Best wildlife hikes in Ireland
Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.
Here are some great hikes to explore in Ireland.
Most popular hikes
Reviews for wildlife hikes in Ireland
BigBur 路 reviewed about 3 years ago
I was lucky with the weather. Fully packed 17kg backpack and the full stretch in five days is a challenge but one worth to go for. 馃
Gillian Lupton 路 reviewed almost 5 years ago
Love this loop looking down on Coumshingaun. Steep climb to begin with but once up to the height it鈥檚 all easy going. Can be treacherous in places so footwear with good grip is needed and take extra care in wet or cloudy weather. Bit of scrambling at times too. Has become very popular so get there early if going at the weekend. Parking for about 15 cars in the car park.
Crone Wood And Maulin Mountain
Andy P 路 reviewed over 2 years ago
The first half of the hike through the woods and nough, the steepness only increases gradually so it's not too hard on the legs. The last bit up to the summit is a bit steeper but not too bad. Fantastic views of the Great Sugar Loaf, Powerscourt Waterfall, Dalkey Island, Bray head etc. Took us about 2 and a half hours in total.
Lugnaquilla and Arts Lough Circular
Bernie 路 reviewed about 2 years ago
Beautiful day. Just Eileen & I. Went up by Fraughen Rock Glen, but this but didn鈥檛 record. Took 2 hours , 35 mns to the top. Downward track by Art 鈥楽 Lough recorded. 6.8kms, 2 hours, 11mns. Total 4 hours, 46mns.
Lough Ouler and Tonelagee Loop
Hannah 路 reviewed over 3 years ago
Definitely helps to have hiking boots, was very muddy underfoot for much of the trail. My poor friend fell several times in a pair of regular runners. Took us about 4 hours, with a 20 min lunch stop and we did a good bit of the start through thick undergrowth which I'm sure added a few minutes. Saw plenty of people with dogs on the trail. We did the trail in the opposite direction than indicated and enjoyed the riverside walk at the end, which is a nice relaxing way to end the hike
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 脡ireann, 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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