Hill Walking Holidays / Guided Hikes in Ireland

Self-Guided Hiking/ Hill Walking in Ireland

Visitors to Ireland are often surprised as they travel through the country how the landscape seems to change radically from one place to the next. For such a small land mass, Ireland has an amazing variety of landscape types forged by the differing geology that characterises the country. For example only 55 kilometres northwest of the grey limestone pavements of the Burren of County Clare you will find the dramatic and severe quartzite mountains of the Twelve Bens: only 15 kilometres north of the Bens the scenery changes again with the great gritstone dome of Mweelrea, the highest mountain in Connaught. In between these high points lie rich green fields, the estuary of the river Shannon, extensive blanket bogland and the deep fiord of Killary. It is these scenic contrasts that make walking in Ireland a particularly rich experience and give its waymarked trails their variety.

There is a large variety of walking trails available for people to use and enjoy in Ireland. While there are many trails within the country, all trails listed on this website are waymarked with directional signs to assist users along the route.

Over 40 National Waymarked Trails have been established for walkers ranging in distance from 25km to over 200km. Many of these trails can be enjoyed as day walks or can be walked in their entirety over a number of days. Click here for details (description of route, start & finish points, contact details and grade etc) of each of the National Waymarked Trails   

In recent years over 150 National Looped Walks have also been developed throughout the country linking into National Waymarked Trails. These walks are predominantly located off-road, range in length from an hour to half day and full day walks and are all designed so that users do not have to retrace their steps. For more information click here: National Looped Walks

Hill Walking Festivals/ Events

These are an excellent way of experiencing Ireland's best walks. These events are very social with entertainment in the evenings and there is the added advantage of having knowledgeable local guides. Click here for the 2011 Hill Walking Festival/ Events Calendar

Guided Hiking/ Hill Walking in Ireland

There are lots of advantages involved in using a local walking operator to plan and organise your trip, your accommodation, your meals and even your luggage transfers. The itinerary will be arranged based on the extensive experience of the guide. You'll be given the best possible accommodation choices, as well as being directed to buzzing evening venues for traditional music, song and dance and other entertainment.  You'll also receive personal insights into the local region, its history, culture, flora and fauna. Going on a guided walking holiday can be a huge amount of fun, with great company provided along the way. And its always good to know that a fully qualified group leader is never far away. Click here for a list of Guided Hill Walking Tour Operators

For Activity Holidays or Active/ Corporate Days Out for other Sports click below:

Activity Holiday

Active/ Corporate Days Out