The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are Ireland's most visited natural attraction.

EUROPE

Ireland Hiking & Walking Tours

Hiking & Walking Adventures in the Emerald Isle

Hike dramatic headlands and sacred peaks, discover cultural treasures and remote islands, savor the robust farm-to-table food scene, and enjoy lively evenings in local pubs hearing traditional Gaelic music. Along the way, we’ll learn about Ireland’s history from poets, scholars, and artists, and overnight in charming historic inns. You’ll be accompanied by our incomparable Trip Leaders, who bring their home country to life with passion and an exuberant spirit.

A person walks up stone steps on a rocky cliffside overlooking the ocean with distant islands under a blue sky.

What Makes Our Ireland Tours Special?

  • Legendary Irish Trip Leaders — Our Trip Leaders call this island home, bringing the landscapes alive through history and personal connections. We’ve run Ireland journeys for 40 years, and two generations of the same family now lead for us.
  • The Best of Ireland on Foot — We design our journeys around unforgettable walks: the secret routes of Connemara, pilgrim paths on Croagh Patrick, and cliff walks on Great Blasket Island. On most days we offer both easier and challenging options, so you can hike at the pace that suits you.
  • Right Time, Right Place Explore beyond the tourist circuit and visit the Gaelic heartlands of Cork, the wild Aran Islands, or the remote northern Donegal coast. And we time our visits to iconic places like the Ring of Kerry and the Giant’s Causeway for fewer crowds and seasonal moments—migratory birds, wildflowers in the Burren, and the long light of the summer solstice.
  • Pints, Poets & Purveyors — A music night with singer friends in a Westport pub. A celebration of Yeats before dinner at a historic manor. A visit with Donegal tweed purveyors. Lunch at a surfer’s café celebrating Slow Food. These serendipitous encounters are woven into every itinerary.
  • True Irish Hospitality — Settle into a Georgian manor run by the 7th generation of O’Haras, unwind at a Donegal hotel named the best in Ireland, or end a day on the trails at a spa overlooking the Lakes of Killarney.

Everything You Need to Know

A map of the different regions of Ireland and the best places to visit

The Emerald Isle is home to the kind of beauty that makes you want to return again and again, knowing that each corner will feature quintessential Irish charms, but entirely different sights and landscapes. We’ve designed three trips that offer deep—and spirited—dives into our favorite regions, from the spectacular seascapes and national parks of the south and the wild and remote coasts of the west to the culture- and history-packed hiking hub of the north. 

Other than the harsh winter months, Ireland sees prime hiking conditions for much of the year, with amazing seasonal flora and fauna events, and any sudden, short-lived shifts in weather only add to the drama of its landscapes. The Emerald Isle’s exposure to the pressure systems from the Atlantic Ocean can mean rain showers followed by brilliant blue skies.

In general, from late April to early October, expect a mild climate—compared to neighboring Britain—thanks to the Gulf Stream. We time our regional adventures to the best weather and seasonal draws, from migratory birds to the summer solstice, to give you the ideal experience.

A chart depicting average daily max/min temperatures (°F) and rainfall (inches) for Dingle, Westport, and Belfast from January to December helps travelers find the best time to visit Ireland.
Group of people in hiking attire posing and raising arms near a stone cairn on a rocky landscape with a cloudy sky, enjoying one of the top 11 things to do in Ireland.

Ireland has a wide array of things to see and do when you visit, and our itineraries make sure you get to experience the best of it all. We put together a list of the top things you have to do when you visit.

Explore Ireland's best region with a scenic winding road through a lush green valley, rocky hills, and a stone bridge over a stream. A small lake completes this picturesque setting under a partly cloudy blue sky, beckoning visitors to indulge in its serene beauty.

Not sure which Ireland adventure is best for you? See below for a side-by-side comparison of each of our itineraries to help make your decision easier. Still unsure? Our Ireland Specialists are happy to answer any questions and explain the journeys in greater detail.

Learn More

Talk to an Expert

Our Europe Specialists know every detail about our Ireland Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!