Ireland is one of Europe’s great hiking destinations, especially if you’re into varied scenery—coasts, cliffs, castles, countryside—well-maintained trails, and truly delightful locals.
Starting in the spring of 2026, active travelers have brand-new options for seeing Ireland on foot, thanks to CIE Tours, a New Jersey–based company that has been specializing in trips to Ireland and beyond since 1932. (Frommer’s has no affiliation with the company; we just consider it our job to keep you informed of intriguing travel offerings.)
CIE’s inaugural Walking & Hiking Tours of Ireland are guided, 9-day tours designed for small groups of no more than 16 participants at a time.
Itineraries have been assembled with an effort to balance treks through scenic landscapes with cultural experiences to give guests a sense of adventure as well as depth.
Trips will involve up to 5 hours of walking each day, covering 2 to 6 miles at a comfortable pace, according to CIE. You can expect mostly easy terrain, with the “occasional muddy or rough patches and ascents of up to 1,500 feet.”
Choose between two routes: one along the Northern Coast and another from Cork to Kerry.
Northern Coast of Ireland hiking tour itinerary
The 9-day Northern Coast trip (starting at US$4,445 per person) covers the imposing Slieve League cliffs (pictured at the top of this page), the rugged mountains of Glenveagh National Park, and the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s otherworldly coastal area known for its thousands of basalt columns.
Traipsing across the counties of Donegal, Derry, and Antrim, you’ll also visit castles, monastic ruins, and the village of Glencolumbkille to check out local folk traditions.
Cork to Kerry hiking tour itinerary
Alternatively, the route from Cork to Kerry (starting at US$4,995 per person) lets you explore Ireland’s “southern wilds,” per the company, with guided hikes through the Beara Peninsula, Killarney National Park, and the Dingle Peninsula.
Among the stops along the way: the medieval Rock of Cashel, the floating garden known as Garnish Island, and friendly towns where you’ll learn about turf-cutting and bread-making or simply enjoy live music in a pub.
On either trip, the all-inclusive fare covers every excursion and activity as well as overnight accommodations and most meals. (You’re on your own for plane tickets.)
CIE’s 9-day Walking & Hiking Tours of Ireland kick off in May, with departures into September.
For more information go to CIETours.com.
Frommer’s Ireland 2026
An indispensable guide, Frommer’s Ireland is a comprehensive and photo-filled look at one of the world’s most beloved destinations. Written by leading Emerald Isle expert, proud Irishwoman Yvonne Gordon, this book takes you to many places only locals know, along with giving tips on how to visit Irel…
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Frommer’s Ireland 2026
An indispensable guide, Frommer’s Ireland is a comprehensive and photo-filled look at one of the world’s most beloved destinations. Written by leading Emerald Isle expert, proud Irishwoman Yvonne Gordon, this book takes you to many places only locals know, along with giving tips on how to visit Irel…
