5 Best Things to do in Ireland for Outdoor Lovers

Towering castles, medieval cities, friendly people, and cozy pubs are all medals on the shelf for Ireland and they continue to drive people to this incredibly diverse island nation year after year. But perhaps Ireland’s best feature is the vast number of outdoor activities a traveler can enjoy here.

The country is blessed with rolling emerald hills, glistening creeks and roaring waterfalls. The dramatic coastlines forms fortified cliff barriers that protect the fragile interior ecosystem from the thrashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

source: Vagabrothers on YouTube

If you’re looking for a place to get out and explore nature and the outdoors, then look no further than Ireland.

In this post, I’m going to share with you the 5 best things to do in Ireland for those who love the outdoors. Let’s get started.

1. Hiking

There’s no question that the hiking in Ireland is some of the best in the world. The landscape is littered with formidable mountains that taunt climbers, while stunning shoreline paths drain camera batteries at an alarming rate.

You don’t have to go far to find amazing hiking and trekking opportunities in Ireland either. Just a couple of hours outside of Dublin you’ll find the popular Coumshingaun Lake Loop in County Waterford – a 5-hour hike with beautiful views of the lake all the way around (if the clouds don’t roll in).

If you’re looking to summit something while you’re in the country, then Croagh Patrick in County Mayo might be the climb for you.

Around 25,000 pilgrims trek to the summit every year on the last Sunday in the month of July (Reek Sunday). This means that the hiking trail is well-worn and sign-posted so you really can’t get lost.

Once at the top you can enjoy breathtaking views of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside.

And these are just 2 of the many hikes you can find in Ireland.

2. Fly Fishing

If you’re into fly fishing, then for sure Ireland should be on your fly angling bucket list. Ireland has some of the best fly fishing in the world. With massive 20 lb salmon running up its rivers and the infamously fast-growing Farox Trout lurking in the depths of the Great Western Lakes.

Bring along your best 3-weight fly rods for the smaller creeks and rivers where you can land beautiful brown trout that range from 2 – 4 lbs.

You’ll want to bring a heavier set-up for the Western Lakes and for Salmon-rich fisheries like The River Moi and The River Boyne, where you can find yourself hooking into 20-25 lb fish if you’re lucky.

For a bit of saltwater fly fishing, head to the Dingle Peninsula, where you can cast your line from the beaches and tie into some beautiful Pollack, sea bass and wrasse.

The great thing about fly fishing in Ireland is that it can be done for a pretty decent price. A fishing license will cost around €25 and that should cover you for most types of fishing around the country. Just be mindful of local laws, regulations, and etiquette while you’re on the rivers or lakes.

Some places are in private fisheries though, and if you plan to get into those pools, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny, with permits costing as much as €20 per day.

Luckily, while Ireland isn’t necessarily one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel, you can actually get by on very little if you rent a car (from €12 / day) and plan to camp the entire time. Which brings me to my next point…

3. Camping

Every outdoor lover enjoys a good campsite, and Ireland has plenty to suit all types of camping. From campervan parks and RV parks, to wild camping and eco-lodges with campgrounds on them, you can find a beautiful place to pitch your tent or park your camper throughout the country.

Campgrounds can cost as little as €8 per night and have all of the amenities you could ask for. There are plenty of books and guides to the best campsites around Ireland, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting to them.

The best way to visit Ireland on a camping trip is to rent your own vehicle and drive around the country with a tent and some sleeping gear in the trunk. Luckily, car rentals are extremely affordable in Ireland, costing as little as €12 per day for longer rental periods.

While there are no designated “free” camping spots in Ireland, the country is large and wild enough that you can find free places to camp if you’re on a multiday hike.

If there are people or houses in view, always go and ask if it’s okay if you pitch a tent as you might unknowingly be on someone else’s land. If there’s nobody around to ask, you should be able to camp there, but just be sure to follow the “Leave No Trace” rules.

Clean up your garbage, be respectful, and care for the environment around you.

4. Biking

Just as there are plenty of hiking trails around Ireland, so too are there amazing cycling paths. Whether you want to go on a quick day ride, or a multi-day cycling adventure, you can do it all in Ireland.

One of the best areas in the country for cycling is around Killarney National Park. There are plenty of tour operators there that can take you out for a day, and you can also head out on the well-marked trails yourself.

See beautiful Lough Leane, elegant Muckross House and Gardens, mystical Muckross Abbey, and the multi-tiered Torc Waterfall. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to take photos of the amazing scenery.

