The Wild Atlantic Way is home to some of Ireland’s finest walks, each with their own unique qualities. Many bring fresh sea air, stunning views, and an ability to wind down. Whether you are after a gentle stroll or a tough hike, here is your guide to some of the best routes to explore.
Donegal
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a linear trail in the most northwestern corner of Ireland, covering more than 100km. Start at the Slieve League cliffs and head along the Bluestacks Way before finishing at Ballycastle in Antrim. Rocky, boggy, and remote, enjoy 360-degree panoramas of cliffs and beaches along the coastline.
Glencolmcille Loop
Discover the Glencolmcille Loop, a 35km stretch of impressive coastline. Check out the views on the Drum Loop and the shorter Tower Loop, both of which start and end at the Fire Station in Glencolmcille village. Embark on your hike and apriciate to the area’s rich history, including Megalithic tombs and historical ruins.
Doris Russo Trail
Named after an American woman who moved to the area and helped to develop local sites like the Glenevin Waterfall, the Doris Russo Trail is a moderate hike set along the Inishowen Peninsula. The four-kilometre route, eight kilometres out-and-back, starts and finishes in the village of Drumfries and takes roughly two hours to complete. Enjoy beautiful coastal views of the Atlantic as you make your way to Glenevin Waterfall, and spot the tiny fairy house hidden in the surrounding foliage.
Old Carn Road Drovers Trail
Another route through Drumfries is the Old Carn Road Drovers Trail. This moderate trail runs for over five kilometres, 11.2 kilometres out and back, and starts and finishes at the Sliabh Sneacht Centre. Running along the lower slopes of Sliabh Sneacht Mountain, the gravel trail is ideal for active families and takes three hours overall. Along the way, you can see Lough Swilly to the west and Malin Head to the north, as well as the King and Queen of the Mintiaghs, a pair of rocky summits that resemble crowns.
Sligo
Lough Easkey Loop
Soak up the amazing scenery of the six-kilometre Lough Easkey Loop with its lakeshores and green countryside. Hike the 90-minute trail, cross the bridge over the Easkey River and loop back to the trailhead. Admire the lake’s clear waters while walking through the expansive bogland and enjoy the peace of the remote landscape.
Mayo
Wild Nephin National Park
Set on 15,000 hectares of land filled with rocky terrain, scenic landscapes and wildlife, the Wild Nephin National Park makes for a lovely hike. Take to the leafy green Letterkeen Loops, ranging from six to twelve kilometres, and, for experienced walkers, the challenge of the 40km Bangor Trail. Appreciate this remote park and the beautiful views of the Nephin Beg Mountains.
Clare
Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is a 20km coastal cliff path that brings you all the way from Liscannor to Doolin, through the Cliffs of Moher. Roughly 5.5 kilometres of the famous trail closed in August 2024 for updates and improvements, including the last five-kilometre stretch south of the cliffs and a 500m section north of the cliffs themselves.
You can still access the trail via open sections north and south of the cliffs and from Doolin directly, where you can take in views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay in the distance. Take caution when walking this route and always heed any weather warnings, stick to the main paved path and avoid the unpaved sections on the cliff edge, as there are no barriers.
Cork
Beara Way
Composed of a 242km circuit along the southwestern edge of the Beara Peninsula, the Beara Way trail begins and ends in the small village of Glengarriff. Brimming with archaeological and historical sites, the peninsula is shrouded in mystical legends and is known for its beaches, fishing harbours and offshore islands, which are worth a visit themselves.
To round off the day, wander down the narrow roads that lead you to some of the county’s finest eateries.
Sheep’s Head Way
If you’re looking for a spot to explore on a fun hiking getaway, check out Sheep’s Head Way in West Cork, one of the most remote hiking spots on the Wild Atlantic Way. Although there are plenty of trails along this route, the best views are found along the main 172km loop of the peninsula.
Tucked right into the southwestern corner of the country, the trail begins and ends in lovely Bantry, taking in beautiful sights such as Sheep’s Head Lighthouse, deserted famine settlements and heathered fields.
If you’re looking for a shorter hike that doesn’t skimp on impressive scenery, try the Lighthouse Loop, a four-kilometre segment off the main trail that leads you straight to the famous landmark.
For more information, visit www.discoverireland.ie
