“Trails of Myth and Mist: Exploring Ireland on Foot”
From misty green hills and wild Atlantic coastlines to the crooked, story-filled streets of Irish towns, there’s something magical about exploring Ireland on foot. Hiking here feels like stepping right into the heart of the Emerald Isle — a place where nature, history, and legend all seem to blend together.
What I love most about hiking in Ireland is the variety. One day you’re wandering along a forest trail under a canopy of moss and birdsong, the next you’re climbing a rugged mountain or walking along cliffs that drop straight into the crashing sea. Some trails are completely untouched, giving you a real sense of wild, natural Ireland. Others have been carefully maintained so more people can enjoy these landscapes — and meet a few friendly hikers along the way.
Of course, hiking here isn’t just about the views (though they’re spectacular). Ireland is steeped in myths and legends, and you can feel those stories everywhere you go. Whether it’s the giants said to have built the Causeway, or the pilgrims who climbed Croagh Patrick centuries ago, every trail seems to whisper its own piece of the past.
If you’re planning a hiking trip, the best months to visit are April through October. You’ll have longer days, milder temperatures, and a better chance of dry weather — though let’s be honest, a little rain is part of the Irish experience. I’ve had hikes where the drizzle only made the landscape more beautiful, the mist rolling over the hills like something out of a dream.
Here are some of my favorite hikes across Ireland — each one special in its own way:
Giant’s Causeway – a surreal coastal walk where myth meets geology; it’s unlike anywhere else in the world.
Mount Errigal – Donegal’s highest peak, with a climb that’s as rewarding as the views from the top.
The Stairway to Heaven (Cuilcagh Boardwalk) – a wooden trail that takes you up into the clouds — quite literally.
Croagh Patrick – a sacred mountain where history and spirituality meet breathtaking views of Clew Bay.
Cliffs of Moher – Ireland’s most iconic coastal walk, dramatic and humbling all at once.
Carrauntoohil – Ireland’s highest mountain and a challenge worth taking on for seasoned hikers.
Gougane Barra – a peaceful forest park surrounded by mountains, with trails perfect for a reflective walk.
Lough Hyne – a tranquil loop with views over a unique marine lake and the rolling countryside of West Cork.
Each trail tells a story — and every time I lace up my boots, I find something new to love about this island. Whether it’s the sound of sheep on a distant hill, the warmth of a pub after a long trek, or the way strangers always stop to chat on the trail, Ireland has a way of making every hike feel like a homecoming.
So pack your rain jacket, follow the path ahead, and let the land of myth and mist lead you wherever it wants to take you
Summit at Carrauntoohil
