Taylor swift said it best when she sang Shake it Off – and in 2025, we’re taking her advice literally with some of the best hikes in Ireland for beginners and experts alike. From gentle costal strolls to rolling mountain trails, Ireland’s diverse landscapes offer something for everyone.
1 Benwee Head:
Co Mayo
Benwee Head offers some of the most dramatic and impressive coastal views in Ireland.
The most northerly summit in north Mayo, this hike will allow you to appreciate the majestic cliffs, rugged headlands and rocky coves which define the west coast.
At approximately 13km long, the Benwee Head Loop is a walking trail which grants you access to stunning views and takes you through open bogland as well as many sites of cultural and historical interest, including north Mayo’s Gaeltacht village of Ceathrú Thaidhg.
2 Kilkee Cliff Walk:
Co Clare
Often overshadowed by the neighbouring Cliffs of Moher, Kilkee Cliff Walk is an untouched treasure in Co Clare. Departing from the Diamond Rocks Café, the coastal walk can be made longer (8km) or shorter (5km) depending on your time and fitness levels.
Be assured that no matter which route you take, you will be treated to magnificent sea and cliff views throughout. The Kilkee Cliff Walk is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with many Irish breeding seabirds, including Kestrel, Peregrine, Fulmar and Shag, in the area.
3 Lough Tay:
Co Wicklow
Lough Tay, or The Guinness Lake, is one of the most photographed locations in Wicklow. The lake is part of the former Guinness estate, owned by Arthur Guinness and it’s claimed that the family imported white sand and laid it over a beach on the northern shore of the lake to make it look like a pint of Guinness.
The lake is on a private estate but there are several viewpoints in the surrounding Wicklow Mountains National Park that can be accessed. The Lough Tay to Lough Dan Walk, the Luggala hike and the Djouce Mountain Walk each offer breathtaking panoramic views of the lake.
Canon Sheehan Loop, Co Limerick. \Ballyhoura Fáilte.
4 Tomies Wood & O’Sullivan’s Cascade: Co Kerry
Tomies Wood just outside Killarney is one of Ireland’s largest and oldest oak forests. The real highlight is O’Sullivan’s Cascade at the heart of the woods.
Legend has it that this waterfall once flowed not simply with water, but with the water of life ie Uisce Beatha – whiskey! The lore continues that, when the English invaded Ireland, the whiskey changed and now it is steep flows of water, rather than hard liquor, gushing down this enchanting cascade. This loop transports you through moss-covered rock formation and dense woodland, offering a deep connection to nature.
5 Coumshingaun Loop Walk: Co Waterford
This hike offers views of Waterford and the oval-shaped Coumshingaun Lough, one of the most mystical and beautiful lakes in Ireland.
At 8km, this loop is for more experienced hikers as the rocky terrain and elevation can be challenging. Nonetheless, the panoramic and majestic views make it all worthwhile. Sit and soak up the grandeur of the mountains at the viewpoints along the route, and pack a picnic to enjoy.
6 Dunseverick to Giant’s Causeway: Co Antrim
This stretch is one of the longer sections of the North Antrim Cliff Path. Maintained by the National Trust, this coastal walk takes you through areas of farmland with grazing cattle, wild and natural habitats bursting with biodiversity, and historical hotspots, like the stone Dunseverick Castle.
The path is easy and flat for walking, with many fine viewing points of Rathlin Island as well as the neighbouring cliffs and sea stacks. The Giant’s Causeway is a renowned geological site of national and international importance, and you can finish your walk with a stop in the visitor centre to learn more.
Carrigfoyle Quarry, Co Wexford. \Luke Myers and Fáilte Ireland.
7 Stairway to Heaven:
Co Fermanagh
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, locally known as the Stairway to Heaven walk, is a meandering route though one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland.
Boardwalks are an effective way to achieve a closeness to nature, without adversely impacting local wildlife and biodiversity.
An 11km steep climb along the stairway will eventually bring you to the viewing platform on Cuilcagh Mountain, where you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding low lands.
8 Gougane Barra Forest Park: Co Cork
Tucked in the hillside of West Cork and the Sheehy mountains, Gougane Barra Forest Park is steeped in both history and nature.
Gougane Barra is the source of the River Lee, which flows from the hills to Cork Harbour, and it is also home to the Patron Saint of Cork, St Finbarr, who built a monastery on an island here.
There are six walking trails in the forest park, all suited to different levels of fitness. One of the most popular trails is the Gougane Barra Loop Walk, a moderate 5km route that takes you on a journey around the picturesque Gougane Barra Lake.
