Ireland · HIKING & TREKKING
A shortlist you could hand a friend at the airport: 15 hikes & guided walks worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Trek Game of Thrones filming sites from Dublin, with cloaks, forest walks, Castle Ward, Inch Abbey, and guides who appeared in the series.
“Even though there was a delay with our bus due to a flat tire. Our tour guide Robbie was absolutely amazing from start to finish. Very knowledgeable about every site we went to.”
Hike Howth’s cliffs with local stories, friendly dogs, sea views, a keepsake video, and a well-earned pint at The Bloody Stream.
“Patrick, you came into our lives and for a few brief hours entertained us with the history and beauty of your town. We hiked the cliffs and gazed out on the islands, pondering the vastness of the ocean and how we fit into this infinite universe. Then we drank some Guinness. Cheers mate, hope our paths cross once again.”
Hike from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher with a local guide, quiet paths, folklore, photo stops, and a taxi back for $41.13.
“Great way to enjoy the views without the bus crowds! Phil maintained a steady pace interspersed with stops, during which he shared interesting facts and folklore. Very entertaining experience and great exercise too!”
Hike Howth’s cliffs, harbor, hills, and historic sites with a local guide on this scenic three-hour outing from Dublin.
“The tour was great. Our guide was friendly, entertaining, and knowledgeable. His dog made the day more fun. If you enjoy exercise, beautiful views, and history I would recommend this tour.”
Hike Howth’s cliffs, caves, heathland, and lighthouse with a local guide, breakfast included, for a rewarding half-day from Dublin.
“My guide was a wonderful story teller. The hike was just beautiful. In spite of the clouds and impending rain, we only had minutes here and there of drizzle. A raincoat and waterproof shoes were a must to keep dry.”
Ride calm horses through the Wicklow Mountains and Kings River valley, with patient guides, beginner help, and a small six-person group.
“Lovely trek through a beautiful area. Ray who brought us out was great! Special mention to Apple the horse who was very patient!”
Hike Howth’s cliffs, harbour, wild trails, and Ben of Howth with a local guide, enjoying sea views, stories, wildlife, and practical tips.
“It was amazing! Dee was a wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide!”
Hike Howth’s forests, cliffs, castle, and legends from Dublin with a Spanish-speaking guide, picnic stop, seals, and Baily Lighthouse views.
“He's just the best guide I've ever met. And the tour is just beautiful, he show us the best places in there. I really recomend to do his tours because I'm gonna do them all. Just perfect, everything so friendly and carefully chose.”
Hike from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher with a small group, local guides, Burren views, free time, and Galway transport.
“Ollie is an excellent tour guide and tour company owner. He leads very personal, fun trips, and shared many locals tips and history with us. He drove us from Galway to Doolin in his big orange van (guides wear orange sweatshirts too). He was accommodating by stopping for coffee before we took off on our drive, stopping in the Burren for pictures and dropped us off for our respective trips. His company connects you with Aran Island and Cliffs of Moher excursions. I'd highly recommend the Cliffs of Moher hiking trip over a bus trip for people who are moderately active and not afraid of heights. We had pretty rough…”
Hike Howth’s cliffs with a local guide and dog, hear Viking and Norman tales, spot seals, visit old ruins, and finish with a pub pint.
“Wonderful! The breathtaking views, well organized incredibly professional guide who added a personal touch to the tour and adorable Missy will make this three hour tour fly by. I highly recommend this tour.”
Hike Howth’s south-facing cliffs, beaches, coves, lighthouse views, and goat country with a local guide over five active hours.
“Shane was an absolutely amazing guide. He challenged us to hike through the entire run. My husband got injuries shortly into the tour but Shane ensured the tour was within his physical capacity. We truly appreciated him and will definitely book another one when we come back.”
Hike Glendalough at sunset, spot Sika deer, explore its monastery after dark, and stargaze with a guide in County Wicklow.
“Both guides but especially Elena were marvolous. Perhaps start earlier so the pace is not so fast and more time to enjoy the views.”
Hike 7km of West Cork’s Toe Head coast with Conor, visiting an Iron Age fort, famine village, wild orchids, beaches, and hidden trails.
“One of the most amazing hikes I have been on. If you are looking for a stunning landscape, no other people in sight, fantastic storytelling and a relaxing time in nature, this is the hike for you. From beginning to end, Conor does a wonderful job of taking you on an adventure through his homeland that will hit all of your senses - yes there is even a tasty treat at the end. The views were truly breathtaking and there is even time and space for some still moments, where you can stop and take it all in. I traveled from Cork city just to do this hike and it…”
Walk an ancient Donegal bog with a local guide, learning about turf cutting, legends, wildlife, climate, and Wild Atlantic Way views.
“I highly recommend taking the Bog Tour. Sharon shares wisdom, information and lore in a chatty and approachable manner. Plus you get to hike in a BOG! I was lucky to have Sharon to myself and relatively good weather. We met up with one of her neighbors out working in the big so got to see how the bog places a role in the daily lives of people still. It is a unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed!”
Hike ancient tombs, mountain ridges, and forest paths near Dublin, with sweeping bay views, wild berries, and a local pub option.
“Had a lovely time hiking with Ben. He had so much knowledge of Irish history and I learned a lot. The tombs and the views were my favorite part. The hike was gorgeous. You should definitely book this hike.”
Pick a coast, a valley or a distillery.
