Discover the true meaning of hospitality on a self-guided walking tour of Ireland. A hundred thousand welcomes await you, in the charming villages and lively pubs lining the country's spectacular hiking trails and the vibrant cities where you can begin or end your journey.
Boasting dramatic and diverse landscapes, it's easy to understand why so many films, from Braveheart to Harry Potter, have used this beautiful country as a backdrop. Witness the 'Forty Shades of Green' for which the Emerald Isle is famed as you walk the iconic ways. Covering rugged cliffs, vast expanses of green countryside and unspoilt golden beaches, Ireland's well-marked trails are made for self-guided walking and promise picturesque views at every turn.
Get closer to Ireland's heritage by walking the Wicklow Way in the ancient east or the circular Kerry Way around the Iveragh Peninsula. See the coastal delights of the world-renowned Wild Atlantic Way on foot or by bike. Embrace the total calm of Killarney National Park or dive into the capital city, Dublin. We also offer self-guided walking tours in Northern Ireland, around the Glens of Antrim and Giant's Causeway.
Rest your feet each evening in cosy B&Bs and wake to hearty Irish breakfasts that will set you up for day of walking and drinking in the glorious countryside. Whichever of our self-guided hiking holidays you choose, Ireland's diverse landscapes, local culture and enthralling history will inspire.
You're spoiled for choice with spectacular locations for your self-guided walking tour of Ireland. Discover must-trek trails that crisscross the beautiful countryside and charismatic coastlines.
The Wild Atlantic Way spans 1,600 miles from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north to County Cork in the south. Walk or cycle some of the most memorable sections around Dingle, a town full of music, Gaelic language and culture.
Discover history, wildlife and rugged mountain scenery along the Kerry Way, Ireland's oldest trail. Begin at Killarney National Park, where wild red deer roam freely, and follow the route out to the coast and back.
Starting in Dublin, Ireland's dynamic capital, the Wicklow Way winds south through unspoiled countryside including Wicklow Mountains National Park and the otherworldly tranquillity of Glendalough. This is the most popular waymarked trail in Ireland and the best way to experience the natural beauty of its interior which is in contrast to the initial city experience.
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This 5-night holiday offers a perfect balance between the delights of Dublin city and the ancient east as you walk part of the Wicklow Way through the “Garden” of Ireland, discovering the mythology and landscapes that make this area of Ireland so unique and magical.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history. Admire crisp blue lakes, pretty waterfalls, lovely little villages and velvety green pastures.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Walk along part of the Antrim Way and explore one of the most beautiful sections of Ireland's northern coast. Boasting the fabulous Glens of Antrim, the magnificent Giant's Causeway, fantastic castles & beautiful beaches - to say nothing of a wonderful distillery - it is a place that is a pleasure to discover.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history. From rugged cliffs to some of Europe's finest golden beaches, small friendly villages and velvety green fields to picturesque mountain ranges.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
Walk along part of the Antrim Way exploring one of the most beautiful sections of Ireland's northern coast. Boasting the fabulous Glens of Antrim, the magnificent Giant's Causeway, fantastic castles & beautiful beaches - to say nothing of a wonderful distillery - it is a place that is a pleasure to discover.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
County Kerry contains some of Ireland's most iconic scenery, with sea cliffs carved by the wild Atlantic Ocean, and soft golden beaches, emerald-green farmland criss-crossed by stone walls, mist-shrouded bogs and cloud-torn mountain peaks.
DEPARTURE MONTHS
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With well-marked trails, varied scenery and a mild climate, Ireland is great for self-guided walking holidays. The overwhelming hospitality of the people, delicious, hearty food and uplifting traditional music and culture further enhance your experience.
Ireland is an eminently walkable country with a choice of safe paths providing picturesque views and stretches of wilderness that will make you feel you have the countryside to yourself. Our Headwater Navigation App gives you instant access to GPS route navigation, so you don't need to rely on a map to find your way.
If you would prefer the peace of mind of someone experienced leading the way, browse our choice of guided walking holidays in destinations across Europe.
June is a lovely month to walk in Ireland. Flowers and foliage are fully in bloom and there's an excellent chance of sunshine. Temperatures creep up in summer, and the warmer weather makes July and August popular with walkers in a country where it rarely gets too uncomfortably hot for activities.
For cooler walking, consider spring when wildflowers abound or autumn with its fiery foliage.
Much of Ireland is unspoiled countryside, interspersed with charming towns, rural villages and colourful cities, so there's no shortage of beautiful places to visit.
History buffs will be in awe of Skellig Michael, a 6th-century monastic settlement on the western Iveragh Peninsula that's the last stop on a pilgrimage trail starting in Palestine. Along the eastern shoreline, there are many crumbling castles where you can explore this country's ancient heritage.
Breathtaking landscapes abound throughout the country. Highlights include the changing beaches of the Dingle Peninsula, the car-free Waterford Greenway, Killarney National Park and the Wild Atlantic Way.
The cities, filled with striking architecture and vibrant markets, have a unique beauty. Dublin is especially attractive thanks to buildings such as Trinity College Library, as are the painted pathways of Galway.
Our hotel-to-hotel self-guided walking holidays in Ireland range from 4 to 7 nights, ideal as a long weekend break or a week's getaway. There's plenty of scope for extending them too, whether you want to explore more trails, add on an Ireland cycling itinerary or start or end in one of the cities.
Wondering what you should wear for your Ireland walking holiday? Your best bet is to pack for all weathers and a range of temperatures as the climate can be unpredictable. Stay dry with a waterproof jacket and trousers, and tops in sweat-wicking fabrics. Bring layers including a jumper and fleece to help you stay warm on chilly clifftops and in the evenings.
Sturdy walking boots will provide the best support for your feet, but walking shoes are a lightweight alternative that will keep your feet cooler on hotter summer days.
Remember to pack a basic first-aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic cream and cleaning wipes, wound dressings, bite/sting relief cream and an aluminium blanket for emergency situations.
With a 40-year history of crafting holidays, count on us for an exceptional experience. Our tours include easy-to-follow trails for effortless self-guided hiking in spectacular surroundings, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
