The 14 Best Hiking Tours in Ireland

1.Game of Thrones Winterfell Locations Trek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 814 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $95Our pick

Spend about 11 hours tracing Game of Thrones locations in Northern Ireland from Dublin. Guides such as Lars, Robbie, and Lawrence worked as show extras and add behind-the-scenes stories to walks through Tollymore Forest, Castle Ward, and Inch Abbey. Cloaks, swords, shields, banners, and video clips are included. Expect roughly 5 miles of brisk walking.

“The tour exceeded my expectations—it was incredibly fun (I laughed my lungs out!). Our guide, who appeared as an extra in many films including Game of Thrones, shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. He also showed us lots of photos and short clips from GoT. And boy, can he sing—he's the lead vocalist for The Roadhouse Doors! Dressing in GoT-style capes and handling armor replicas made the experience truly immersive. Lastly, I must mention “the king of the bus”—our driver—who skillfully navigated the bus through gates with barely an inch of space on either side.”

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2.Dublin Coastal Hike, Pints & Puppies Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 647 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $56

Walk Howth’s village lanes, historic ruins, lighthouse viewpoints, and cliff paths with guides such as Patrick or Mark. Expect Irish folklore, jokes, 10,000-plus steps, uneven uphill ground, possible appearances by Tilly or Missy, a short video keepsake, and a pint at The Bloody Stream.

“We had a wonderful time with Patrick and our group. It was a lovely day and walking alongside the sea was spectacular! Patrick informed us about the areas history and threw in some laughs as well. His enthusiasm was great!”

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3.Cliffs Of Moher Hiking Tour from Doolin – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $41Best value

Walk about five miles from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher in a small group of up to 14. Guides such as Oisin, Simon, Phil, Sean, and Tommy share local history, folklore, and stories along the way. Allow 3 to 4 hours, wear sturdy shoes, and budget extra for the taxi back to Doolin.

“This small group tour was the perfect way to experience the Cliffs! It is a 3.5 mile hike, so wear shoes that help you navigate rough/uneven terrain. We went in September and it was very wet/muddy. Sofie was an exceptional guide. Lovely personality, helpful and informative. The best! This was our favorite tour of the trip.”

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4.Dublin Coastal Hike with Howth Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 289 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $47

Meet at Howth Market for a three-hour guided hike through the harbor, St Mary’s Abbey, Howth Hills, Summit, and cliff path. Guides such as Zach, Matt, Rob, and Sean share local stories, wildlife knowledge, and restaurant tips. Expect steep, muddy, rocky sections, changing weather, and a small group of up to 10 people.

“Great tour by Shane (spelling?), including history, both ancient and recent (U2, thin Lizzy, etc), a stunning walk, and even some recited literature and poetry. Three hours in some of the prettiest country we have seen.”

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5.Howth Safari Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $71

Meet your guide in Howth for scones, tea, and coffee, then hike 6 to 9 miles across cliffs, heathland, beaches, and village paths. You may visit sea caves at low tide and see Baily Lighthouse, Martello Towers, and Dublin Bay. Guides such as Zack, Shane, and Dee bring local stories to a small group of up to 13.

“My guide was a wonderful story teller. The hike was just beautiful. In spite of the clouds and impending rain, we only had minutes here and there of drizzle. A raincoat and waterproof shoes were a must to keep dry.”

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6.Howth Coastal Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 116 reviews · from $44

Meet your English-speaking guide at Howth Market for a three-hour hike through the fishing village, past St Mary’s Abbey, across heathland, and up Ben of Howth. You’ll see Baily Lighthouse, Dublin Bay, and the Wicklow Mountains, with local history, wildlife, and practical food tips along the way. Guides may include Zack, Dee, Sean, Paul, or Charlie.

“Our family had a wonderful time hiking with Zack. He perfectly balances a gorgeous hike with stories of Irish history and culture, including his own family. It is clear that he loves Howth and by the end of the tour we did too!”

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7.Howth Hiking Trail from Dublin: Mythology and Legend

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · from $46

Join a Spanish-speaking guide such as Álvaro, Luis or Javi for an 11-kilometer hike around Howth Peninsula. Expect a fishing port, forests, castle stories, fairy houses, cliffs, Baily Lighthouse views and possible seal sightings. The route takes 5 to 6 hours and requires sturdy shoes, snacks and a separate train ticket.

