Trekking in Ireland
The landscape of Ireland offers magnificent trekking with each province providing different terrain and character. The south has the highest peaks with Corrantuathail Irelands highest providing numerous routes for a great hiking day. On the west coast the Twelve Bens has spectacular climbs and the Wild Nephin Wilderness provides the remotest hikes. On the north east coast the scenic Mourne Mountains can be traversed and in the Wicklow Mountains south of Dublin the peat terrain provides a very different challenge.
Munster - Corrantuathail, Co Kerry
Irelands Highest mountain has a number of optional routes to the top. The two most popular are by the Devils Ladder Route - 11km, 7 to 8 hours or via the more scenic Brother O Sheas Gully 14km, 8 hours. Both routes require a good level of fitness and ability to hike on steep rocky ground, also some easy scrambling is required. A challenging hike but worth the effort for the magnificent scenery and being the highest person in Ireland for a day.
Connacht, West Coast - Mweelrea, Co Mayo
Mweelrea (814m) in the west of Ireland is the highest point in Connaught and provides spectacular scenery over Killary Harbour and the Atlantic. The ascent from Doo Lough is a steep climb and the distance for this route is 14km, 6 hours. An easier ascent can be made from Silver Strand on the western slope.
Connacht - West Coast 12 Bens, Connemara.
The 12 Bens are located in Connemara National Park in the west of Ireland. The sharp quartzite summits and ridges make the area spectacular. There are numerous hiking options and two of the more popular are - Benbaun (729m) highest point in Galway 9km 6 hours challenging rocky terrain or .
Benlettery to Binn Bhraoin 14km, 948m ascent.
East Coast - Mourne Mountains, Co Down.
The Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland include Ulster's highest peak Slieve Donard (850m) In this range there are numerous trails and the beautifully built Mourne Wall stretches over 15 peaks
South Coast - Mount Brandon, Co Kerry.
Mount Brandon is 952m high and the eight highest peak in Ireland. Outside of the McGillycuddy reeks it is the highest in Ireland. A beautiful rugged trek providing magnificient views of the Dingle Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. Distance 10km, 7 hours.
East - Lugnaquilla, Co Wicklow
On the east coast of Ireland, Lugnaquilla (925m) is the highest peak. One of the most scenic routes in Wicklow is starting in the Glenamalure valley hiking up through the Fraughan Rock glen, returning by Arts Lough. Distance 15km, and 6 hours to complete.
East - Glendalough, Co Wicklow. Spinc and Derrybawn.
A scenic hike around the hills above Glendalough. Starting in Glendalough Visitors Centre and along forest trail to the Poulanass Waterfall before ascending to the Spinc which provides great views of the upper lake. Then continue to Mullacor (665m) and Derrybawn ridge before commencing the descent back to Glendalough. Hike is mostly on forest trails. Distance 14km, Time 5 hours. .
East - Glendalough, Co Wicklow. St Kevin's Way and Camaderry.
Starting at Glendalough Visitors Centre, the hike gently ascends along St Kevin's Way past the old mines of Glendassan before climbing up to Camaderry with great views of the Glendassan valley and Upper Lake. A gentle descent through the forest brings you back to Glendalough. Most of this hike is on good trails. Distance 12km, Time 5 hours.