9 Carrigfoyle Quarry Trail:
Co Wexford
A firm favourite for locals and tourists, the Carrigfoyle Quarry Trail is an easy and peaceful hike for all age groups. The area has a history of stone quarrying since the early 1900s, but the site has now been reclaimed by nature.
There is a wide-reaching network of trails for all abilities and fitness levels, and the exposed cliff face and pine forest provides the perfect backdrop. The accessibility of this walk makes it the ideal choice for a relaxed weekend activity.
The Hell Fire Club on Montpellier Hill on the outskirts of Dublin, has a fascinating history as one of the most haunted places in Ireland. \ iStock
10 Canon Sheehan Loop:
Co Limerick
This hike not only takes you through a variety of terrains, including forest, woodland and riverbanks – but also cuts through different counties, including Co Limerick and Co Cork.
Meandering along the banks of the Ogeen River, through Glenanaar Forest, and under the Blackwater Valley and the Knockmealdown Mountains, this trail takes you off the beaten track and right into the heart of rural Ireland.
The perfect time to walk this trail is in April or May, when you will be greeted by a cheerful carpet of bluebells.
11 The Hell Fire Club Walks:
Co Dublin
There are two looped walking trails in the Hell Fire Club forest, located on Montpellier Hill above Dublin. The 6km Forest Loop Trail takes in a circuit of the whole forest and gives you a good stretch of the legs, while the 4km, Montpelier Loop is a gentler walk through the forest.
Both trails take you up to the ruins of the Hell Fire Club itself, one of Dublin’s most notorious landmarks. Since the 18th century, it’s been said to be the most haunted places in Ireland.
Explore the upper and lower floors of the spooky ruin or – if you’re not feeling brave enough to roam the eerie, dark rooms – simply enjoy the magnificent views over Dublin.
12 Diamond Hill:
Connemara, Co Mayo
Connemara and Diamond Hill is a magnificent trail in Connemara National Park, with views of the surrounding hills, including the Twelve Bens and the Kylemore Abbey. It is a very well-kept and well-marked trail, along a wooden platform and rock steps for much of the route.
There are two walks, the easier of the two is the Lower Diamond Hill Walk. This trail measures approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) and is relatively easy. It takes about an hour and a half to complete.
The second is the Upper Diamond Hill Trail, spanning an impressive 7 km (4.3 mi) in length and it takes approximately three hours.
Taylor swift said it best when she sang Shake it Off – and in 2025, we’re taking her advice literally with some of the best hikes in Ireland for beginners and experts alike. From gentle costal strolls to rolling mountain trails, Ireland’s diverse landscapes offer something for everyone.
1 Benwee Head:
Co Mayo
Benwee Head offers some of the most dramatic and impressive coastal views in Ireland.
The most northerly summit in north Mayo, this hike will allow you to appreciate the majestic cliffs, rugged headlands and rocky coves which define the west coast.
At approximately 13km long, the Benwee Head Loop is a walking trail which grants you access to stunning views and takes you through open bogland as well as many sites of cultural and historical interest, including north Mayo’s Gaeltacht village of Ceathrú Thaidhg.
2 Kilkee Cliff Walk:
Co Clare
Often overshadowed by the neighbouring Cliffs of Moher, Kilkee Cliff Walk is an untouched treasure in Co Clare. Departing from the Diamond Rocks Café, the coastal walk can be made longer (8km) or shorter (5km) depending on your time and fitness levels.
Be assured that no matter which route you take, you will be treated to magnificent sea and cliff views throughout. The Kilkee Cliff Walk is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with many Irish breeding seabirds, including Kestrel, Peregrine, Fulmar and Shag, in the area.
3 Lough Tay:
Co Wicklow
Lough Tay, or The Guinness Lake, is one of the most photographed locations in Wicklow. The lake is part of the former Guinness estate, owned by Arthur Guinness and it’s claimed that the family imported white sand and laid it over a beach on the northern shore of the lake to make it look like a pint of Guinness.
The lake is on a private estate but there are several viewpoints in the surrounding Wicklow Mountains National Park that can be accessed. The Lough Tay to Lough Dan Walk, the Luggala hike and the Djouce Mountain Walk each offer breathtaking panoramic views of the lake.
Canon Sheehan Loop, Co Limerick. \Ballyhoura Fáilte.
4 Tomies Wood & O’Sullivan’s Cascade: Co Kerry
Tomies Wood just outside Killarney is one of Ireland’s largest and oldest oak forests. The real highlight is O’Sullivan’s Cascade at the heart of the woods.
