The best hikes in Ireland are the 214 km Kerry Way looping the Iveragh Peninsula, the 131 km Wicklow Way from Dublin to Clonegal, and the wild peaks of Connemara and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. These waymarked long-distance trails follow old droving roads and mountain passes through Ireland's greenest landscapes and walk best from May to September 2026, when daylight stretches past 9 p.m.
Ireland packs an extraordinary range of walking into a small island: Atlantic coastlines, glaciated valleys, blanket bogland and quiet boreens linking villages with welcoming pubs. The waymarked national trails make multi-day hiking straightforward, with B&Bs and hostels spaced for comfortable stages. This guide ranks the routes worth your time in 2026, with the numbers to plan by and links to full route data.
What is the best long-distance trail in Ireland?
The Kerry Way is Ireland's finest long-distance trail and its longest waymarked route at 214 km, looping the Iveragh Peninsula from Killarney over nine stages. It threads through Killarney National Park, climbs old butter roads to passes like the Windy Gap, and serves up constant views of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks — home to Carrauntoohil (1,038 m), Ireland's highest peak. Study the full stage breakdown and GPX download on our Kerry Way route guide. It is moderate rather than mountainous, making it ideal for a first multi-day walk.
Which Irish trail is best for a first multi-day hike?
The Wicklow Way is the most accessible introduction to multi-day hiking in Ireland, running 131 km from Marlay Park on Dublin's edge south to Clonegal over about seven days. Opened in 1980 as Ireland's first waymarked trail, it crosses the Wicklow Mountains over boardwalked bog and forest tracks, topping out near White Hill (630 m) above Lough Tay. The full route is detailed on our Wicklow Way guide, and our Kerry Way vs Wicklow Way comparison helps you pick between the two.
Best Irish trails compared
| Trail | Distance | Days | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerry Way | 214 km | 9 | Moderate |
| Wicklow Way | 131 km | 7 | Moderate |
| Dingle Way | 179 km | 8 | Moderate |
| Beara Way | 206 km | 9 | Moderate |
When is the best time to hike in Ireland?
May to September is the prime walking window, with May and June statistically the driest months. Long summer daylight stretches to nearly 17 hours in June, giving generous time for longer stages. Ireland's weather is famously changeable — expect rain in any month and pack a reliable shell — but the trade-off is the vivid green that gives the country its name. July and August bring the warmest temperatures (around 15–20 °C) and the busiest accommodation, so book ahead. Our best time to walk the Kerry Way guide goes deeper on seasonal planning.
What gear do you need for Irish trails?
Wet, boggy ground and frequent rain make waterproofing the priority over weight. A comfortable 35–50 L pack covers most self-guided itineraries between B&Bs: the rugged Fjällräven Abisko Hike 35 suits lighter days, while the Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 or the ventilated Osprey Atmos AG 50 carry a full multi-day kit comfortably. Waterproof boots, gaiters and a dry-bag liner are worth their weight on Ireland's saturated bogland. Our Kerry Way packing list details the full kit.
Practical planning for 2026
Ireland's waymarked ways are managed and mapped centrally — check route status, closures and downloadable maps on Sport Ireland's official trails site. Killarney National Park, the green heart of the Kerry Way, publishes access and conservation information via the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Public transport reaches both Killarney and the Wicklow trailheads by rail and bus, making car-free hiking realistic. Whichever route you choose for 2026, book summer accommodation early — village beds in Kerry fill months ahead.
What are the best day hikes in Ireland?
Not everyone has nine days for the Kerry Way, and Ireland rewards day walkers with some of its finest scenery in a single outing. The standout summit day is Carrauntoohil (1,038 m), Ireland's highest peak, typically climbed via the Devil's Ladder in 5-7 hours from the Hag's Glen in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. It demands fitness and good weather but rewards with the country's grandest mountain panorama.
For a gentler half-day, Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park is a well-graded 7 km loop with sweeping Atlantic and Twelve Bens views, manageable in 2-3 hours. Croagh Patrick in County Mayo is Ireland's holy mountain, a steep 764 m pilgrimage climb of around 3-4 hours that draws thousands each summer. Along the coast, the cliff walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher covers about 14 km of dramatic Atlantic edge in 4-5 hours, while Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains offers a network of colour-coded loops from gentle lakeside strolls to the strenuous Spinc ridge. These day hikes pair perfectly with a multi-day trail trip, letting you sample different regions without committing to a full long-distance route. Most are well-signed and reachable by public transport or short drives, and like the longer trails they walk best from May to September 2026, when daylight is long and the weather most settled. Pack waterproofs even for a short day, as Irish weather turns quickly on exposed summits and clifftops.
If you are planning a wider Irish hiking trip in 2026, consider linking a long-distance trail with a few day hikes for variety. A classic two-week itinerary might pair the Kerry Way with summit days on Carrauntoohil and a coastal walk along the Cliffs of Moher, or combine the Wicklow Way with the lakeside and ridge loops at Glendalough. Ireland's compact size means you can move between the southwest mountains, the Wicklow uplands and the western seaboard within a few hours by train or car, sampling very different landscapes in one trip. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and nesting seabirds to the coastal sections, while autumn turns the Killarney oakwoods gold. Whatever you choose, the same waterproof-first packing approach applies, since Irish weather rewards the prepared in every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest waymarked trail in Ireland?
The Kerry Way is Ireland's longest waymarked walking trail at 214 km, looping the Iveragh Peninsula from Killarney over nine stages. The Beara Way (206 km) and Dingle Way (179 km) follow close behind, all three set in the mountainous southwest.
Do you need hiking experience for Irish long-distance trails?
No specialist experience is required for the Kerry Way or Wicklow Way, which are moderate and well-waymarked, but basic fitness and navigation skills help on exposed mountain sections in poor weather. Both can be walked self-guided with luggage transfer between B&Bs, making them friendly first multi-day routes.
How wet is hiking in Ireland?
Rain is possible in every month, and the west receives over 1,500 mm a year, so waterproof boots and a reliable shell are essential. May and June are statistically the driest months, while autumn and winter bring the wettest, boggiest conditions on the trails.
Can you wild camp on Irish trails?
Ireland has no general legal right to wild camp, and most land is privately owned, so hikers should seek the landowner's permission or use designated sites and accommodation. The Kerry Way and Wicklow Way are designed around B&Bs and hostels rather than camping, which makes self-guided walking straightforward.
What is the best month to hike the Wicklow Way?
May, June and September offer the best balance of dry weather, long daylight and manageable crowds on the Wicklow Way. July and August are warmest but busiest for accommodation, while the boardwalked bog sections can be very wet from October onward.