Discover the fascinating Celtic culture and rugged wild scenery of the enchanting Emerald Isle on a walking holiday in Ireland. From the ancient oak woodlands and majestic mountain panoramas of Killarney National Park to the character-filled pubs and sandy beaches along the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll soon find that the best way to explore Ireland’s greatest gems is on foot.
Whether you’re looking to visit the stunning Gap of Dunloe, see Charlie Chaplin’s favourite fishing spot in Waterville or grab a whiskey glass and raise a toast to the “water of life” in Dingle’s famous distillery, the beautiful landscapes and rich history will leave a lasting impression on you. The warm, Irish hospitality is famous all around the world and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to get to know the locals during your holiday and learn about their Celtic heritage.
On our Walking and Cycling the Atlantic Way you can soak in County Kerry’s Golden beaches, hike to the picturesque Torc Waterfall, and go in search of Dingle’s most famous resident, ‘Fungi’, the Bottlenose Dolphin. Or discover the mystical Kerry Way on our walking holidays in Ireland, where you visit the famous glacial lakes in Killarney National Park and follow a 17th-century ‘stage coach’ mountain trail towards the Dingle Peninsula on the Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney Short Break. If looking for an extended stay, why not follow a series of forest tracks towards Dromore Castle, admire the ruins of Kilcrohane Church and walk through the fairy woods to Glenbeigh on our Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney National Park trip?
Walking Holidays in Ireland
8 DaysfromUSD 1880
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
County Kerry's iconic scenery – sea cliffs, soft golden beaches, emerald-green farmland and cloud-torn mountain peaks.
Cycling
8 DaysfromUSD 1670
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail – at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes – a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history.
Walking & Trekking
6 DaysfromUSD 1565
Self-Guided Holidays (Excl. Flights)
Situated in the south-east of Ireland, Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest of Ireland's National Parks.
Top Five Places to Explore on Walking Holidays in Ireland
Wicklow Way: Spanning approximately 130km from Marley Park in Dublin, the Wicklow Way takes you on stunning walking trails across the Wicklow Mountains and through some of the most scenic landscapes in Ireland. The walk is usually split into sections, so you have lots of time to soak up all the coastal and mountain views. Glencree Valley is a particularly beautiful part of the walk where you can ascend to the famous Powerscourt Waterfall. Some of the best viewpoints along the Wicklow Way can be found from Djouce Mountain and White Hill, which overlooks two gorgeous glacial lakes.
Kerry Way: At over 210km in length, the Kerry Way is the longest trail in Ireland and navigates some of the most diverse and dramatic landscapes which are brimming with a history dating back 10,000 years. From rugged coastal cliffs and menacing mountain peaks to hushed forests and open farmland, the route covers a wide variety of terrains. At different points along the Kerry Way, pretty waterfalls, Iron Age forts and crumbling abbeys punctuate the landscape and make great places to pause and take in the natural beauty and history of this delightful part of the Emerald Isle.
Killarney National Park: Also located along the Kerry Way is Killarney National Park but we think it deserves a mention in its own right. Home to 10,000 hectares of woodland, lakes and mountains, it jostles for the top place in Ireland’s list of best national parks. As well as laying claim to the country’s highest mountain range, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, you’ll also find sparkling lakes, and red deer roaming wild. Muckross House is a 19th-century mansion that sits inside manicured gardens and is a focal point worth exploring within the national park.
Dublin: When walking the Wicklow Way, be sure to explore Dublin on foot too. While many people visit the vibrant city for its pubs and nightlife, there’s so much more to discover. Its rich heritage and culture are deeply ingrained in day-to-day life and among the city’s streets. See the statue of ‘Molly Malone’, go on the renowned literary pub walk where you’ll learn about famous Irish writers or visit the National Gallery to see the works of Picasso, Jack B Yeats and Caravaggio.
Wild Atlantic Way: This wild and beautiful coastal route is one of the longest in the world, stretching an incredible 1,600 miles. Winding past windswept cliffs, enchanting islands and fishing villages, from the Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale in County Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way reveals natural wonders and historical sites. Along the way, you’ll come across ancient monuments that tell stories of Ireland’s history, and local folk that recount the origins of old traditions that are still alive today. If you want to see further into the soul of Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way will take you on a heart-warming journey you won’t forget.