

Fill your heart with the great outdoors
Epic clifftop walks, cycles through showstopping scenery and the chance to enjoy nature in great company






There’s nothing quite like getting out in nature in Ireland. A slow, thoughtful journey on foot or by bike allows you to properly appreciate the rugged drama and wild beauty of the landscape. But more than that, walking and cycling here is a great way to connect with people and traditions. Because you never know who you’ll meet on the way!
To get you started, we’ve got all you need to know about walking and cycling routes. Escape from it all on the Wild Atlantic Way, hike through history in Ireland’s Ancient East, get off the beaten track in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands or weave along the majestic paths of the Causeway Coastal Route.
If you’re looking for the perfect activity break, you’ve come to the right place.
Pedal power
Ireland is a fantastic place for cyclists – whether you’re a Lycra-clad expert, or enjoy more of a leisurely cycle, there is something on offer for everyone. Ireland’s greenways, a network of trails built to be used exclusively by cyclists (as well as pedestrians), are the perfect way to enjoy a peaceful cycle amongst nature.
We recommend the Great Western Greenway, from lively Westport to Achill Island, a route that takes in majestic views on the west coast. The Waterford Greenway, which runs from Waterford city to the seaside town of Dungarvan along the rugged Copper Coast, is also one to add to your list.


Malin Head, County Donegal © Chris Hill Photographic
Hike your way to happiness
There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than lacing up your boots and taking your time to enjoy your surroundings by walking. The island of Ireland has a richly varied landscape of beaches, bogs, and rolling green fields, and wherever you go there are lots of well-signposted, easy-to-do walks and hikes ready to get stuck into.
In Northern Ireland, try the Gobbins Cliff Path – a dramatic coastal walk you won’t forget! Wander along pathways and across tubular bridges that hang above sea caves and lashing waves – an invigorating experience that brings you in close contact with the elements. And of course, we couldn’t talk about Northern Ireland without mentioning the Giant’s Causeway! Tick this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site off your list by choosing to visit via the Giant’s Causeway Clifftop Experience – the best way to experience the site.


Clifftop Experience, Causeway Coastal Route © 2023 Rob Durston
For gentler walks that still deliver breathtaking views – head to the Wild Atlantic Way which offers a whole host of walking routes, including the Beara Peninsula in West Cork and the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.
Hardcore hikers can opt for the Wicklow Way: a paradise of mountain trails. The ultimate challenge? That’ll be the tallest mountain on the island of Ireland, Carrauntoohil, in Kerry’s MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. The Slieve Blooms in counties Laois and Offaly are a hidden gem – peaceful peaks rising from the island’s central plains.
Here are some of our favourite hikes on the island of Ireland:


Lough Derg, County Tipperary © James Maher
Kayaking and canoeing
Glassy lakes, winding rivers, and thrilling sea kayaking: the island of Ireland is a fabulous place to explore by kayak or canoe.
Summing up Ireland’s network of waterways isn’t easy, but were the Lakelands to have a capital, Fermanagh would be it. The maze of bays, narrow channels of slow-moving water and innumerable islands around both Upper and Lower Lough Erne offer superb opportunities for people embarking on their first canoe or kayaking trip. And there are wonderful places to stay around the water: camping at Castle Archdale, island accommodation on Lusty Beg, and quirky bubble domes at Finn Lough.


Belle Isle Estate, County Fermanagh @ Belle Isle
For gentler walks that still deliver breathtaking views – head to the Wild Atlantic Way which offers a whole host of walking routes, including the Beara Peninsula in West Cork and the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.
Hardcore hikers can opt for the Wicklow Way: a paradise of mountain trails. The ultimate challenge? That’ll be the tallest mountain on the island of Ireland, Carrauntoohil, in Kerry’s MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. The Slieve Blooms in counties Laois and Offaly are a hidden gem – peaceful peaks rising from the island’s central plains.




