Ireland doesn’t require speed. It requires stillness, quiet footsteps along sheep-worn paths, and the soft hush of wind through the trees. To walk here is to trace stories older than time, to feel the land move beneath you in peat, stone, and sea air.
The best walks in Ireland aren’t always the longest or the most famous. They’re the ones that draw you in like a long-lost lover who wishes you’d stay.
We’ve gathered up ten of the most beautiful, soul-stirring walks across the island, from ancient pilgrim routes to cliffside rambles and forested trails. Ready to get lost?
Doolin Cliff Walk | County Clare
Stretching from the musical village of Doolin to the mighty Cliffs of Moher, this walk is raw, windswept, and unforgettable. Along the way, you’ll learn that the cliffs rise to over 700 feet, the seabirds wheel below in a dance party, and the Atlantic waves crash in an endless rhythm.
Local guide Pat Sweeney loves to lead walkers along this route, telling stories of geology, folklore, and family. It’s a walk that takes you to the edge of the earth, but always offers a gentle return home.
The Burren Way | County Clare
Further inland in Clare, this strange, lunar landscape is made for walking slowly. The Burren is all limestone and silence, with wild orchids in the cracks and dolmens standing crooked in the fields.
You can take the route between Ballyvaughan and Carran, or wander out from the village of Fanore (our personal favorite). The hills roll in soft stretches of grays and purples, with views that extend out toward Galway Bay. Here, everything feels ancient, including the thoughts and revelations that will come upon you as you stand in this enchanted land.
Croagh Patrick | County Mayo
This holy mountain has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Saint Patrick is said to have fasted on its summit in the 5th century, and thousands still climb it barefoot on Reek Sunday.
You’ll find it to be a steep, scree-covered ascent, but the view from the top, across Clew Bay and its 365 islands, is one of the finest in Ireland. Upon completion, stop in nearby Westport for a warm bowl of chowder at The Tavern, a welcome end to a reverent climb.
Slieve League | County Donegal
Towering even higher than the Cliffs of Moher, the cliffs at Slieve League rise in wild defiance above Donegal’s ragged coast. The Pilgrim’s Path trails from a car park near Bunglass up through bog and heath to a view that silences everything.
This pathway once guided barefoot pilgrims toward a sacred summit. Today, it offers solitude and sea air to clear the soul. On a cloudless day, you may even see all the way to Mayo.
The Kerry Way | County Kerry
Longer than the Ring of Kerry and far quieter, the Kerry Way etches through Iveragh Peninsula’s mountains, valleys, and coastlines. For a bite-sized taste, try the walk from Waterville to Caherdaniel, passing bogland, stone forts, and ancient trackways.
Stay overnight at Derrynane Hotel, near the former home of Daniel O’Connell, or tuck into a pint and a bowl of seafood chowder at The Blind Piper. This is Kerry in its purest form, rugged and green as a storybook.
Mount Brandon | County Kerry
Kerry truly is a special county. So, let’s move further west to another one of its peninsulas that juts out into the sea, Dingle Peninsula.
Named for Saint Brendan the Navigator, this peak is tied to tales of sea voyages and spiritual vision. The ascent begins near Faha and winds up past stone crosses, wild ridges, and wind-sculpted rock.
On a clear day, the view stretches from the Blasket Islands to the far reaches of the Atlantic. You’ll sense there’s something ancient here, something that pulls at the marrow of your bones. And, even if the weather turns, you won’t mind the cleansing effect of Ireland’s rain.
The Wicklow Way | Counties Wicklow and Dublin
As one of Ireland’s oldest long-distance trails, the Wicklow Way stretches over 80 miles through the Garden of Ireland (Wicklow’s beloved nickname). But, even a shorter section, such as the walk from Glendalough to Glenmalure, brings pure magic.
You’ll cross monastic ruins, hidden waterfalls, and quiet forest tracks once trodden by rebels and pilgrims (and possibly a few fairies). At Glendalough, founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century, the stillness will wrap around you like a hymn – and stay with you forever.
Howth Cliff Path Loop | County Dublin
Just a short train ride from Dublin City, the seaside village of Howth feels like another world. Its cliff path loops around the headland, serving up views of sea stacks and distant lighthouses.
Stop for lunch at Aqua Restaurant, perched above the harbor, or pick up a scone from Bodega Coffee before setting off. This is a walk best done slowly, with time to breathe in the sea salt and watch the gannets dive with rigorous enthusiasm.
Glenariff Forest Park | County Antrim
Into the north we go! In the heart of the Glens of Antrim, Glenariff offers something gentler: fern-filled gorges, ribboning waterfalls, and paths softened by moss and leaf.
The Waterfall Walkway is short but breathtaking, winding along boardwalks and forested trails beside tumbling cascades. You’ll hear nothing but water, wind, and the occasional birdcall. It’s the perfect companion to a visit along the Causeway Coast.
The Causeway Coast Way | County Antrim
Like Kerry, Antrim is dappled in dreams. From the ruin of Dunluce Castle to the basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway, this northern trail delivers drama at every turn. The path follows cliff edges, golden beaches, rope bridges, and sea caves, all with the thrum of waves below.
Set out from Ballintoy or Bushmills and walk as far as the light will lead you. On your return, stop at The Bushmills Inn for a fireside drink and a plate of freshly caught hake.
Beyond the Final Footstep
Walking in Ireland isn’t about distance; it’s about rhythm. It’s the soft press of your boots into peat, the sound of wind over stone, and the quiet welcome of a village at trail’s end. Whether you find yourself high on a windswept mountain or pausing beside an ancient ruin, you’ll know you’re somewhere special.
Although it’ll be difficult, when you’re ready to keep going, come take a look at our library of destination guides. From windswept Hebridean shores to the fjords of Norway, we’ll help you continue your soul-squeezing journey towards total transformation.