“Álvaro is a great guide. He's funny and knows not only the history of the place but a lot of curious data about it. We had an amazing experience around Howth cliffs and the forest -there's a lot of hidden secrets! - I absolutely recommend doing any tour with him!”

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8.Dublin Coastal Hike and Pints & Puppies

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $53

Join local guides such as Mark or Paddy and their friendly dogs, Tilly or Missy, for a 3.5-hour Howth walk. Follow coastal paths to cliff views, seals, a 700-year-old castle, St. Mary’s Abbey, and local folklore, then share a complimentary pint at an Irish pub.

“Wonderful! The breathtaking views, well organized incredibly professional guide who added a personal touch to the tour and adorable Missy will make this three hour tour fly by. I highly recommend this tour.”

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9.Howth Safari Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $67

Spend about five hours hiking 10 to 15 kilometers across Howth’s cliffs, heathlands, beaches, and woodland. Your English-speaking guide meets you at The House Restaurant with scones, tea, and coffee, then leads you past Martello towers, Baily Lighthouse, secret coves, and the Old Irish Goat herd. A personal photo video follows after the walk.

“I got this tour as a Christmas gift for my mum and we both thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! As we were staying in Dublin for an entire week we also wanted to get out to see some of the surrounding nature, and this walking tour of about 4 hours was the perfect way to do it. The guide was very friendly, informative and open to questions, and as a bonus a cute dog joined us on our tour as well! Afterwards we got recommended a nice little restaurant to warm up with some nice food. 5/5 would book it again.Read more”

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10.Glendalough Night Hike and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · from $44

Join Wild Summits for a four to five hour guided hike through Glendalough at sunset and after dark. You’ll walk beside the lakes, watch for Sika deer, pass the miners’ village, and explore the sixth-century monastic site by headlamp. Guides including Elena share local culture and history. The pace suits moderately fit hikers aged 12 and older.

“Both guides but especially Elena were marvolous. Perhaps start earlier so the pace is not so fast and more time to enjoy the views.”

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11.Toe Head Clifftop Hike in West Cork

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Join Conor for a relaxed 7km loop around Toe Head in West Cork. Over about 2 hours 45 minutes, you’ll follow quiet coastal paths, see an Iron Age fort, a famine village, wild orchids, an ÉIRE sign, and Cnoc na nGabhar. The walk ends at Tráigh Liceach with tea, snacks, and stories of local battles and wartime submarines.

“This experience was amazing! Conor was so great and informative and answered all of our questions throughout the hike. There were so many gorgeous views and we really appreciated all of the history he provided about the different places we stopped. Next time we’re in Ireland, we will definitely be booking another experience with him. Thank you, Conor!!”

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12.Bog Safari Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50

Join Sharon of Solas Ireland Walks and Hikes for a two-hour walk through an ancient Donegal bog. You’ll explore peatland formation, local myths, an old monastic site, turf cutting, biodiversity, green energy, and wide Wild Atlantic Way views. The group is limited to 12 people, with lunch available for an extra charge.

“I highly recommend taking the Bog Tour. Sharon shares wisdom, information and lore in a chatty and approachable manner. Plus you get to hike in a BOG! I was lucky to have Sharon to myself and relatively good weather. We met up with one of her neighbors out working in the big so got to see how the bog places a role in the daily lives of people still. It is a unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed!”

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13.Trek the Tombs and Trails in the Dublin Mountains

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $180

Spend about seven hours with a small group of up to eight, traveling by local bus from Dundrum into the Dublin foothills. Walk to two ancient burial sites, follow the Dublin Mountains Way, enjoy views of Dublin and Wicklow, and finish near a rustic cafe or country pub. Guide Ben brings Irish history to life.

“Had a lovely time hiking with Ben. He had so much knowledge of Irish history and I learned a lot. The tombs and the views were my favorite part. The hike was gorgeous. You should definitely book this hike.”

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14.Dublin Coastal Hike and Pints with A local & His Dog Private tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $254

Join Mark and his friendly dog for a private 3 to 4 hour walk around Howth’s cliffs, abbey ruins, lighthouses, and village sights. You’ll hear local stories, see Dublin Bay from Howth Summit, receive a shareable video memento, and finish with an alcoholic drink at The Bloody Stream. Expect uphill walking and uneven ground.

“Exactly as advertised and even better! Mark is great company and his pup was a doll! Views were amazing! No better way to wrap up than at The Bloody Stream!”

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