By: Rebecca Wood
There are so many breathtaking sites to see in Ireland, especially for nature lovers and hikers! In Ireland, there are hundreds of hiking trails that range in difficulty so beginner and advanced hikers alike can enjoy a variety of hiking options in Ireland. When hiking in Ireland it is important to consider the weather, especially in some of the locations I list below the rain can affect the difficulty of the trail.
- The Burren National Park, Co. Clare
The Burren National Park has seven walking trails ranging from moderate difficulty to very difficult. The first trail is Knockaunroe Turlough, which is the orange route. This trail is 1.3 km with terrain categorized as suitable for all levels and ages. Another moderate trail is the Nature Trail also labeled as the white route. The Nature Trail is 1.5 km, and the terrain is described as rough with loose rocks. It is advised to wear proper shoes such as sturdy sneakers or hiking boots if tackling this trail. On this trail, you reach views of Mullaghmore, a small village and peninsula, and Lough Gealáin, a shallow lake.
The Slieve Carran, the brown route, is also a moderate trail at 2.5 km long. This trail totals a climb of 30 meters. The brown route includes an amazing view of Eagle’s Rock Cliff. Slieve Carran, the yellow route, is the last moderate trail in The Burren National Park. This trail is described as being mostly flat terrain with a 20-meter climb total. The yellow trail is about 2 km long and suitable for most levels of hikers. Mullaghmore Loop which is the blue route is the first of 3 very difficult trails. This trail is 7.5 km and has a steep climb totalling 140 meters. This trail welcomes you with views of Lough Gealáin and is surrounded by limestone rocks. To loop back to the beginning of this trail you have to follow the 6.5 km green route. The return hike is also categorized as very difficult and is also described as an upland hike.
Mullaghmore Travers, which is the red route, is another trail that does not loop back to the beginning so you would have to follow the green route back to where you began. This trail is 6 km and has a total climb of 140 meters. At the end of this trail, you are met with views of Slieve Rua and Old Famine Road. For more information visit the Burren National Park website.
- Howth Cliff, Co. Dublin
Howth Cliff in County Dublin has four different hiking trails, all with amazing views. The first trail is the Black Linn Loop, which is rated as a moderate hike at the length of 8.1 km. This trail will loop you back to where you began the hike and has a total ascent of 160 meters. The next trail is the Tramline Loop, which is also a moderate difficulty with a total length of 7 km and a total ascent of 130 meters. The last moderate trail at Howth Cliff is the Cliff Path Loop, which is 7.8 km long and also has a total ascent of 130 meters. The last trail available at Howth Cliffs is the Bog of Frogs Loop, which is described as strenuous. The Bog of Frogs Loop is a 12.1 km hike with a total ascent of 240 meters. This trail loops around the three other trails and also provides the option to climb down from the cliff to the beach below and enjoy the peaceful beauty while you rest before completing your hike.
My favourite parts of this hike are the gorgeous view that appears to be the edge of the world and its accessibility. If any of these trails seem too daunting for you as a beginner hiker, you can still walk up the trails partially based on your comfort and be able to take in the view. For more information about each of these trails, and maps visit Sport Ireland’s website.
3. The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
Visiting The Cliffs of Moher is on everyone’s bucket list when they visit Ireland, but there are two trails to walk along the cliffs for 800 meters! There are two trails to follow at the Cliffs of Moher, the north trail, which is 20 km, and the south trail which is only 5.6 km long. The North trail is ranked between medium and high difficulty and brings you all the way to Doolin Village. The South trail goes to Hags Head and it is mild difficulty with mostly flat terrain. When hiking the Cliffs of Moher, it can be tempting to pass the barricades to be closer to the edge but for your safety, it is mandatory to remain behind the barricades. Always remember when hiking here that it is a cliff-top path and can be dangerous if necessary precautions are not taken. The sights from these trails truly can’t be missed. When asked about the views from the Cliffs of Moher Sophia Watson a fellow student traveller said, “It was like I had stepped into an epic film like Harry Potter or The Princess Bride”. Learn more about trails at the Cliffs of Moher here. I would advise bringing waterproof sneakers and a raincoat on a rainy day!
- Dún Aonghasa Co. Galway
Dún Aonghasa is the site of a prehistoric hill fort located on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. There is a small admission fee to trek up to the fort which is €3 for children, €4 for seniors, €5 for adults, and €13 for a family ticket. Walking to the fort and back where you began is a total of 1.9 km and has a total climb of 73 meters. This hike is suitable for all ages and is estimated to take about 30 minutes. Once you reach the top of this trail you see the prehistoric hillfort right on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike the Cliffs of Moher there are no barriers at the cliff’s edge so it is important to stay away from the edge and be aware of your surroundings. When visiting Dún Aonghasa, you won’t know which direction to look as there is a gorgeous view in every direction. Not only is there an amazing view of the ocean but you can see the entire Island! Find out more here. This is another hiking spot where it is important to be conscious of the weather, specifically the rain as it can make the trail and even the top of the cliff slippery.
