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5 Beautiful Irish Hiking Trails

There’s nothing quite like getting out for a good hike with amazing views, fresh air, and that sense of achievement when you reach the end of the trail. Ireland is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe, along with some of the best hiking and walking routes. With more and more people choosing walking and hiking holidays, here are some of the best routes to take if you want to walk your way through the best of what Ireland has to offer.

The Dingle Way:

Stretching for 112 miles, the Dingle Way is a longer hike that’s definitely worth doing if you want to camp along the way or find cozy country guesthouses to stay in as you explore the stunning trail. It centers around the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry, passing through the gorgeous seaside town of Dingle following long beaches, stunning mountain paths, and winding country roads with some of the best views in the country. Dingle is definitely worth putting on your firebirdtours Ireland itinerary if you’re looking for a relaxing and stunning break with plenty of hiking opportunities.

Dingle Peninsula in Ireland

The Burren:

Located in Co. Clare, the Burren offers a two-hundred-mile stretch of limestone-covered fields for an unusual hike that resembles ancient ruins. You can explore underground rivers that run through caves and tunnels that have been carved over the years by dissolved soft rock and find wildflowers that you’d expect to see in a Mediterranean climate.

The Burren, Ireland

The Connemara Loop:

If you’re looking for a shorter trail the Connemara Loop offers 49 miles of stunning countryside and beautiful coastline suggests bandbireland.com. The trail begins at Galway Bay and stretches all the way up to Killary Harbor, and it’s a popular spot with backpackers. There are plenty of shady glens to relax in and prehistoric bogs to explore along the way. If you’re not feeling up to hiking, the Connemara Loop is a very popular Irish road trip option.

An aerial view of the N59, or Connemara Loop, near the village of Leenaun, also Leenane, in northern County Galway, Ireland, on the southern shore of Killary Harbour.

The Antrim Hills:

Although this is one of the shorter trails at just 22 miles, the bumpy landscape definitely makes up for the length of the trail if you’re looking for a hike that gives you a good workout. Pass through the famous Giant’s Causeway, the awesome Dunluce Castle ruins, and the huge seabird colony located at Rathlin Island as you work your way along the rugged Antrim coastline.

Male hiker standing in the shadow looking at the view over the mountains in Ireland.

The Ring of Beara:

One of the most underrated sections of the Wild Atlantic Way in terms of landscape, The Ring of Beara can be found hidden away in the southwest corner of Ireland and has more to offer than most expect. Walking around the loop of the peninsula is one of the best ways to get some of the most stunning sea views in the country, with the Kerry mountains providing a perfect backdrop. If you’re planning a trip by a Cork to Dublin train during your holiday, the Ring of Beara is definitely worth getting off the beaten path and exploring this hidden gem in Ireland, says rail.ninja.

With hiking trips on the rise, Ireland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for walkers with so many amazing locations offering stunning views.

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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