Achill Surf Education & Adventure Centre
Achill Surf Education & Adventure Centre is located in Achill Island, County Mayo. It offers surfing lessons and surfing courses, as well as kayaking lessons, for individuals, families and a wide variety of groups.
Mayo
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Lemon Tree Restaurant
Situated on Main Street in the heart of Letterkenny, Co. Donegal since its establishment in 1999, the family-run and Michelin recommended Lemon Tree Restaurant offers contemporary, seasonal dishes served in relaxed surroundings.
Donegal
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The Bushmills Inn
The Bushmills Inn is a luxury Hotel with an AA Rosette restaurant in the heart of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. One of Ireland’s most well known luxurious hotels, The Bushmills Inn boasts open turf fires, gas lights and hidden nooks & crannies.
Bushmills
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Balloo House
Balloo House is a beautiful country pub and restaurant that successfully combines history, tradition and comfort with a forward thinking attitude and passion for excellence in food.
Killinchy
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Derg Isle Adventure Centre
Experience a diverse range of land and water-based activities at the Derg Isle Adventure Centre at Scarriff in County Clare. It is nestled along the leafy western shores of Lough Derg and within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Clare
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Wineport Lodge
Wineport is a luxury accommodation with a unique sense of comfort at every turn. Nestled on the banks of Lough Ree, in a tranquil, country setting surrounded by water and native woodland, Wineport Lodge is exceptional in style and casual luxury.
Westmeath
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Ardtara Country House
If an award-winning gourmet break is on the top of your list, look no further than the elegant Ardtara Country House just outside the village of Upperlands, near Maghera. Luxurious from inception, the Victorian property was built by one of Northern Ireland’s wealthy linen barons and is in a picturesque setting amid woodlands and lakes.
Maghera
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An Port Mór Restaurant
Taste the Wild Atlantic Way at Frankie Mallon's multi award-winning restaurant in the beautiful coastal town of Westport, Co. Mayo. You will find great food using the finest Irish ingredients cooked to perfection.
Mayo
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Connemara Smokehouse
Connemara Smokehouse is a small family run business specialising in high quality smoked and marinated seafood in the small village of Ballyconneely, County Galway. Enjoy the café and gift shop or arrange a tour of the smokehouse.
Galway
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Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre
Visit the Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre in Clonakilty, County Cork, to get an insight into the history of black pudding and the town of Clonakilty.
Cork
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The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails
The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike trails are nestled into the beautiful Ballyhoura mountains straddling the counties of Cork and Limerick. The trails were designed by Daffyd Davis and run over 90km of the most wonderful undulating hills and forests that Ireland has to offer.
Limerick
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Mulranny Park Hotel
The Mulranny Park Hotel, in County Mayo, is a stunning 4 star hotel perched on a unique site on the Wild Atlantic Way, with a view of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick beyond. Dating from 1897, the hotel has retained its original character and charm which is combined with the very best in contemporary comfort and style.
Mayo
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Rathmullan House Hotel
Rathmullan House enjoys an unrivalled location overlooking the shores of Lough Swilly. Elegant lounges with open fires provide slumbering comfort. 31 bedrooms individually decorated. The Cook & Gardener restaurant uses produce from the walled garden.
Donegal
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Newforge House
Luxurious Georgian 5-star Country House accommodation set in mature gardens and fields. Period features seamlessly blend with contemporary comforts. Superb food, using local suppliers and much home grown produce, is central to our offer.
Craigavon
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Wicklow Head Lighthouse - Irish Landmark Trust
Wicklow Head Lighthouse has safeguarded the scenic Wicklow coastline since 1781. It is a peace seeker's self catering haven with inspiring and refreshing views of the Irish Sea.
Wicklow
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Finn Lough - Lakeside Villas
Situated one mile from the Donegal/Fermanagh Border, Finn Lough offers the ideal setting from which to explore both counties. For those who are keen to stay put and relax there is plenty on offer within the 75 acre peninsula resort.
Enniskillen
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