The Best Hiking & Trekking Guided Tours in Ireland
Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries
Are you yearning for an escape into the beauty of nature? Great for museums & attractions, family-friendly activities, and budget-friendly accommodations, Ireland is a terrific destination. These curated hiking and trekking tours to Ireland offer an immersive experience in some of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the region. Through meticulous analysis of various organized tours, hiking holiday packages, and hiking tour packages based on price, ratings, destinations, services, and activities, we've handpicked the best hiking tour options in Ireland for adventure enthusiasts like you. We're confident that one of these amazing guided tours will be perfect for your next hiking trip, so let's get started.
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The Best Hiking Tours through Ireland
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does Ireland appeal to hikers?
Ireland is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering diverse trails through breathtaking landscapes and charming cultural areas. Connemara, Killarney, and Howth are world-renowned for hiking, with gorgeous trails and stunning natural landscapes. Kinsale is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Kinsale, Dublin, and Cork are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. Ireland's terrific trails and overall beauty make it an exciting and rewarding destination for hikers of all levels.
How much do hiking tours in Ireland cost?
The average daily price of Hiking Tours in Ireland is $204 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Hiking Tours in Ireland here.
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Which Tour Companies Offer Hiking Tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer hiking and trekking tours in Ireland. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
Hilltoptreks
Hilltoptreks offers local self guided walking holidays tours through Ireland. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 1 day to 11 days. Traveling with Hilltoptreks provides for a very personal experience, because most of their tours have less than 15 people. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. Many of their tours explore the outdoors, giving you opportunities to hike, trek, or spot local wildlife. They specialize in self-guided walking tours, giving you the freedom to have a fun adventure.
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Contiki
Contiki is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Great Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. Younger travelers looking for adventures love this company. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as island hopping, snorkelling, wine tasting, surfing, camping, whale watching, diving, rock climbing, white water rafting, and jet boat rides.
G Adventures
G Adventures is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Thailand, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, island hopping, snorkelling, surfing, wine tasting, kayaking, cooking classes, water sports, jungle surfing, and canyoning.
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Hiking & Trekking Destinations in Ireland
Wondering where hiking & trekking tours visit in Ireland? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland. It's filled with historic buildings and a laid back atmosphere. There are several nice parks and many good museums around town. Staying true to reputation, the residents in Dublin are friendly and welcoming. It's the perfect city to find a local pub and enjoy a Guinness with a group of locals.
Galway
Galway is a cultural city that's located on Ireland's western shores. It offers a mix of history and culture in town, with natural beauty in the surrounding countryside. The population is friendly and welcoming and visitors will quickly fall in love with the city's hospitality and energy.
Dingle
The Dingle Peninsula is one of the top destinations in Ireland. It is filled with natural beauty and breathtaking coastline. The peninsula has many walking trails and beaches that are fun to explore.
There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.
Killarney
Killarney is a town that is right by Killarney National Park. It's also part of the Ring of Kerry scenic drive and the starting and ending point for the 200 kilometer Kerry Way walking trail. The area offers wonderful natural beauty and many great walking trails.
You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.
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Other popular destinations for hiking & trekking tours through Ireland include Blarney, Bantry, Doolin, and Cashel.
Hiking Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
If you're trying to decide whether to book an organized tour or plan the entire adventure yourself, keep in mind the following factors for each style of travel.
Organized Tours
- Some hikes may not be well marked, so having a local guide is helpful for safety and accessibility.
- Local experts know the best trails and they understand the regional weather conditions. This allows them to offer the best experience for hikers.
- Stay on the best trails and hidden spots.
- All logistics like permits and equipment are handled.
- Guides provide first aid and emergency support.
- Travel with like-minded people for a social experience.
- Group dynamic fosters motivation during the hike.
- Discover places you might not find on your own.
- Larger groups may have a variety of skill levels so it can be hard to meet the needs of all hikers.
- Many group tours are limited on time, so some of the hiking may feel rushed or impersonal.
- Less solitude if you prefer to hike alone.
- May have to adjust to group preferences.
Independent Travel
- Independent travel allows you to move at your own pace, and choose trails that are appropriate for your skill level.
- For many, hiking is an activity that is best enjoyed in peace, which may not happen with a larger group.
- Flexibility is key when it comes to the weather and skill levels. Many guided tours have set itineraries and don't allow for much freedom or flexibility.
- Many hiking trails are located far from public transit, so unless you have your own vehicle, you may have trouble reaching some of the best places.
- Independent travelers may have to buy their own gear, some of which might be provided in guided tours.
- Requires more research to find the best routes.
- Risk of getting lost without proper navigation skills.
- Need to handle permits and bookings independently.
- You may miss out on local insights or tips.
- Safety concerns without a guide in case of emergency.
Which is cheaper?
Can you save money by traveling independently instead of joining guided hiking and trekking tours? It's not a simple yes or no. Tours usually include key expenses such as lodging, transportation, meals, entry fees, guides, and activities, which you'd need to manage and pay for individually on your own trip. To figure out the difference, compare the total tour price with the cost of making your own arrangements. Depending on your choices—like opting for budget hotels or premium dining—the cost of a tour might be higher or lower. Be sure to examine the tour inclusions carefully when comparing.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Ireland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Ireland, The Best Adventure Tours to Ireland, The Best Eco Tours in Ireland, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Ireland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Ireland, The Best Cultural Tours in Ireland, The Best Educational Tours in Ireland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Ireland, The Best Self Drive Tours in Ireland, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, or The Best Contiki Tours to Ireland for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dublin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Killarney, The Best 10-Day Tours from Dublin, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin for more package tour options.
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