Touring Ireland on Foot

Walking in Ireland Ireland might have been designed for walkers, with everything form coastal, riverbank, ridge, mountain and moorland walks to suit all standards and all with plenty to see along the way.

Although Irish weather is unpredictable at any time, walking in Winter is quite possible and very enjoyable provided you pick suitable routes and have the right waterproof gear.

Waymarked Ways and Graded Walks

There are extensive and well sign-posted marked ways, called "Waymarked Ways", for walkers in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. These are easy to follow and are graded and many link to each other. The walks are broken into sections, each between 4.5km and 22km in length and so are suited to the casual as well as the long distance walker.

Grading System

Easy Ways: These stick to easily navigated paths and tracks suitable for walking in any weather with little or no climbing. Suitable for all.

Moderate Ways: Include off-road walking or rougher terrain and may include fairly stiff uphill sections. Require some skill but are within the abilities of most regular walkers.

Hard Ways: Cover rough and sometimes wet ground, likely to include steep climbs and be particularly difficult in wet weather. You will need to have some map reading skills and proper equipment. These routes require both stamina and experience.

Tips for Walking in Ireland

Wear comfortable (and not new!) walking boots with good ankle support and tough soles.
Essential packing: A good map, waterproofs including trousers, a torch and whistle, a warm hat and gloves and a first aid kit.
Check the weather forecast before you set out - do not go if it is not considered safe locally, ask if you are unsure. It is quite possible to follow many routes in the rain but better safe than sorry.
Check the time of sunset and plan to finish your walk while there is still plenty of light.
Time your walk in advance. As a rough guide allow about one hour for every 4km adding 2 min for every 10 meter ascent. Don't forget to plan time for resting, eating and just admiring the view!
Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.

Walking Festivals

Some walkers enjoy the activity for its solitude but if you are the more gregarious type Ireland numerous walking festivals offer a guarantee of both good walking and good company. Those listed are among the best known and longest established.

Kenmare Walking Festival Caters to all levels of experience, but mostly moderately to very experienced walkers with guided walks in the Cork and Kerry area, including Carrauntoohill (Ireland’s highest mountain).

Guided Walking Tours in Ireland

Walking & Talking

Sean Mullan shares his extensive local knowledge of Antrim and Donegal while walking through some of the most dramatic and scenic locations in Ireland.

Walking Ireland

Archaeologist and writer Michael Gibbons shares his love and knowledge of Connemara, Kerry and the Aran Islands on guided walks with transport to and from each day's route.

Irish Ways

Provide guided tours and facilitate independent touring in most regions of Ireland.

Walking Tour Itineraries

A Guided Tour of Joyce's Dublin Walking Tour: James Joyce's Dublin
An easy and interesting walk through Dublin, following in the footsteps of James Joyce and of the characters from his writing

Galway City Walking Tour Walking Tour of Galway City
A short tour around the centre of Galway, City of the Tribes, which could easily be completed in a couple of hours.

Kilkenny City Walking Tour Walking Tour of Kilkenny City
A walking tour of the medieval city of Kilkenny, Ireland, including a visit to Kilkenny Castle.

A Three day Irish tour based in Dublin Three Days Around Dublin
A short trip based in Dublin, seeing a little of the countryside as well as the capital.

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