Coastal Walks in Ireland

Start in Annascaul, the hometown of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, then follow coastal paths to Dingle's harbor where traditional Irish music fills the pubs and fresh seafood comes straight from the boats. Hike to Dunquin for sea views across to the Blasket Islands, then trek beneath Mount Brandon from Cuas to Cloghane.

Walk one of Ireland's most historic coastal routes from Ventry Beach to Dunquin, covering 18km with 501m of climbing past old pilgrimage sites and views of the Blasket Islands. Follow the Dingle Peninsula's northern shores for 11km along Fermoyle Beach and Brandon Bay's sandy stretches, then finish with the 22km coastal section along Tralee Bay.

Follow Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way from Oughterard to Leenane, hiking along the shores of Lough Corrib and Killary Harbour. This 5-day coastal trek takes you through Connemara's rugged landscape with views of the Twelve Bens and Maamturks. Stay in family-run guesthouses near the water, with daily luggage transfers and 4 breakfasts included, while checking out the region the locals call 'tribe of the sea.'

Walk the Famine Trail along Killary Fjord's coast, covering about 15 kilometers through mountains that drop into Ireland's only fjord. On Inishbofin Island, there are 15-kilometer circular routes with 180 meters of climbing past old 16th-century ruins and Atlantic views. You'll also hike to Dun Aonghusa, a prehistoric fortress from 1100 BC.

Walk the clifftop trails at the Cliffs of Moher, where 214-meter vertical drops meet the Atlantic Ocean along 8 km of coastal paths. Head to Inis Oírr in the Aran Islands by boat, finding stone-walled fields, Dún Formna fort, and beaches along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Hike Connemara's rugged coastline from Leenane Hotel, tracing shoreline routes past secluded coves and windswept headlands for 8 days.

Follow Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way along the Burren coastline, starting in Liscannor and passing the Cliffs of Moher before reaching Doolin's traditional music pubs. The path goes through Fanore's limestone terraces where underground rivers carved caves beneath your feet, and ends in Ballyvaughan on Galway Bay with 4 breakfasts included.