Ireland is a land where every hill, mountain, and valley holds a story — and many of the top Irish trails span millennia. From ancient fairy forts to sacred pilgrimage paths, these best hikes in Ireland invite you to walk not just through stunning landscapes, but through the rich tapestry of Ireland’s cultural soul.
From gentle wanders through ancient history to challenging mountain climbs with breathtaking views and legendary tales, there’s a mythical Ireland hiking trail for every adventurer. This guide introduces some of the most magical Irish trails, offering you practical tips alongside tales of gods, saints, and fairies – Welcome to Ireland!
Best Hikes in Ireland: Map Locations
Best Hikes in Ireland (With History, Folklore & Scenic Views)
This list of best Irish hikes are more than just beautiful trails—they’re gateways into Ireland’s rich tapestry of myths, legends, and spiritual traditions. Let’s find the perfect Irish trail for you!
1. Croagh Patrick Hike/Tochar Phadraig Pilgrimage Walk (One of the Most Famous Hikes in Ireland)
- Croagh Patrick Summit Hike (Most Popular Route)
- Location: Co Mayo
- Distance: ~7 km round trip
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous (steep, rocky, and loose scree near the top)
- Start Point: Murrisk Car Park
- Best Season: Late spring to early autumn (clear days for views)
Croagh Patrick is widely considered one of the most famous hikes in Ireland, attracting thousands of walkers and pilgrims each year.
This popular Irish pilgrimage trail combines natural beauty with deep spiritual significance, making it a must for those seeking a meaningful hiking trail in Ireland.
Bonus: Historical Pilgrimage Route – Tóchar Phádraig
For those looking for a deeper cultural and spiritual experience, the ancient Tóchar Phádraig starts at Ballintubber Abbey and stretches ~35 km through bogland, farmland, and hills before reaching Croagh Patrick. Traditionally completed in one or two days, this moderate-to-strenuous hike in Ireland follows the path medieval pilgrims took to reach Ireland’s holy mountain.
👉 Read our full guide to the Tochar Phadraig Pilgrimage Walk from Ballintubber to Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick Hike Myth & Legend:
The Croagh Patrick hike is more than just a trail—it’s a journey through Irish history, myth, and spirituality. This ancient pilgrimage in Ireland traces the legendary path of St. Patrick, who is said to have fasted atop Croagh Patrick for 40 days, earning the mountain its reputation as a sacred site.
Along the way, hikers pass ancient fairy forts, holy wells, and prehistoric monuments, each steeped in Ireland’s layered pagan and Christian heritage. These mystical landmarks tell stories of gods, heroes, and spiritual rituals that have shaped the landscape for thousands of years. The mountain’s rugged slopes and panoramic views of County Mayo enhance the sense of walking through living Irish folklore, making it one of the most iconic mythical hikes in Ireland.
2. Hill of Tara Walk (Easy Historic Walk in Ireland)
- Location: Co Meath
- Distance: Varies, mostly easy loop walks
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Features: Burial mounds, earthworks, and visitor centre
The Hill of Tara is one of the most important historic sites in Ireland.
Explore the gentle slopes of the Hill of Tara, one of the most famous hikes in Ireland, steeped in history and folklore. This easy walk invites you to immerse yourself in ancient Irish legends and royal history, surrounded by monuments that echo with mythical tales.
Hill of Tara Myth & Legend
As the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, Tara was believed to be a portal to the Otherworld, home to the mystical Aos Sí (fairy folk).
The circular earthworks, known as raths or ringforts, are ceremonial enclosures that symbolized power, protection, and spiritual connection in Irish mythology. These ancient structures not only marked the political and ceremonial heart of Ireland but also served as sacred spaces linking the human world with the magical Otherworld. Hikers and visitors today can explore the gentle trails around the hill while immersing themselves in stories of kings, battles, and ancient Irish folklore.
Whether you’re drawn to historic hiking trails in Ireland or seeking to experience the mystical aura of legendary sites, the Hill of Tara offers a unique combination of scenic walking, cultural history, and Irish myth—a truly unforgettable hiking experience and an easy hike in Ireland with kids!
👉 Book your self-guided Hill of Tara audio tour now and take your time as you wander this ancient Irish site.
3. Benbulben Forest Walk (Scenic Hike in Ireland)
- Benbulben Forest Walk (Most Popular Route)
- Location: Co. Sligo
- Distance: Approximately 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
- Duration: Around 2.5 to 3 hours at a moderate pace
- Difficulty: Moderate — suitable for hikers with some experience due to uneven terrain and gentle climbs
- Terrain: The trail features a combination of soft forest floor paths, some uneven rocky stretches, gentle climbs, and open sections with breathtaking views of Benbulben’s flat-topped cliffs and surrounding valleys
Benbulben is one of the most recognisable landscapes in Ireland, with its distinctive flat-topped shape, formed during the Ice Age.
