Five Wonderful West of Ireland Hikes (Plus the Best Snack Stops)

The rugged, windswept landscapes of the West of Ireland have long been a haven for hikers seeking adventure, natural beauty and a true escape from the everyday. Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out, a romantic climb with breath-taking views, an adventure with friends or an invigorating solo stroll, you’ll find something here worth lacing your boots up for.

Diamond Hill Loop, Connemara National Park

Difficulty: Moderate

Great for: Families with older children, friends, and solo hikers.

This 7.1km loop offers stunning views of the Twelve Bens mountain range, Kylemore Abbey, and the Atlantic Ocean. The trail features both Upper and Lower sections, making it accessible to hikers of varying fitness levels.

Don’t miss: A visit to Kabo Coffee in Letterfrack for a specialty brew (or even a vibrant blue butterfly pea flower tea – yes, really!), @kabocoffee.

Western Way (Galway section)

Difficulty: Moderate

Great for: Solo hikers and experienced friends.

This 100km trail stretches from Oughterard to Westport, passing through the breathtaking landscape of Connemara. Along the way, hikers encounter serene lakes and historical landmarks, offering a truly immersive experience.

Don’t miss: No trip to Oughterard is complete without popping into Sullivan’s for a cinnamon roll or some artisanal snacks (sullivanscountryliving.com). My Little Flower, a few doors up, is also a great place for a sweet treat or caffeine fix, @mylittleflowercoffee.

Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Great for: Experienced hikers

This 61km trail begins in Balla and ends in Murrisk, passing through historical sites, rural landscapes and charming villages. The trail finishes at the summit of Croagh Patrick, a sacred pilgrimage site offering stunning views of Clew Bay.

Don’t miss: Teach Scoile, the Happy Tummy Co’s bakery in Westport for tasty, gut-friendly loaves and fermented sourdough cookies, thehappytummyco.com.

Errisbeg Hill, Near Roundstone

Difficulty: Moderate

Suitable for: Solo hikers, families, friends.

This hike is a shorter, yet highly rewarding climb that provides panoramic views of the stunning Connemara coastline and countryside. The trail can be slippery and muddy in sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Don’t miss: When in Roundstone, a visit to O’Dowd’s is a must. Whether for a hearty seafood feed, simple scone or one of their famed ‘pints on the wall’, it’s the perfect place to end a daytrip, odowdsseafoodbar.com.

Poll Na Bpéist (The Worm Hole), Inis Mór

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Suitable for: Families, friends, and those interested in unique geological formations.

This short hike leads to an incredible natural wonder – a perfectly rectangular-shaped natural pool carved into the coastal rocks. The views of the surrounding ocean are breathtaking.

Don’t miss: Inis Mór’s Minnie’s Café serves up tasty acai bowls, hot and iced coffee, alongside a collection of beautiful hand-carved wood accessories, made by Co-owner Fionn Ó Flaithearta, @minniescafe.inismor.

Words Donna Gannon and Nathalie Marquez Courtney