Exploring Ireland
Walk along the Atlantic coast, spend a few days exploring the countryside from a village inn, or follow a long-distance path through mountains, lakes and some of Ireland's most distinctive landscapes.
Along Ireland's Atlantic coast, rugged headlands, sandy beaches, sheltered bays and coastal villages stretch from County Donegal in the north to County Cork in the south. In County Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula and Beara Peninsula offer coastal walking, mountain scenery and small communities, while the Kerry Way, Dingle Way and Beara Way provide longer routes through the surrounding landscapes.
Further north, Connemara National Park combines mountains, bogland, lakes and open countryside, while Glenveagh National Park in Donegal offers wooded valleys, mountains and quiet walking landscapes. The Burren National Park in County Clare is known for its limestone pavements, distinctive geology and rare plant life, with walking routes through the surrounding countryside and coastal landscapes.
Inland and towards the east, Wicklow Mountains National Park offers upland walking, wooded valleys and historic sites, including Glendalough. The Wicklow Way passes through forests, hills and rural communities, while Killarney National Park in the south-west combines lakes, mountains, woodland and walking paths around the town of Killarney.
For a longer journey, paths including the Kerry Way, Wicklow Way, Dingle Way and Beara Way can be followed over several days. For a shorter break, choose one place to stay and explore the surrounding countryside, coast, mountains, lakes and local paths on foot.