Set along the Iveragh Peninsula, the Kerry Way is the longest waymarked trail in the country, coming in at an impressive 232km. Starting and finishing in the bustling town of Killarney, the strenuous nine-day adventure passes through towns like Sneem and Kenmare as well as the county's beautiful landscapes, including the Lakes of Killarney and Carrauntoohil. As there are long stretches between accommodation options in the area, be sure to plan your hiking days in advance. 

Beginning in Rosroe Pier in Galway, this Killary Harbour Coastal Walk is steeped in history and follows the contours of the Killary Fjord as it passes old cottages and long-abandoned potato ridges. The journey is approximately 16km between Rosroe and Killary Adventure Centre and takes about two to three hours depending on your level of fitness. See salmon and mussel farms in the shadow of the Mweelrea Mountains and bask in the beauty of the Delphi Valley.

One of the country’s greatest long-distance hiking trails starts in the Dublin suburbs at Marlay Park in Dublin and goes all the way to Carlow. With dramatic scenery and a rich, varied route, there is a unique sense of remoteness as you make your way past the beautiful monastic site of Glendalough. Walk across ridges and gently sloping valleys before you descend into the foothills of Clonegal. Apart from a few short steep sections, there are no significant climbs. Approximately 128km in length, the Wicklow Way takes about six days to finish. 

Head off on the Bluestack Way in Donegal that winds its way from Donegal town to Ardara on the west coast. This route is about 65km and takes roughly three days from start to finish. Pass by the scenic Lough Eske across the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains to reach an area called Disert and its ancient mountain graveyard. From remote, high moorland to a glorious descent along the Owenroe river, enjoy the beautiful isolation as you hike along boglands, riversides and quiet, country roads.

Take a guided walk with Sean Mullen, a leading guide on the six-hour trek along the coast of the Fanad Peninsula in Donegal. Take your boots off as you traverse sandy beaches and discover a landscape masterfully sculpted by the Atlantic waves. Your tour ends at the famous Fanad Lighthouse, marking the entrance to the famous Lough Swilly. 

If you fancy going on two walks when you’re in Donegal, go on the Horn Head Walk on Inishowen Peninsula. Follow the shorter, coastal walk to Sheephaven Bay for views of golden beaches, Tory Island and the Donegal Highlands.

As one of the most popular routes to take in the Comeragh Mountains, the 7.5km stretch of the Coumshingaun Loop Walk is a moderate four-hour hike that takes in Waterford’s incredible landscape, including the Coumshingaun Lake and the surrounding mountains.

With a mix of tough mountain hikes and gentle valley walks, pick how to tackle the Comeragh Mountain Range. In the heart of this range lies the Nire Valley, which stretches from the Waterford coast near Dungarvan to Clonmel in Tipperary and features an annual walking festival in autumn.

Head to Bantry and start on the 172km circular route of Sheep’s Head Way. Running along the north coast to the scenic Sheep's Head Lighthouse before returning along its southern side, explore the varied terrain and take in quiet rural pathways, open grassy moorland, woodland and country roads. See stone circles, standing stones and even a Napoleonic signal tower on this great adventure. Eagle-eyed wildlife enthusiasts may even spot dolphins and whales in the ocean below. 

Embark on a hike rich with history on this 118km-long figure of eight walking route that starts and ends in the old mining village of Arigna. The Miner's Way and Historical Trail touches on three lakes and crosses three low mountain ranges. Since the route is named after the area's background in mining, check out the Arigna Mining Experience once you've finished your hike. Delve underground and find out what life was like when the region was the centre of the mining industry for more than 400 years. Then visit the 12th century Cistercian Boyle Abbey and Carrowkeel Neolithic Cemetery.

Steeped in legend, this walkway is the site of the saga known as The Cattle Raid of Cooley and the battle between Queen Meabh of Connacht and Cú Chulainn. Aside from that epic saga, there’s plenty of evidence of Cooley’s rich historical past, from passage graves to portal tombs by the trailside. The Táin Way loops around Carlingford Mountain and its terrain consists of quiet, wooded tracks and glorious mountain paths with views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

This 60km route runs from the historic village of Balla in Mayo to the picturesque village of Murrisk at the foot of Croagh Patrick on the shores of Clew Bay. The scenic trail guides hikers through green farmlands, remote boglands and tranquil forest paths. See early monastic settlements, a 6th century castle, Clogher Heritage Cottage, Ballintubber Abbey and the Aille Caves. It takes around three days to complete this great trail.