Enjoy five of the best hiking adventures in Ireland without the need for specialist equipment.
If you’re seeking mountain adventure without the need for ropes, helmets, or technical scrambling, read on, because Ireland has a plethora of options to choose from when planning your next epic hike.
Home to 400 mountains, according to Ireland’s official mountain list, the Arderins. These are mountains over 1640 ft (500 m) in height with a prominence of at least 98ft (30 m).
To save you going through the full list, we have picked out our top five so you can start packing your bag and hitting the hills. Read on for your next epic hike in Ireland.
5. Mount Errigal, Co. Donegal – Ireland’s most iconic mountain silhouette
Visible across Donegal and standing at 2,464 ft (751 m), Mount Errigal is the tallest peak in County Donegal.
Its distinctive peak is arguably the most photogenic of Ireland’s mountains, and the summit offers incredible coastal and mountain views. While it’s a shorter hike than many other Irish mountains, it packs a punch, with the steep summit cone giving a sense of genuine adventure.
Route: Standard summit trail
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Time: 2–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Address: Dunlewy, County Donegal, Ireland
4. Lugnaquilla, Co. Wicklow – best wilderness hiking in Ireland
Lugnaquilla is the highest of the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, rising to 3,035ft (925m), and offers a wilderness feel despite being only a 1.5-hour drive from Dublin.
Its vast, remote uplands and deep valleys offer a sense of freedom and escape from the daily grind, and the summit views are expansive on clear days.
Just bear in mind that the “tourist route” crosses the military artillery range, so you should check the range operating times in advance, unless you really want to add some spice to your hike – probably not recommended.
For avoidance of doubt, Mountaineering Ireland says there are two permitted walking routes through the military areas, and access depends on firing/closure times.
Route: Glenmalure route
- Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
- Time: 5–7 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Address: Ballineddin Upper, County Wicklow, Ireland
3. Diamond Hill, Co. Galway – best hike for spectacular rewards
At only 1,450 ft (442 m), Diamond Hill does not rank as an Arderin, but we couldn’t leave it out as it has arguably the best view-to-effort ratio of any mountain hike in Ireland. It has excellent trail infrastructure with pathways, boardwalks over bog sections and is very well marked.
Diamond Hill is a great option if you don’t want a full-day mountain adventure, yet still want stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains and bogs of Connemara.
Route: Diamond Hill Loop
- Distance: 7 km (4.3miles)
- Time: 2.5–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Address: Letterfrack, County Galway, Ireland
2. Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo – Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage mountain
Climbing Croagh Patrick is a classic Irish mountain experience due to its association with Saint Patrick, who is said to have spent 40 days fasting on the summit.
At 2,507 ft (764 m), nicknamed “the Reek” by locals, is the fourth-highest mountain in the province of Connacht and gives hikers outstanding, panoramic views over Clew Bay‘s hundreds of islands.
Interestingly, there has been a church on the summit since the 5th century, with the current church dating from the early 20th century. Every year on the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick in honour of Saint Patrick, and masses are held at the summit chapel.
Some even climb the mountain barefoot as an act of penance. It goes without saying that if you’re seeking solitude on Croagh Patrick, avoid it on pilgrimage day.
Route: Main pilgrim path
- Distance: 7 km (4.3miles)
- Time: 3–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Address: Ballyhip, County Mayo, Ireland
1. Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry – Ireland’s highest mountain
At 3,407 ft (1,038 m), Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest mountain and sits within its highest mountain range, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. The Reeks are well-known for their deep glacial valleys and rugged mountain scenery, and the summit of Carrauntoohil offers excellent views across the range.
While no special climbing equipment is required, caution is advised as the Devil’s Ladder has become unstable with overuse, and the weather can change rapidly in this area, so some navigation know-how is recommended.
A feature of Carrauntoohil is the cross which stands at the summit. Erected in the 1950s, it was cut down in 2014 in an apparent protest against the Catholic Church. It was re-erected shortly afterwards.
Route: Devil’s Ladder route
- Distance: 14 km (8.6 miles)
- Time: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Address: Killarney Road, County Kerry, Ireland
With so many mountain hikes to choose from, you are truly spoiled for choice in Ireland. So why not start planning your next Irish mountain adventure with these five epic hikes? Which one will you tackle first?
