- Diamond Hill Loop (Connemara National Park): classic moderate to challenging circuit (around 7 km full Upper and Lower loops, 2.5–3 hours) starting from the visitor centre near Letterfrack. Well-surfaced paths with boardwalks and stone steps ascend the quartzite peak (445 metres), rewarding with panoramic views over the Twelve Bens, Kylemore Abbey, Inishbofin island, and the rugged Connemara coastline – one of Ireland’s most iconic and accessible mountain hikes.
- Dún Aonghasa Trail (Inishmore, Aran Islands): moderate out-and-back hike (around 8–10 km return from Kilronan pier, 3–4 hours) across the limestone pavement of Inishmore to the spectacular prehistoric semicircular fort perched on 100-metre cliffs. The route passes stone-walled fields, seal colonies, and ancient sites, culminating in breathtaking Atlantic vistas – a timeless blend of archaeology and raw coastal drama on the edge of Europe.
- Errisbeg Hill Loop: rewarding moderate hill walk (around 5–7 km loop, 2–3 hours) near Roundstone village, climbing the distinctive 300-metre conical hill through open moorland and quiet lanes. It offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Atlantic, Dog’s Bay beaches, the Twelve Bens, and surrounding boglands – a lesser-known Connemara gem with a true sense of wild solitude.
- Coole Park Nature Trails: Gentle, family-friendly looped walks (1.75–4.5 km options, 1–2 hours) through the historic demesne near Gort, once home to Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats. Serene paths wind past ancient woodlands, turloughs, the Autograph Tree (signed by literary greats), and deer enclosures, with tranquil lakeside sections – a peaceful escape rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty.
- Portumna Forest Park Loops: Easy to moderate interconnected trails (up to 10 km combined, 2–4 hours) along the northern shores of Lough Derg in ancient woodland near Portumna. Flat, well-marked paths explore oak forests, bonniconlon bog, riverside views, and diverse wildlife (red squirrels, otters); ideal for relaxed immersion in one of Ireland’s finest lakeside forest parks with picnic spots and historic castle proximity.
Hiking
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Galway:
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