Legend has it that this waterfall once flowed not simply with water, but with the water of life ie Uisce Beatha – whiskey! The lore continues that, when the English invaded Ireland, the whiskey changed and now it is steep flows of water, rather than hard liquor, gushing down this enchanting cascade. This loop transports you through moss-covered rock formation and dense woodland, offering a deep connection to nature.
5 Coumshingaun Loop Walk: Co Waterford
This hike offers views of Waterford and the oval-shaped Coumshingaun Lough, one of the most mystical and beautiful lakes in Ireland.
At 8km, this loop is for more experienced hikers as the rocky terrain and elevation can be challenging. Nonetheless, the panoramic and majestic views make it all worthwhile. Sit and soak up the grandeur of the mountains at the viewpoints along the route, and pack a picnic to enjoy.
6 Dunseverick to Giant’s Causeway: Co Antrim
This stretch is one of the longer sections of the North Antrim Cliff Path. Maintained by the National Trust, this coastal walk takes you through areas of farmland with grazing cattle, wild and natural habitats bursting with biodiversity, and historical hotspots, like the stone Dunseverick Castle.
The path is easy and flat for walking, with many fine viewing points of Rathlin Island as well as the neighbouring cliffs and sea stacks. The Giant’s Causeway is a renowned geological site of national and international importance, and you can finish your walk with a stop in the visitor centre to learn more.
Carrigfoyle Quarry, Co Wexford. \Luke Myers and Fáilte Ireland.
7 Stairway to Heaven:
Co Fermanagh
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, locally known as the Stairway to Heaven walk, is a meandering route though one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland.
Boardwalks are an effective way to achieve a closeness to nature, without adversely impacting local wildlife and biodiversity.
An 11km steep climb along the stairway will eventually bring you to the viewing platform on Cuilcagh Mountain, where you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding low lands.
8 Gougane Barra Forest Park: Co Cork
Tucked in the hillside of West Cork and the Sheehy mountains, Gougane Barra Forest Park is steeped in both history and nature.
Gougane Barra is the source of the River Lee, which flows from the hills to Cork Harbour, and it is also home to the Patron Saint of Cork, St Finbarr, who built a monastery on an island here.
There are six walking trails in the forest park, all suited to different levels of fitness. One of the most popular trails is the Gougane Barra Loop Walk, a moderate 5km route that takes you on a journey around the picturesque Gougane Barra Lake.
9 Carrigfoyle Quarry Trail:
Co Wexford
A firm favourite for locals and tourists, the Carrigfoyle Quarry Trail is an easy and peaceful hike for all age groups. The area has a history of stone quarrying since the early 1900s, but the site has now been reclaimed by nature.
There is a wide-reaching network of trails for all abilities and fitness levels, and the exposed cliff face and pine forest provides the perfect backdrop. The accessibility of this walk makes it the ideal choice for a relaxed weekend activity.
The Hell Fire Club on Montpellier Hill on the outskirts of Dublin, has a fascinating history as one of the most haunted places in Ireland. \ iStock
10 Canon Sheehan Loop:
Co Limerick
This hike not only takes you through a variety of terrains, including forest, woodland and riverbanks – but also cuts through different counties, including Co Limerick and Co Cork.
Meandering along the banks of the Ogeen River, through Glenanaar Forest, and under the Blackwater Valley and the Knockmealdown Mountains, this trail takes you off the beaten track and right into the heart of rural Ireland.
The perfect time to walk this trail is in April or May, when you will be greeted by a cheerful carpet of bluebells.
11 The Hell Fire Club Walks:
Co Dublin
There are two looped walking trails in the Hell Fire Club forest, located on Montpellier Hill above Dublin. The 6km Forest Loop Trail takes in a circuit of the whole forest and gives you a good stretch of the legs, while the 4km, Montpelier Loop is a gentler walk through the forest.
Both trails take you up to the ruins of the Hell Fire Club itself, one of Dublin’s most notorious landmarks. Since the 18th century, it’s been said to be the most haunted places in Ireland.
Explore the upper and lower floors of the spooky ruin or – if you’re not feeling brave enough to roam the eerie, dark rooms – simply enjoy the magnificent views over Dublin.
12 Diamond Hill:
Connemara, Co Mayo
Connemara and Diamond Hill is a magnificent trail in Connemara National Park, with views of the surrounding hills, including the Twelve Bens and the Kylemore Abbey. It is a very well-kept and well-marked trail, along a wooden platform and rock steps for much of the route.
There are two walks, the easier of the two is the Lower Diamond Hill Walk. This trail measures approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) and is relatively easy. It takes about an hour and a half to complete.
The second is the Upper Diamond Hill Trail, spanning an impressive 7 km (4.3 mi) in length and it takes approximately three hours.
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