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Ireland dublin
Remains of the abandoned house on shore in Dingle peninsula in South Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher and Burren Ireland county clare burren way

When it comes to Ireland, travel writers tend to wax lyrical about the Emerald Isle and pints of Guinness in country pubs. But while the country's pub culture and scenic landscape deserve a shout-out, there's a lot more to Ireland than green fields and a pint of plain.

Ireland’s west coast and hidden heartlands are the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and get under the skin of Irish life and culture. Running a mega 2,600km, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest-way marked coastal walks on earth. These coastal paths, forests, and mountains have been drawing visitors and pilgrims for centuries.

But the spectacular landscapes only tell show half the picture, and this nation of just over 5 million has punched above its weight on the world stage like no other. Delve into the country's rich cultural traditions and heritage to understand the full story of Ireland's past and its people. On this small island you'll find ancient standing stones, mysterious burial tombs and ruined castles alongside reinvented cities and one of the most dynamic economies in Europe.

More than anything, it’s the people of Ireland that leave a lasting impression on all those who visit. Whether regaling you with stories of old, feeding you plates of steaming stew or singing folk ballads in the local pub, the charm and spirit of the Irish people is something else. It’s something that neither the English language nor any film can truly convey. It’s a feeling, an experience that can only be understood when you stand on its shores and hear from its people.

So of course, you have to come to Ireland if you want a proper pint of Guinness, but don’t settle there, leave time to discover all the rest that this magical island has to offer.

  • The Burren

    The Burren

    With its lunar-like landscapes, rolling hills and unusual rock formations, the Burren, in County Clare, is one of the largest karst landscapes in Europe and is a popular destination for walking holidays...
  • Wicklow Mountain National Park

    Wicklow Mountain National Park

    Wicklow Mountain National Park—Ireland’s largest national park and just a short drive from the capital city of Dublin—boasts some stunning walking through classic Irish countryside...
  • Dingle Peninsula

    Dingle Peninsula

    On Ireland’s southwestern coast, the Dingle Peninsula attracts walkers with rugged coastline, quiet beaches and interesting coves...
  • Beara Peninsula

    Beara Peninsula

    On Ireland’s remote and lesser-visited southwestern coast, the Beara Peninsula’s quiet, craggy coastline and windswept mountains make it ideally suited for walking holidays...
  • Connemara National Park

    Connemara National Park

    Connemara, located in County Galway on the west coast, is an austere but picturesque landscape of bogs, coastline and lakes...
  • County Kildare

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  • County Kerry

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  • County Laois

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  • County Clare

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  • County Galway

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  • County Cork

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Places to go in Ireland

Ireland Tours

Wicklow Mountain National Park

The Wicklow Way - 9 Days

9 daysFrom £1,090
Wicklow Mountain National Park

The Wicklow Way - 7 Days

7 daysFrom £990
Wicklow Mountain National Park

A Taste of the Wicklow Way

5 daysFrom £730
Dingle Peninsula

Dingle Peninsula Walk

8 daysFrom £895
Ireland

Hiking Ireland

Women-Only Small Group Hiking Tour

10 daysFrom $4,195
Ireland

Ireland: Castles, Culture & Hiking

Women-Only Small Group Tour

9 daysFrom $4,250

Ireland Travel Companies

Europe

Walkers' Britain

Explore the UK & Europe with Walkers' Britain
South America, Europe

HF Holidays

UK walking holidays since 1913

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