5 Trek ideas for discovering ireland

> Environment: forest, river, lake, seaside
> Difficulty: easy
> Recommended season: May to September
> Average duration: 9 days
> Positive elevation: 2025 D+

From Connemara to Ulster, via Donegal and the Giant's Causeway, this trek will take you on a discovery of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Discover wild and isolated regions, where nature has been left free reign, facing the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea. On the way, be sure to check out Slieve League, the highest maritime cliffs in Europe. Plus, a visit to Belfast is an essential stop, too.

> Environment: forest, river, lake, seaside, low mountains
> Difficulty: moderate
> Recommended season: April to September
> Average duration: 6 days
> Positive elevation: 2710 D+

This walking tour will take you on a journey to discover the famous Connemara region and its impressive, mythical lakes. Start this trek with a visit to the lively town of Galway, then head towards Clifden and Leenane, at the foot of the mountains. There, you can admire the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk Mountains, two iconic mountains in the region. This moderate-level circuit will take you up to Croagh Patrick, for a final climb up to an altitude of 750 metres. Spend one last night in Westport before heading back to Dublin, the Irish capital.

> Environment: forest, river, lake, seaside, low mountains
> Difficulty: moderate
> Recommended season: April to September
> Average duration: 15 to 20 days
> Total elevation: 2420 D+ and 2420 D-

Who hasn't dreamed of doing the grand tour of Ireland and following the legendary Wild Atlantic Way? Along this unforgettable loop around Celtic lands, you'll discover the Irish counties. On the programme for this long, tourism hike: the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the Aran Islands, the Giant's Causeway, and even Donegal.

You'll cross through stunning national parks, visit traditional fishing ports, take shelter in rural pubs, and discover legendary castles. Between the ocean, forests, hills, beaches, and cliffs, a wonderful adventure in the great outdoors is guaranteed. This route is fairly accessible, but needs the right equipment that is suited to the Irish weather, which can be fickle!

> Environment: forest, seaside, mid-level mountains
> Difficulty: moderate
> Recommended season: April to September
> Average duration: 7 days
> Positive elevation: 2620 D+

The south-west of Ireland is a favourite region for hikers and travellers wanting to discover the green isle. You'll start your venture in the famous Killarney national park, with a panoramic view over the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. You'll then cross the peninsulas of Dingle and Kerry, before discovering the County Clare coastline. You'll be left awestruck by the sheer scale of the Cliffs of Moher and the beauty of the Skellig Islands.

This Irish trek offers a unique opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna, along the wild coasts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This route is suited to moderate-level trekkers and doesn't present any particular difficulties.

> Environment: mountain, forest, seaside, lake, river
> Difficulty: moderate to challenging
> Recommended season: April to October
> Average duration: 10 to 15 days
> Positive elevation: 5966 D+

Covering 214 kilometres in length, the Kerry Way is a long, marked path in Ireland. Starting in the village of Killarney, you'll discover the Iveragh peninsula, crossing rural and mountain landscapes that are typical of Ireland. The Kerry Way is the pedestrian version of the famous Ring of Kerry.

This Irish trek is best taken in an anti-clockwise direction and offers true immersion into the great outdoors. On the programme: the lakes of Killarney, MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the Black Valley, and Glencar.