along the Sally Gap road, numerous small parking areas are available. The JB Malone Car Park is a particularly convenient starting point for this route toward the lake, and parking is free. It sits opposite the gates to the Luggala Estate, with access via the pedestrian gate nearby.
Routes and accessibility: The hike spans roughly 8km. While the descent to the lake can feel relaxed, the return ascent to the higher ground is physically demanding, making this route better suited to hikers with some experience. The initial portion is paved until about halfway, after which the path opens into grassy terrain and small rubble tracks.
Ballyvaughan Wood Loop County Clare
Fitness expert Karl Henry emphasises the value of walking and its benefits for both body and mind in his new book, The Walking Effect. Here, Karl shares one of his preferred routes in County Clare.
Highlights: The Ballyvaughan Wood Loop explores the tranquil valley behind the seaside village. The route combines minor roads, paved and sandy tracks, green lanes, lush woodland, and open-country terrain. It’s usually doable in trainers or light trail footwear, but on very wet days you might want to lace up sturdier footwear. The path starts from Ballyvaughan’s seafront, winding past quaint thatched cottages, crossing bridges, and passing stone stiles, open fields, and farmland.
Distance: A moderate 8km circuit that ventures into the valley behind Ballyvaughan, with a midway point taking you past the Aillwee Caves. It’s a gentle trek that typically lasts around two hours.
Accessibility: A coastal road car park serves as the kick-off point for the trail, with some rocky sections on the route that can become slippery when damp. Regrettably, dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Diamond Hill, Connemara county Galway
Highlights: On a clear day, the peak of Diamond Hill offers the most incredible vantage points across the dramatic Connemara landscape, the Twelve Bens range, and the striking Kylemore Abbey. Don’t be misled by the name—this is a peak that reaches 442m above sea level. The route offers several levels, with easier loops under 2km to begin with.
Routes and accessibility: You’ll find two principal circuits at the start point near the visitor centre. The blue route (Lower Diamond Hill) is a moderate 3km journey along mostly old bog roads, tracks with steps, boardwalk sections and about 90m of elevation gain. The red route (Upper Diamond Hill) presents a more demanding 3.7km track. The path is well kept, composed of stone and gravel, with boardwalks along the way as well.
Getting there and parking: The Connemara National Park’s main visitor centre sits close to the village of Letterfrack on the N59. Parking and entry to the park and its centre are free of charge.
Limerick Greenway County Limerick
Highlights: Spanning 40km of terrain, the Limerick Greenway offers a remarkable expedition and a splendid backdrop for outdoor adventures with friends or family as the summer months approach.
Route: Five towns and villages are poised along the way for breaks and sights. The route links up neatly with stops at Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh and Abbeyfeale. It runs along a section of the old Limerick to Tralee railway line. History buffs and train enthusiasts will appreciate the preserved railway features visible along the way, including Barnagh Tunnel and Ferguson’s Viaduct. Immersed in history and nature, this route provides a magical way to get moving and soak in Limerick’s beauty.
Distance: A popular stretch runs from Ardagh to Newcastle West, roughly 4km and about an hour’s walk. Newcastle West, the county’s largest town, offers a variety of dining options. Visitors can learn local history at Desmond Castle and enjoy its surrounding castle park.
Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk, County Dublin
Highlights: Among Dublin North’s best-kept secrets lies this coastal gem. The 4km out-and-back stroll yields sweeping views across Lambay Island, Howth Head, and the open sea as you progress.
Accessibility: A portion of the route has recently had some resurfacing work, yet certain sections remain a touch uneven. The path isn’t ideal for wheelchairs, buggies, or scooters (though nearby Newbridge House in Donabate offers a pleasant, wheelchair-friendly loop).
Parking: Large car parks are located at both trailheads, allowing you to start from either side of the route.
If you’d like to explore more of Ireland, check out our Irish county guide for the best inside tips and tricks for each Irish county.
