By Editorial Team on 22/08/2025 · 11:40 AM
1. The Wicklow Way (Wicklow Mountains)
- Why hike it? The Wicklow Way is Ireland’s oldest long-distance trail, but it also offers fantastic weekend sections. The highlight is Glendalough, where you can explore the monastic city and hike loops around the Upper and Lower Lakes. It’s accessible from Dublin and gives a taste of wild mountains and deep valleys in just two days.
- Start & Finish: Begin at Glendalough and finish in Glenmalure or Roundwood.
- Time to Hike: 1–2 days.
2. The Kerry Way (Iveragh Peninsula)
- Why hike it? While the full trail is long, short sections around Killarney National Park make for ideal weekend hikes. Wander past lakes, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and ancient oak forests before climbing into open mountain valleys with sweeping views.
- Start & Finish: Start in Killarney and finish at Black Valley or return loop via Muckross.
- Time to Hike: 2 days.
3. The Dingle Way (County Kerry)
- Why hike it? The Dingle Way’s coastal paths and beaches are perfect for shorter trips. Spend a weekend exploring the stretch from Dingle town to Dunquin, taking in wide Atlantic vistas and Mount Brandon looming above.
- Start & Finish: Start in Dingle and finish in Dunquin.
- Time to Hike: 2 days.
4. The Beara Way (West Cork and Kerry)
- Why hike it? For a weekend, base yourself in Glengarriff or Castletownbere and hike circular loops along the Beara Way. The Allihies to Eyeries section is particularly stunning, with colourful villages and ocean views.
- Start & Finish: Allihies to Eyeries.
- Time to Hike: 1–2 days.
5. The Western Way (County Galway & Mayo)
- Why hike it? The Connemara section of the Western Way offers a rugged weekend escape. From Leenane, follow the Maam Valley through boglands and mountains, experiencing remote landscapes without needing a full week.
- Start & Finish: Start in Leenane and finish in Maam Cross.
- Time to Hike: 2 days.
6. The Slieve Bloom Way (Counties Laois & Offaly)
- Why hike it? At 75 km total, the Slieve Bloom Way is perfect for shorter adventures. Weekend hikers can do loops from Glenbarrow or Kinnitty, enjoying waterfalls, forest tracks, and panoramic ridges without heavy climbs.
- Start & Finish: Circular loop from Glenbarrow.
- Time to Hike: 1–2 days.
7. Sheep’s Head Way (County Cork)
- Why hike it? The Sheep’s Head peninsula is compact, making it one of the best weekend hikes in Ireland. Trails hug the coastline, with lighthouses, rugged cliffs, and quiet villages. It feels remote yet is easy to explore in just two days.
- Start & Finish: Bantry to Kilcrohane (loop back options available).
- Time to Hike: 2 days.
8. The Burren Way (County Clare)
- Why hike it? Perfect for a weekend, the Burren Way includes dramatic sections along the Cliffs of Moher and across limestone pavements. Expect wildflowers, archaeology, and breathtaking Atlantic views.
- Start & Finish: Start at Doolin, hike along the Cliffs of Moher, and finish in Liscannor.
- Time to Hike: 2 days.
9. The Bluestack Way & Slieve League (County Donegal)
- Why hike it? For a weekend, focus on Slieve League’s dramatic cliffs. Shorter routes lead to viewing points or longer ridge hikes along the Pilgrim’s Path for adventurous walkers.
- Start & Finish: Start in Teelin village and loop to Slieve League cliffs.
- Time to Hike: 1–2 days.
10. Connemara & Aran Islands (County Galway)
- Why hike it? Connemara’s shorter loops around Diamond Hill or Killary Fjord make great weekend hikes, with mountain and sea views packed into half-day or full-day treks. Pair it with a day trip to the Aran Islands for cliff walks and ancient forts.
- Start & Finish: Diamond Hill loop in Connemara National Park, or Kilronan on Inis Mór for Aran Islands.
- Time to Hike: 1–2 days.