Benbulben’s forest trail is a moderate, looped hiking route ideal for walkers of most abilities, including families and casual hikers. Winding through enchanting mixed woodlands, the path is well-marked and maintained. Benbulbens’s forest trail is perfect for those looking to enjoy easy to moderate hiking in Ireland without tackling the mountain’s more challenging summit climbs.
Along the trail, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of Benbulben’s dramatic cliffs and the surrounding Sligo valleys. The combination of lush forests, mythical landscapes, and panoramic vistas makes it a top choice for anyone seeking family-friendly hikes in Ireland.
Bonus: Benbulben Summit Climb
For experienced hikers in Ireland, it’s possible to reach Benbulben’s summit via steep, unmarked routes on its eastern or southern slopes. Expect boggy ground, loose rock, and exposed edges — plus the need for strong navigation skills. The reward? Sweeping views across Sligo, Donegal, and even as far as Mayo on a clear day.
Benbulben Myth & Legend:
Benbulben has inspired generations of storytellers, poets, and hikers. In Irish mythology, Benbulben is closely linked with the legendary Fianna warriors, the elite band of heroes led by Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who are said to have roamed the surrounding valleys. The mountain is also tied to the tragic love story of Diarmuid and Gráinne, a tale of passion, betrayal, and heroism that has captivated Irish imaginations for centuries.
Beyond myths, Benbulben left a lasting mark on literary history. W.B. Yeats, Ireland’s Nobel Prize-winning poet, frequently referenced Benbulben in his work, calling it a symbol of the mystical landscape of Sligo and Ireland itself. Today, hikers exploring the Benbulben trails can experience the same dramatic vistas that inspired these legends—soaring cliffs, panoramic valleys, and a sense of walking through living history.
Whether you are interested in Irish folklore, literary history, or challenging hikes in Ireland, Benbulben offers a unique journey where nature, myth, and legend meet.
👉 If you’re as obsessed with hiking as we are, explore our collection of the Best hikes around the world for truly unique trekking adventures — have you tackled any of them yet?
4. Slieve League Cliffs Walk (Best Coastal Hike in Ireland)
- Slieve League Cliffs Viewpoint Walk (Most Popular Route)
- Location: Co. Donegal
- Distance: ~1.5 km each way
- Duration: 30–40 minutes each way
- Difficulty: Easy (paved/gravel path, gentle incline)
- Start Point: Bunglass Car Park, near Teelin
- Best Season: Late spring to early autumn for clear views
For those searching for coastal hikes in Ireland, Slieve League offers some of the most dramatic views.
Tackle the thrilling Slieve League Cliffs Trail, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking hikes with myths and legends. With towering sea cliffs and panoramic ocean vistas, this challenging coastal trail offers both natural grandeur and deep mythological resonance.
Did You Know?
The Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal rise up to 600 meters (1,968 feet), making them some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. They are nearly three times taller than the famous Cliffs of Moher, which reach about 214 meters (702 feet).
This short, accessible walk leads to the famous Bunglass Viewing Platform, offering breathtaking views of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs plunging nearly 600 meters into the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for families and casual visitors wanting spectacular scenery without a tough hike.
Bonus: Slieve League Clifftop Trail
For experienced hikers in Ireland, the longer Slieve League clifftop trail offers a challenging 6 to 8 km trek along uneven terrain with steep sections and exposed cliff edges. Taking around 3 to 4 hours one way, this route rewards you with dramatic coastal walks and panoramic ocean vistas, providing a true sense of wilderness and stunning views of Donegal’s rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the exposed and sometimes precarious nature of the path, it requires surefootedness, good navigation skills, and caution near the steep drop-offs.
Slieve League Myth & Legend
Slieve League is a place where history, nature, and legend come together in stunning harmony. This wild, windswept mountain holds stories of ancient monastic communities who once sought solitude in its rugged landscape, as well as tales of legendary shipwrecks along the treacherous Atlantic coast below. Beyond its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views, Slieve League is steeped in folklore — believed to be home to the Aos Sí, or fairy folk, and linked to the heroic exploits of Fionn MacCumhaill, the legendary giant of Irish mythology. Slieve League’s soaring heights and mystical aura make it not only a natural marvel but also a place where the veil between the physical world and the Otherworld feels remarkably thin.
👉 Book this top-rated Slieve League Walking Tour today.
Check out some related articles to delve deeper into the fascinating history and mythology of Ireland:
- Best Irish Myths and Legends for Beginners: 10 Timeless Tales
- Best Castles in Ireland – the ultimate list of Irish Castles
- Quirky Irish Superstitions You Will Love
5. Loughcrew Cairns Walk (Easy Historic Hike in Ireland)
- Location: Co. Meath
- Distance: 1–2 km
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Features: Neolithic passage tombs and visitor centre
The Loughcrew Cairns Walk is one of the best easy hikes in Ireland for history lovers, combining a short hill climb with some of the country’s most impressive prehistoric sites. Located in County Meath, this trail leads to a cluster of Neolithic passage tombs dating back over 5,000 years.
