Ireland has over 40 waymarked long-distance trails totalling more than 6,000 km — and almost none of the crowds that afflict the Camino de Santiago or West Highland Way in peak season. The Kerry Way (214 km, 9–12 days) and Wicklow Way (131 km, 6–8 days) are the flagship routes, offering rugged coastal mountain scenery, consistent accommodation infrastructure and route-marking that requires no navigational expertise.
Why Ireland Is the Underrated Hiking Destination of 2026
Ireland receives only a fraction of the hiking tourism that comparably scenic countries attract. The Wicklow Way — opened in 1981 and the first designated long-distance trail in Ireland — still sees fewer than 15,000 walkers per year, compared to the West Highland Way's 100,000+. This means you will often have entire mountain sections to yourself, even in July. The practical infrastructure for independent hiking is well developed. Accommodation on the Kerry Way runs from basic mountain hostels (€18–28/night) to farmhouse B&Bs with evening meals (€60–90/night). The Wicklow Way is within 40 km of Dublin city centre for its entire length, making it uniquely accessible for travellers flying into Dublin Airport. As of 2026, the Waymarked Trails Ireland website provides GPS tracks and accommodation lists for all major Irish long-distance routes.
The Kerry Way: Circular Mountain Walking in Southwest Ireland
The Kerry Way is a 214 km circular route that loops around the Iveragh Peninsula — the same landmass enclosed by the famous Ring of Kerry road. Unlike the road circuit, the trail cuts through the interior mountains, climbing over passes with views across Dingle Bay, MacGillycuddy's Reeks (Ireland's highest mountain range, topped by Carrauntoohil at 1,038 m) and a coastline that alternates between dramatic Atlantic cliffs and sheltered glacial inlets.
Starting point: Killarney, with direct rail connections from Dublin (3 hours) and Cork (1.5 hours). The route is divided into nine to twelve stages depending on fitness level and accommodation choices. Stage four — the crossing from Black Valley to Glencar — involves the most sustained elevation gain (approximately 600 m) and is considered the most rewarding day on the route.
Ireland's climate is oceanic, maritime and magnificently unpredictable. Annual rainfall in Kerry averages 1,400–1,800 mm per year, with rain possible on any day of the calendar. Waterproofs are mandatory, not optional. The Montane GORE-TEX jacket provides genuine waterproofing without excessive weight (390 g for men's medium) and is worth the investment for Irish conditions. A lighter option is the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket at 241 g — adequate for showery summer conditions on the lower sections of the route.
The Wicklow Way: Ireland's Classic Day-Accessible Long-Distance Trail
The Wicklow Way runs 131 km from Clonegal in County Carlow to Marlay Park on the southern edge of Dublin city. It crosses the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland's largest continuous upland area, through a landscape of exposed moorland, afforested valleys, granite summits and the Glendalough monastic site — a 6th-century settlement and one of Ireland's most historically significant locations.
What makes the Wicklow Way exceptional for UK and European hikers is its easy logistics: you can hike stage by stage using local buses and the DART rail network to return to Dublin accommodation each evening, or carry full backpacking gear and wild camp or stay in hostels along the route. At its closest point the trail passes within 15 km of Dublin Airport.
The surface on the Wicklow Way is predominantly boggy and wet for the first four stages. Waterproof footwear or dedicated gaiters are strongly recommended. The HOKA Anacapa 2 GTX Low is a popular choice for Irish conditions — the GORE-TEX liner and Vibram outsole handles both wet peat and granite scrambles. For the boggiest sections between Tinahely and Clonegal, the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters prevent peat-water from entering the boot cuff, which is a meaningful comfort difference across a full day on exposed moorland.
The Dingle Way and Wild Atlantic Coast
Beyond Kerry and Wicklow, the Dingle Way (179 km, 8–9 days) loops around the Dingle Peninsula north of the Iveragh. It shares the same dramatic coastal mountain character as the Kerry Way but with a stronger cultural identity — the western third is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) and home to some of Ireland's most atmospheric coastal villages. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk (20 km linear) is the most accessible day hike in Ireland — a cliff-top path with views to the Aran Islands and Galway Bay that takes approximately six hours with significant elevation change. For a comparison on coastal trail experience in a milder Atlantic climate, the Rota Vicentina guide covers Portugal's wild Atlantic coast — a useful contrast when deciding between European coastal walking destinations.
Kerry Way vs Wicklow Way: Which Route to Choose
| Factor | Kerry Way | Wicklow Way |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 214 km | 131 km |
| Duration | 9–12 days | 6–8 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate–Strenuous | Easy–Moderate |
| Accommodation | Spread (€20–90/night) | Dense + Dublin access |
| Nearest airport | Cork or Kerry Airport | Dublin (15 km away) |
| Best season | May–September | April–October |
Gear for Irish Weather: What You Actually Need
The most common planning mistake on Irish trails is underestimating rain gear needs and overestimating warmth. July average temperatures in Kerry range from 11–19°C — cool enough that a mid-layer will be used on every evening and on any day with wind and rain. The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody at 212 g compresses to a fist-size and serves as both a camp layer and a hiking mid-layer when temperature drops. For comparison on coastal trail infrastructure and planning, the Fife Coastal Path guide covers Scotland's best coastal long-distance route — a similar Atlantic-edge walking experience with different terrain character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ireland's Kerry Way suitable for beginner hikers?
The Kerry Way is suitable for hikers with some long-distance walking experience. It is not a technical route, but daily distances of 16–25 km with 500–800 m of elevation gain over boggy terrain require reasonable fitness. First-time long-distance hikers would find the Wicklow Way a better introduction, with shorter stages and easier terrain overall.
Do you need a guide or permit for Irish long-distance trails?
No permit is required for any waymarked trail in Ireland. All routes cross a mix of public land and private land with established right-of-way agreements. Guided walking holidays are available through operators like Macs Adventure and Southwest Walks Ireland, but independent hiking is straightforward with the Waymarked Trails Ireland GPS tracks and Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series maps.
When is the best time to hike in Ireland?
May and June offer the best combination of long daylight hours (up to 17 hours at midsummer), reasonably dry conditions and lower accommodation costs before peak season. July and August are the warmest months but busiest for tourist traffic in Kerry. September is increasingly popular — fewer crowds, autumn colours and stable weather windows. Rain is possible year-round; the drier eastern side around Wicklow sees about 800 mm/year versus 1,600 mm in Kerry.
Can you wild camp on the Kerry Way and Wicklow Way?
Wild camping is common on both routes and generally tolerated. Wicklow Mountains National Park has specific zones where camping is permitted. On agricultural land outside designated parks, the right to wild camp is less clearly established than in Scotland — in practice, discretion and Leave No Trace principles are the operating norms. Designated camping areas and hostels provide enough infrastructure to complete either route without wild camping if preferred.