Visit Ireland's best hiking spots to discover with a choice of comfortable and affordable places to stay close by.
The Go Anywhere Gift Card, with its selection of hundreds of Irish hotels, may indeed provide the perfect congratulations, thank you or birthday gift but where are some of the best spots around Ireland to go hiking? Let us inspire the lucky recipients hiking holiday across Ireland.
Cork - Ballycotton Cliff Walk
This walk begins in Ballycotton and it ends in Ballyandreen, or vice versa. The whole distance is about 3.5 km each way, meaning the total distance back to the Ballycotton Cliff Walk parking area is about 7 km. Good shoes are recommended at all times of the year. Ballycotton Island can be seen on this walk along with It is a very popular walk especially at weekends. However, if you have time to walk midweek, take the chance!
Hotel: Bayview Hotel
The Bayview Hotel overlooks miles of spectacular coastline, in the centre of the small unspoilt fishing village of Ballycotton. This 4-star hotel boasts luxurious accommodation in East Cork, top-class dining in Ballycotton, and a host of activities nearby including championship golf courses, river and sea angling and hiking. Bayview Hotel is only a 4-minute drive or a 12-minute walk from the entrance to the Ballycotton Cliff Walk.
Hotel: Ballymaloe Hotel
Ballymaloe House is a family-run country house hotel famous for its outstanding hospitality and superb food. The 17th century Irish Country house is built onto a Norman Castle and nestled in a 300-acre farm in rural East Cork. Ballymaloe Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the village of Ballycotton.
Wicklow - Glendalough and Spinc Cliffs
Glendalough is home to 20,000 hectares of mountainous paths and landscapes. This takes in Glendalough's world-renowned monastic site and Lower Lake, before steeply ascending beside Poulanass waterfall up to the towering Spinc cliffs. You can catch your breath here while taking in the memorable views over Lower and Upper Lakes 1,000 ft below before heading back down. The route is marked with blue arrows – Loop Trail. Beginning at the Glendalough Visitor Centre, this walk is a strenuous 8.5km walk that takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
Hotel: Ballyknocken House and Cookery School
Ballyknocken House and Cookery School is an award-winning romantic 19th Century Victorian farmhouse offering unique 4-star Bed & Breakfast accommodation. The much-loved charm of the homely B&B is reflected in the décor of our accommodation. There are seven charming en suite bedrooms, some with Victorian roll-top baths. This B&B is only a 24-minute drive from the Glendalough Visitor Centre.
Hotel: BrookLodge & Macreddin Village
The multi-award-winning BrookLodge & Macreddin Village is ideally located just 1 hour from South Dublin and surrounded by spectacular Wicklow countryside. It is located just a 28 minute drive from the Glendalough Visitor centre. Macreddin Village is home to: The Strawberry Tree - Ireland's first certified Organic Restaurant, La Taverna Armento – a Southern Italian Restaurant, The Wells Spa, Macreddin Golf Course, among many more.
Kerry - Carrauntoohil (Lisleibane Loop)
Nestled below Carrauntoohil - Ireland's highest mountain - this trail follows sandy paths, mountain tracks, open terrain and riverbank in one of the most remote parts of the magnificent MacGillicuddy's Reeks, beginning at the entrance to the Hag's Glen. In an area with an abundance of mountain views, the walker is surrounded by spectacular vistas that include the Hag's Glen, Devil's Ladder and Lough Callee along with the north-eastern face of Carrauntoohil. The Lisleibane Loop is a moderate 8km hike and takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. The loop will begin and end at Carrauntoohil Lisleibane Car Park.
Hotel: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens
The Dunloe, 102 bedrooms, is set amid 64 acres of parkland with the ruined keep of the castle at the end of the gardens with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and the River Laune. In addition to spectacular gardens, the hotel offers a variety of complimentary leisure activities – a 25m swimming pool, sauna, horse-riding, among many others. The hotel offers a peaceful country retreat just five miles from Killarney town. The Dunloe Hotel is only a 13-minute drive from the Lisleibane Car Park.