Pedal along paved and dirt paths past Muckross Abbey, Lough Leane, and the Torc Waterfall to name a few.

5. Horseback Riding

With 50 thoroughbred horses per 10,000 people in Ireland, they have one of the highest race-horse to human ratios of any country on Earth. But that doesn’t mean that you have to be a jockey to have a great time on horseback in the country.

There are a lot of beautiful horse trekking paths and day rides you can do around the country, particularly around Dingle and Sligo. Ride along beaches, through forests and past grazing sheep in the farmlands.

You won’t have a hard time finding a horseback tour operator in these places and you can usually book a trip the same-day, particularly in the off-season.

When To Visit Ireland For The Outdoors

Ireland is a place with very unpredictable weather, so if your trip is based on being outside, then you should consider the best time of year to visit.

For hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, camping, and cycling, the best time to visit Ireland is between June and September. The days are longer and the rains are less oppressive (but you can still get dumped on).

The only problem with this time of year is the dense crowds that descend on Ireland in these peak-season months.

If you really want to avoid the crowds, then you can probably get away with visiting Ireland in the shoulder season, from mid-April through May, or in late September through October.

During these types, you’ll almost certainly be wetter and colder, but on those dry sunny days (which still occur in these months) you’ll get your photos without 100 other people in the background.

Planning an Outdoor-Focused Trip to Ireland

Choosing Your Region (or Two)

You don’t need to cram all of these into one trip. In fact, you’ll have a much better time if you pick two regions and do them properly rather than trying to race around the whole island.

If it’s your first visit and you love the outdoors, a really solid combo is:

• Wicklow + Kerry/Dingle, or
• Galway/Connemara + Sligo/Donegal

Dublin can just be your gateway on either end for a night or two.

7-Day Outdoor Ireland Itinerary (Minimal City Time)

If you want to spend most of your time outside, but still fly in and out of Dublin, here’s a realistic one-week loop that keeps you mostly on trails and coastal roads rather than inside museums.

Day 1 – Dublin to Wicklow

• Pick up a rental car at the airport and head straight for Wicklow.
• Stop in Glendalough for your first taste of valley-and-lakes hiking.
• Choose a shorter marked loop if you’re jetlagged or a longer circuit if you’re buzzing with energy.
• Stay in or near Glendalough, Laragh, or a country B&B.

Outdoor focus: Forest trails, monastic ruins, peaceful lakes.

Day 2 – Wicklow to Killarney

• Early start and long drive down to Killarney.
• Stretch your legs in Killarney National Park with an easy walk to Torc Waterfall or along the lakes.
• If you’ve still got some gas in the tank, rent a bike in town to spin out your legs on the quiet roads around the park.

Outdoor focus: Warm-up hikes, lake views, first glimpse of the big mountains.

Day 3 – Killarney National Park & Gap of Dunloe

Dedicate this one to mountains and valleys.

• Hike or cycle into the Gap of Dunloe, a glacial mountain pass with photogenic views every few steps.
• Mix and match: walk one way, take a boat trip on the lakes, or hop in a jaunting car if you’re hiking with someone who’s less keen on big distances.
• End the day back in Killarney with a hearty meal and, if you’re lucky, live trad music.

Outdoor focus: Valley hiking, peaceful roads, classic Irish scenery.

Day 4 – Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula

You don’t really need both on a short trip. Pick your style.

• Ring of Kerry: A big, classic loop with mountain passes, coastal viewpoints, and villages. Great if you love panoramic driving days with shorter stops and quick walks to viewpoints.
• Dingle Peninsula: More compact, more intimate, fantastic coastal walking opportunities (like sections of the Dingle Way). Great if you want to park up and walk along cliffs, beaches, and headlands.

Either way, pack snacks, rain gear, and your camera. You’ll be pulling over constantly.

Outdoor focus: Short hikes, viewpoints, beaches, rugged coastal roads.

Day 5 – Killarney to Galway via the Cliffs and Burren

This is a longer travel day, but you can break it up well.

• Drive north toward the Cliffs of Moher.
• If the weather is cooperating, walk a short section of the cliff path instead of only hitting the main viewing platform.
• Continue through the Burren, where the landscape turns into cracked limestone, wildflowers, and low hills. There are short waymarked walks in the Burren if you want to stretch your legs again.
• Roll into Galway in the evening and wander through the old streets.

