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.

Ballyhoura is well known as a mountain biking hub, but there’s much more to this region, particularly if you’re a fan of hiking. Spanning three counties – Cork, Limerick and Tipperary – Ballyhoura has a vast network of walking trails, where you can hike over the mountains, through green pastures and right alongside historical sites like holy wells and castle ruins. And if you want to make a break out of it, there are plenty of places where you can stay, along with great cafés and restaurants to refuel after your trek.

When it comes to hiking, Donegal always comes up trumps. There’s a huge variety of landscapes to explore, from rugged mountains and giant sea cliffs to lush woodlands and white sand beaches. And all around the county, there are walking trails to suit all levels, whether you’re after a long, adventurous hike or an easy afternoon amble. Best of all, these hikes have great places to eat and stay nearby, so it’s easy to make a break out of it.

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.