Hotel: The Europe Hotel & Resort
The Europe Hotel & Resort is one of Ireland's leading 5-star resorts. Situated on the Lakes of Killarney elegant bedrooms and suites in a classic style enjoy the most enviable views in Ireland. The hotel also incorporates ESPA at the Europe, a luxury spa where 16 treatment rooms, VIP suite, relaxation areas and infinity pools offer guests a novel relaxation experience. If you want to enjoy both a luxury hotel and a scenic hike, the Lisleibane Car Park is a 19-minute drive away from The Europe Hotel & Resort.
Galway - Diamond Hill
This strenuous 7km loop walk in Connemara will take approximately 2 hours. The route follows gravel paths, a wooden boardwalk and steps up the slopes of magnificent Diamond Hill. The trail through Connemara National Park climbs up to Diamond Hill’s summit and showcases the breadth of Connemara’s coastline - including the idyllic islands of Inishturk, Inishbofin and Inishark and pretty Ballynakill Harbour. The sweeping views from the summit also stretch to the majestic Twelve Bens, Mweelrea and Tully Mountains.
Hotel: Renvyle House Hotel
Renvyle House Hotel and Resort is a perfect place to holiday in Connemara on the shores of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way in Co. Galway. Renvyle House is a four-star, family-owned, historic country house resort, first opened as a hotel in 1883 and is spectacularly located on a 150-acre estate on the shores of the Atlantic. The grounds include a private freshwater lake, a beach, woodlands, gardens and numerous activities on-site including tennis, croquet, outdoor heated swimming pool (summer months), fly-fishing, canoeing, shore angling and more. Renvyle House Hotel is a 13-minute drive from Diamond Hill Loop.
Hotel: Clifden Station House Hotel
The perfect base for exploring the West Coast of Ireland. The Clifden Station House Hotel is highly known for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent reputation and is one of the most popular family hotels in Galway. The cosy, warm hotel has a great variety of family rooms, 4-star self-catering apartments and an indoor swimming pool. The Hotel offers all the modern facilities you will need. The Clifden Station House Hotel is situated 20 minutes away from Diamond Hill.
Waterford - Coumshingaun & Crotty’s Rock Loop
Coumshingaun Loop and Crotty's Rock is a 9.5 kilometre moderately trafficked loop trail located near Rathgormack, County Waterford, Ireland that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This loop takes approximately 4 hours to complete. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. This hike features great views of Coumshingaun Lough in the Comeraghs. The climb is difficult and not recommended for beginners. The trail gets rocky towards the top, and poor weather can make the route more difficult than usual.
Hotel: The Park Hotel Dungarvan
Overlooking the Colligan River, The Park Hotel is situated in the harbour town of Dungarvan with the famous Waterford Greenway just around the corner. This charming town is located at the heart of County Waterford. It is an ideal base for any tourist wishing to tour or holiday in Ireland's 'Sunny South East'. The Park Hotel offers an excellent choice with facilities comprising 86 bedrooms, fifteen high standard self-catering holiday homes and a newly refurbished leisure centre. Coumshingaun Car Park is a 19-minute drive away from The Park Hotel.
Hotel: Viking Hotel Waterford
Viking Hotel is located 4km from Waterford City Centre and just 3km from the M9 motorway. The hotel offers a perfect base for both business and leisure guests. The Viking Hotel has ample free car parking available, and offers a super choice of meeting and conference rooms and can cater for up to 80 delegates. The Viking Hotel is located 29 minutes from the Coumshingaun Car Park.
All hotels listed above accept the Go Anywhere Gift Card. Our gift cards offer the choice of 400 hotels and guesthouses around Ireland all on one hotel voucher/gift card. You can also book directly, avoiding any extra charges, and redeem your voucher at the hotel. The Go Anywhere Gift Card can provide the perfect gift for any occasion.
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