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Cycling the Waterford Greenway

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3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

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Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

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Ireland's Ancient East
The 9 best hikes and walk ...
The 9 best hikes and walks in Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Walking and hiking
  • Free things to do
  • Romantic
  • Off the beaten track
  • The great outdoors
Hikers in Wicklow Mountains National Park in Co Wicklow
Enjoy some of Ireland's Ancient East's best views on a refreshing hike.
Ireland's Ancient East colour logo
Get ready for incredible landscapes and experience rich history on a hike in Ireland's Ancient East. Lace up your boots and climb to stunning lookouts over Carlingford, pack your rucksack for a multi-day walk through Wicklow Mountains National Park and enjoy a family-friendly day out on the Waterford Greenway.

Here's the best hiking trails and walking routes in Ireland's Ancient East.

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1South Leinster Way

South Leinster Way is a long distance walking route which runs from Kildavin, County Carlow to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary covering 103.6km in length and ascending some 1490 metres.

The South Leinster Way
South Leinster Way
South Leinster Way
Kildavin, Co. Carlow
2Glenbarrow - Waterfall Loop

Situated close to the geographical centre of Ireland, the Slieve Bloom region links counties Laois and Offaly and is made up of forests, blanket bog of a type unique to Ireland and hidden valleys which will be of interest to lovers of nature.

Waterfall Loop
Glenbarrow - Waterfall Loop
Glenbarrow - Waterfall Loop
Clonaslee, Co. Laois
3Wicklow Way

Ideal for the experienced walker, the Wicklow Way was Ireland’s very first waymarked trail and remains as popular as ever. This linear route unfolds just over 128km, connecting Dublin’s leafy suburbs with the raw beauty of counties Wicklow and Carlow.

Image of a couple walking the Wicklow Way in County Wicklow
Wicklow Way
Wicklow Way
Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow
4Barrow Way

Follow the River Barrow’s historic towpath on a pictorial 116.9km trail through counties Kildare, Laois and Carlow. Ideal for all level of walker, heritage sites and riverside scenery abound on this linear route.

Image of Clashganny Lock along The Barrow Way in Borris in County Carlow
Barrow Way
Barrow Way
Robertstown, Co. Kildare
5Waterford Greenway

Experience the epic Waterford Greenway, a walking and cycling off-road trail. The spectacular 47.8km route runs from Waterford City to Dungarvan along an old railway line.

Viaduct on the Waterford Greenway, County Waterford
Waterford Greenway
Waterford Greenway
Waterford City, Co. Waterford
6Nore Valley Walk - Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge Section

Enjoy a moderate leg of the pastoral Nore Valley Walk on this 8.2km trail connecting Kilkenny City to the village of Bennettsbridge. Riversides and rural scenery treat you at every turn in this corner of Ireland’s Ancient East.

A pathway amongst green trees and shrubbery beside a river
Nore Valley Walk - Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge Section
Nore Valley Walk - Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge Section
Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny
7Nore Valley Walk - Inistioge to Thomastown Section

Walk among the pastoral Nore Valley landscape on this charming 10.8km trail in County Kilkenny. Connecting Inistioge to Thomastown, you’ll enjoy the valley’s abundance of natural beauty.

Image of Inistioge in County Kilkenny
Nore Valley Walk - Inistioge to Thomastown Section
Nore Valley Walk - Inistioge to Thomastown Section
Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny
8East Munster Way

The East Munster Way is a 69km linear walking route of considerable variety, from riverside paths to woodland and from open mountain moorland to quiet country roads. It is part of the European E8 route.

The East Munster Way
East Munster Way
East Munster Way
Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
9Tain Way

Get off the beaten track and discover one of the best-kept secrets in Louth on the Táin Way. This long-distance circular route around the county’s highest peak will bring you through a landscape brimming with myths, legends, and unmatched scenery to really let your imagination run wild.

The Tain Way
Tain Way
Tain Way
Carlingford, Co. Louth
Keep on walking

Continue to explore the country's best routes and trails and start planning your next walking and hiking holiday. 

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Sheep Head Lighthouse, Co Cork
Explore 9 incredible cliff walks
Coastal escapesExplore 9 incredible cliff walks

With clear blue waters, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches, the Irish coastline is great to explore any time of year. Get your hiking boots on and discover incredible views on some the country's coastal trails.

Four people walking in a forest
14 great Irish forest walks
The great outdoors14 great Irish forest walks

Sprawling woodlands, waterways and wildlife spotting make Ireland’s forests a great escape from the everyday. Whether it’s a laid-back family stroll or something a little more strenuous, wandering the country’s trails is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature.

A hiker at Slea Head in County Kerry
Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers
The great outdoorsTop 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Ireland has some of the best walking and hiking trails in the world. With a backdrop of stunning landscapes, you can choose your adventure from a range of challenging coastal paths and imposing mountain ranges to long-distance explorations of historical trails and remote island walks.

People walking the Queen Maeve Trail in Co Sligo
8 walks that start and end at a café
Free things to do8 walks that start and end at a café

For the committed walker, Ireland's trails have everything you need: beautiful scenery and a huge selection of walks to suit all levels. The reluctant rambler, however, might need an added incentive. How about a nice meal or a tasty snack, either at the beginning to get you going or at the end of it to reward you for making the effort? 

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