Best easy hikes in Ireland
Looking for a leisurely stroll? These easy hikes are perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking too much of a sweat.
Here are some great hikes to explore in Ireland.
Most popular hikes
Reviews for easy hikes in Ireland
heyheyitsclaire · reviewed about 4 years ago
Enjoyable trail, starting in Hollywood and ending in lovely Glendalough. Might be a good first overnight trip if planned for right, and is accessible at the start and finish by public transport from Dublin city center. Plentiful water access points along the trail. A good camp spot is St Kevin's Pool. Gorgeous views once you get to the top of the Wicklow pass. Quite a bit of road walking.
Dawn B. · reviewed over 4 years ago
This is a beautiful walk along the Wicklow Coast. The walk starts at the Glen Turn Beach a km outside the town. There's a free car park. you can walk along the cliffs to Brides Head. The beach here is closed off a certain times of the year for seal breeding season. There are plenty of vantage points to see the seals without disturbing them. Follow the waymarks towards the old and new light house towers. You can loop around and return via the cliff walk or take the main road footpath for less than a km back to the car park.
John S · reviewed 10 months ago
Lovely trail. Not much parking but can be reached by public transport (bus or luas) to the Square, Tallaght and follow directions for Dublin Mountains Way
Plantman · reviewed over 1 year ago
This is one of the great walks of Dublin. About half way along the Wall, you will find the Half Moon Swimming Club. there is a place there to sit and look back towards the city. At the start of the walk, if the tide is low, look out for the birds feeding on the exposed mudflats. In the winter months you may see black tailed godwits, sanderling, turnstones, teal, cormorants and black headed and herring gulls. in the summer there is a raft in the River Liffey Estuary for breeding terns. It is interesting to watch the ferries and container ships entering and leaving DublinPort. A guy with a van sells coffee to people walking the wall. At the lighthouse there are lots of places to sit and enjoy the views and the sea air. If you are elderly or unsure of your balance, you need to watch your footing as the surface of the Wall is irregular; walking poles are advised.
Frequently asked questions for hikes in Ireland
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall. However, it can be a beautiful time to hike in Ireland, as the landscapes transform with vibrant autumn colors. The weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts and plan accordingly. Spring (March to May) offers similar conditions, with cool temperatures and occasional showers. It's a quieter time to explore the trails, and you can witness the country's lush vegetation come to life.
Winter (December to February) can be challenging for hikers due to shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and more frequent rain. However, some enthusiasts still enjoy winter hiking in Ireland, taking advantage of fewer crowds and the unique beauty of frost-covered landscapes. Safety is paramount during this season, so ensure you have appropriate gear and check local conditions before embarking on your adventure.
For more detailed climate information and to plan your hiking trips accordingly, you can visit Met Éireann, Ireland's National Meteorological Service: https://www.met.ie/
Remember to always prioritize safety and be prepared for changes in weather conditions, regardless of the season.
To learn more about Ireland's flora and identify specific species, resources like the National Biodiversity Data Centre provide valuable information and interactive guides: https://biodiversityireland.ie. Remember to respect and protect the natural environment by not picking or damaging any plants you encounter during your hikes, ensuring that future hikers can appreciate Ireland's diverse flora.
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