From 10km loops with breathtaking peaks to more leisurely routes around the Irish countryside, the staffers weigh in on the best hiking (and walking!) trails around Ireland.
Dearbhla Lovett, IMAGE First Activations Freelancer
You know the stereotypical wellness girl: loves matcha, has an Instagram story up of a sunset at least once a week, goes to Pilates and loves long walks? Hi, so yes, that’s unapologetically me. I like to think I know and appreciate the fact that we have some really gorgeous walks at our doorstep here in Ireland. Here are some of my favourites:
Hellfire Club Dublin: I’m on a mission to find one of the best sunset walks in Dublin, and this is certainly up there. A good 4-5km walk, very suitable for beginners as it is mostly flat, with gorgeous views of Dublin city. I’ve gotten some really gorgeous sunsets up here.
Farnham Estate Cavan: The woodland walk specifically. When I’m down home in Cavan this is my go-to walk. With various routes of different lengths, you can do anywhere from a 2km walk to 8km. The grounds here are incredibly well kept, with various trees and plants from around the world, plus a big lake that the dogs love swimming in!
Can we also take a moment to say how much I miss the Bray to Greystones cliff walk! This was the perfect ‘fresh-head’ Sunday morning walk. Especially if you left from Bray, you would arrive at Greystones which had an almost smugly healthy aura about it (which I loved!). When you finish your walk, you could go to The Happy Pear for a wholesome breakfast (and vegan chocolate chip cookies), then go down to The Fat Fox for a delicious coffee and a selection of freshly baked treats. The walk itself was beautiful all along the coast — bring her back!
Meghan Killalea, Marketing Account Executive
I bought my boyfriend Roz Purcell’s The Hike Life book last year as a little add-on birthday present, but it quickly became our bible for adventure-filled weekend outings. Since then, we have hiked Mount Maulin in Co. Wicklow, Mount Brandon and Caherconree in Co. Kerry, and the Sugarloaf to name a few.
Mount Maulin was one of the best trails I’ve ever hiked: beautiful views, a simple route to follow, and a very satisfying summit when you (eventually) reach it. It’s about a 10km loop so it will take the day but it’s definitely worth it.
The Sugarloaf surprised me as being a relatively easy hike compared to some of the others we’ve done. Don’t get me wrong, it’s steep and can sometimes feel like a never-ending staircase but it only takes about an hour to reach the top and the views are beautiful.
The hikes in Kerry are not for the faint of heart, and Caherconree still remains the toughest hike I’ve done to date. But I can honestly say that I have never been more in awe of a view in my entire life, and the sense of achievement when you reach the peak of the Sliabh Mis Mountains is hard to beat. Mount Brandon is equally tough, and considering it’s one of the highest peaks in Ireland I shouldn’t have been surprised. However, the views are breathtaking enough to warrant the pain in your legs, and I will forever crave the swim we had in the clear lake at the top of the mountain.
For more general (and less intense) walking trails, I grew up about five minutes from Donadea Forest Park which is a beautiful place to walk amongst the trees. I’m also a big fan of the walks around Carton House, always the perfect choice for a coffee and walk with friends.
Sarah Gill, Features Editor, IMAGE.ie
Playing it fast and loose with the term ‘hike’ here as I’m more of a leisurely stroll kind of person, but I love wandering around the Bluebell Loop in Mote Park when I’m home in Roscommon. As the name suggests, the trail is lined with a sea of blue in springtime, when the ‘bells are in full blossom, but it’s a pretty nice place to walk your dog or enjoy a slow paced walk with a pal all year round. There’s also the Golden Mile in Ballymoe, and Sliabh Bawn about 20 minutes outside of Roscommon town if you fancy more of an ascent. Honourable mention must also go to the Demesne in Castlerea specifically for its Fairy Village, where publican fairies, librarian fairies, hairdresser fairies and just about any other calling a fairy could have will find employment. It’s utterly adorable.
Shayna (Sappington) Healy, Branded Content Editor and Wedding Editor
One of my favourite trails this summer has been in Glendalough. They have loads available to choose from, depending on the length and difficulty level you want (here’s a handy guide!), but the Green Walk only takes an hour and is an easy stroll to bring the dog on as well. The views are incredible and it’s only an hour drive from Dublin. Afterwards, I’d recommend stopping into Roundwood Stores for a delicious brunch and coffee, and to shop for some locally made goodies.
Susan Vickers, Account Manager
I feel lucky to have lived in places with such stunning walks, there’s really nothing quite like it. Sligo still feels like a hidden gem for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether it’s forest trails through Hazelwood or up to Union Rock, or mountain hikes like Benbulben or Knocknarea, there is something for everyone and I often find myself stopping just to soak it all in. The Caves of Keash are next on my list, I’ve only seen photos, but they look incredible.
Then there’s Howth. I love nothing more than an early morning cliff walk there. I’m a sucker for a sunrise, but watching the sky turn pink as the sun rises over the sea in Howth is magic. And anywhere you can grab a good coffee after a walk is a winner in my book!
Laura Merrigan, Graphic Designer
I’m not a big fan of elevations, preferring trails and walks closer to ground level. They are usually incentivised with a cafe/coffee close by the start/finish in all cases! Case in point a gorgeous river walk I discovered in Annascaul, Co Kerry. If you’re looking for something easy underfoot and some picturesque countryside, it’s a gorgeous way to pass an hour or two. It’s a route for levels of fitness and ability with lots of historic and nature stops and places to perch en route and delicious fare and coffee afterwards at Báinín Coffee in the village.
Closer to home the beautiful cliff walk from Donabate to Portrane, Co Dublin is hard to beat on a sunny day. It’s about 2.5km each way with some incredible views of Howth Head, Dublin Bay, Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Saint Ita’s Domain, and the Martello Tower at Portrane to take in as you go. Pack your togs for a cooling dip in the secluded Lady’s Beach and restore any aching muscles in the sea sauna afterward (do book ahead). Refuel at The Carriage food truck before your return walk back to Donabate.
Also Read