At the summit, you’ll find Carnbane East, where intricate stone carvings and a narrow chamber align perfectly with the sunrise during the spring and autumn equinox. This makes Loughcrew one of the most fascinating ancient sites in Ireland to visit.
Despite its short distance, the panoramic views from the top stretch across the Irish countryside, making it one of the best short scenic hikes in Ireland for with kids.
👉 Discover the oldest megalithic site in Ireland at Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this incredible prehistoric tomb, dating back over 5,000 years, and uncover the myths, history, and ancient engineering that make Newgrange one of Ireland’s most iconic archaeological sites.
Loughcrew Cairns Myth & Legend
Loughcrew Cairn T (Carnbane East) is steeped in Irish mythology and ancient ritual. According to legend, the site was created by a powerful witch known as the Cailleach, who leapt across the landscape dropping stones from her apron. Where the stones fell, the cairns were formed – linking this sacred hilltop to Ireland’s rich tradition of myth and storytelling.
Beyond legend, Loughcrew is also one of the most important prehistoric sites in Ireland. The cairns date back over 5,000 years and are precisely aligned with the sunrise during the spring and autumn equinoxes. On these days, sunlight enters the passage tomb and illuminates intricate Neolithic carvings on the chamber stones—evidence of remarkably advanced astronomical knowledge.
This blend of myth, archaeology, and landscape makes Loughcrew one of the most unique hikes in Ireland, where you’re not just walking a trail, but stepping into a place that has been spiritually and culturally significant for millennia.
👉 Discover the Greatest Megalithic Sites in Ireland that you must visit during your Irish trip.
6. Mount Brandon Hike (Challenging Mountain Hike in Ireland)
- Mount Brandon Summit Hike (Main Route)
- Location: Co. Kerry
- Distance: 9–12 km (depending on the chosen path)
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Terrain: Mountain paths featuring steep ascents and some rocky sections
- Start Point: Commonly from Brandon Village or the Black Valley
- Best Season: Late spring to early autumn for safer conditions and better visibility
Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest peaks, offers a rewarding but demanding hike through varied mountain terrain. The trail involves steep climbs and rocky paths, leading to panoramic views over the Dingle Peninsula, the Atlantic Ocean, and, on clear days, the Blasket Islands. This spiritual hike in Ireland is best suited for experienced walkers with good fitness and proper gear.
Bonus: Alternative Routes and Pilgrimage Heritage
Aside from the main summit routes, Mount Brandon is also part of an ancient pilgrimage trail in Ireland known as St. Brendan’s Way, which spans multiple days and crosses rugged landscapes steeped in history and legend.
While the full pilgrimage path is longer and less trodden, sections of it offer quieter and more contemplative walking experiences for those interested in cultural heritage combined with challenging mountain hiking. It’s a long-distance walking pilgrimage route (130 kilometers/ 81 miles) that runs across the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, starting near Tralee and finishing at Mount Brandon, which was traditionally considered a holy mountain and pilgrimage site in Ireland.
Mount Brandon Myth & Legend
Mount Brandon is one of the most spiritually significant mountains in Ireland, with a legacy that blends ancient mythology and early Christian tradition. The mountain is often linked to pre-Christian worship, possibly associated with the Celtic god Lugh, before later becoming one of Ireland’s most important pilgrimage sites.
It is named after Saint Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century monk famed for his legendary sea voyage in search of the “Isle of the Blessed.” According to tradition, pilgrims have climbed Mount Brandon for centuries as part of a sacred journey, particularly along the historic Cosán na Naomh (Saints’ Path).
Today, hiking Mount Brandon is more than just one of the best hikes in Ireland—it’s a journey through myth, religion, and history, where every step follows in the footsteps of ancient travellers, monks, and storytellers.
👉 Top Tip: While in County Kerry, we highly recommend the Slea Head Drive – in our opinion, the most beautiful road trip in Ireland – whether you self-drive or join this popular Kerry group tour, trust us, you won’t regret it.
Ireland Packing List
Make sure you have everything you need for your holiday in Ireland. Check out our essential packing list below and grab any last-minute items now.
Travel Adapter (UK/IRE)
Type G for Irish three-pin sockets.
Power Bank
Reliable all-day phone charging.
Packing Cubes
Maximize luggage organization.
Security Waist Pack
RFID protection for valuables.
Travel Daypack
Lightweight, perfect for daily excursions.
Travel Umbrella
Wind-resistant & compact design.
Waterproof Jacket
You are in Ireland! Essential rain and wind protection.
Packable Puffer Jacket
Keeps you warm witout taking up any space.
Digital Camera
High-res shots of the landscapes of Ireland.
