On the right foot: eight walks that go the distance

There is a moment on a good walk when everything settles. Breathing finds a rhythm, thoughts soften at the edges and the landscape quietly takes over. Ireland is particularly good at offering those moments, often without asking for much in return beyond time and attention. From coastal paths carved by the Atlantic to forest trails that feel almost secret, these eight walks capture the variety and generosity of the Irish outdoors.

Chosen for their atmosphere as much as their scenery, they range from gentle woodland rambles to more demanding mountain routes, with at least one walk in every province. Whether you have an hour to spare or a full day to give, there is something here to draw you outside.

1. Djouce Mountain, Co Wicklow

Djouce is a walk that feels instantly welcoming. Broad tracks and wooden boardwalks guide you across open moorland, making it accessible without ever feeling dull.

The Wicklow Mountains stretch out around you, and on clear days Dublin Bay glints in the distance, reminding you how quickly the city can fall away once you step into the hills.

This is a walk that suits a wide range of abilities. You can take it at a steady, sociable pace, stopping to admire the views or simply enjoying the sense of space. Even when its not sunny, Djouce has a quiet drama to it, with mist rolling in and out and the boardwalks leading you confidently onward.

2. Killykeen Forest Park, Co Cavan

Wrapped around the shores of Lough Oughter, Killykeen Forest Park is gentle in every sense of the word. The paths are well maintained and easy underfoot, winding through mixed woodland and opening out onto calm stretches of water. It is the kind of place where time feels less urgent.

Ideal for families, casual walkers or anyone easing themselves back into regular walking, Killykeen offers quiet rewards rather than big gestures. Light filters through the trees, birdsong carries across the lake and there is always another bend in the path to follow. It is a reminder that not every memorable walk needs a summit.

3. Slieve League, Co Donegal

Few places in Ireland match the sheer impact of Slieve League. Rising dramatically from the Atlantic, the sea cliffs – the highest in Europe – deliver a sense of scale that is both exhilarating and humbling. Even before you begin walking, the views demand your attention.

There are various routes here, allowing walkers to choose how far they want to go, but all of them share that extraordinary backdrop of sea and sky. This is a walk best saved for settled weather, when visibility is good and the Atlantic shows off its many shades of blue.

4. Loop Head Cliff Walk, Co Clare

Loop Head feels wonderfully exposed in the best possible way. Starting near the lighthouse, the walk traces the edge of the peninsula, with cliffs dropping sharply into the ocean below. The Atlantic is rarely quiet here, and the sound of waves becomes a constant companion.

Despite the drama of the setting, this is an accessible walk, well suited to a relaxed pace. There is time to stop, look and take it all in, watching seabirds wheel overhead and waves crash against the rock. It is a walk that clears the head quickly and leaves you feeling braced and refreshed.

5. Ballyhoura Nature Trail, Co Limerick

The Ballyhoura Nature Trail is proof that shorter walks can still be deeply satisfying. This woodland loop is clearly marked and thoughtfully designed, with gentle gradients and plenty of interest along the way.

Sculptures and interpretation points add a playful element, particularly for younger walkers.

Set within the wider Ballyhoura Mountains, the trail offers a calm introduction to the area’s forests and hills. It is an easy walk to fit into a busy day, but one that still delivers that all-important sense of having properly stepped away from everyday life.

6. Tomies Wood and O’Sullivan’s Cascade, Co Kerry

Tomies Wood, Killarney is rich with atmosphere. The path winds through ancient woodland, where moss clings to rocks and trees and the air feels cool and shaded. O’Sullivan’s Cascade adds a gentle soundtrack, its water tumbling over stone in a way that feels timeless.

This is a walk that encourages slowing down. It is less about distance and more about immersion, taking in the textures, sounds and stillness of the forest. As part of Killarney National Park, it sits within a landscape shaped by centuries of natural and human history, which only adds to its appeal.

7. Coumshingaun Loop, Co Waterford

Coumshingaun is one of those hikes that quietly builds to a moment of awe. The loop brings you up into the Comeragh Mountains, where the corrie or glacial lake suddenly reveals itself, encircled by steep cliffs that give the place a powerful presence.

This is a challenging walk that feels remote without being inaccessible, offering a sense of wildness that stays with you. Start the 4km or 8km walk from Kilclooney Bridge on the R676 Dungarvan/Carrick-on-Suir road.

8. Slieve Donard, Co Down

Slieve Donard is the most demanding walk on the list, and the sense of achievement reflects that. Beginning gently along the Glen River, the route gradually becomes more challenging as it climbs towards the summit, guided by the iconic Mourne Wall. This is a hike that requires preparation, time and respect for the conditions, but it gives back generously.

From the top, the views stretch across the Mourne Mountains and out to sea, offering a powerful reminder of the rewards that come from sustained effort.

See discoverireland.ie/things-to-do/ walking-and-hiking