Outdoor focus: Iconic cliffs, unusual limestone landscapes, sea air.

Day 6 – Connemara: Lakes, Bogs, and Mountains

Give Connemara at least one full day.

• Drive the loop through Maam Cross, Leenane, and Clifden.
• Drop into Connemara National Park for a climb up Diamond Hill (a half-day hike with big views that doesn’t require mountaineering skills).
• If the weather is grim, you can still do shorter low-level walks and scenic drives around the fjord and lakes.

Outdoor focus: Accessible mountain hiking, wild valleys, ever-changing light.

Day 7 – Back to Dublin

• If your flight is late or the next day, sneak in a quick beach walk or promenade stroll around Salthill in Galway in the morning.
• Make your way back to Dublin, aiming for a daylight drive if possible.
• Drop off the car and end your trip with a last pint and a plate of something comforting.

Not every day will go perfectly to plan—this is Ireland after all—but this kind of structure keeps you outside plenty, without you needing to change beds every single night.

Getting Around: Car, Public Transport, or Tours?

You can absolutely explore parts of Ireland without driving, but for an outdoor-focused trip, a car is close to a superpower.

Quick Comparison

If you’re comfortable driving on the left and handling small roads, renting a car unlocks trailheads, quiet coves, and campsites that buses will never touch.

If driving feels like a nightmare, base yourself in a well-connected town (like Killarney, Galway, or Dublin) and:

• Use trains/buses for longer jumps between main hubs
• Join local day tours to reach national parks and scenic routes

You’ll see less, but you’ll also have far fewer “white-knuckle” moments with stone walls and tractors.

Budgeting for an Outdoor Trip in Ireland

Outdoor gear and walking are free once you own the kit, but Ireland itself isn’t particularly cheap. The good news: focusing on hikes, wild beaches, and countryside walks keeps your daily spend lower than a city-and-museum-heavy trip.

Very Rough Daily Costs (Per Person, Sharing)

You can shave costs by:

• Camping or using hostels in the more outdoorsy areas
• Self-catering some meals, especially breakfasts and picnic lunches
• Filling your days with free hikes instead of daily paid attractions

You’ll spend a surprising amount on:

• Pints and coffees (it adds up fast)
• Fuel if you’re doing big loops
• Occasional “treat” experiences like boat trips or guided mountain days

Weather, Gear, and Staying Comfortable Outside

Ireland has a reputation for giving you “four seasons in one day.” That’s not just a cute marketing phrase. You genuinely can go from sun to mist to sideways rain in an afternoon.

Clothing and Footwear

Think in layers rather than big heavy coats.

• Base layer: Something that wicks, not cotton
• Mid-layer: Fleece or light insulated jacket
• Outer layer: Proper waterproof shell (not a fashion raincoat)
• Bottoms: Quick-drying hiking trousers or leggings
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with decent grip

You don’t need full alpine gear, but you do want shoes that can handle mud, rock, and slippery grass. Trails are often boggy, and once your feet are soaked, morale drops quickly.

Outdoor Ireland Questions Answered: Hiking, Weather, Costs & Planning Tips

What’s the best time of year to visit Ireland if I want to be outside most days?

It depends. For long daylight and your best odds of drier days, aim for roughly June to early September, when evenings stretch late, temperatures are mild, and trail conditions are usually friendliest. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind more rain and cooler temps, the shoulder seasons of late April–May and late September–October can be fantastic for hiking, biking, and road trips, as long as you pack proper waterproofs and accept that some days will be a write-off weather-wise.

How many days do I need in Ireland for a proper outdoor-focused trip?

Honestly, I’d say a week is the bare minimum if you want to see more than one region without rushing, and 10–14 days feels like a sweet spot for hikers and nature lovers. With seven days you can realistically pair somewhere near Dublin (like Wicklow) with one big western region such as Kerry or Connemara; with longer, you can slow down, repeat favourite trails in different light, and sprinkle in rest days so you’re not just driving from view to view.

Do I need to rent a car to reach the best hikes and outdoor spots in Ireland?

Yes. If your main goal is trailheads, remote valleys, and quieter coastlines, having a car makes life dramatically easier and opens up areas that buses simply don’t reach. You can still piece together a good trip using trains, buses, and the occasional day tour, but a rental car gives you freedom to chase weather windows, start hikes early, and linger at viewpoints without worrying about timetables.

Is driving in rural Ireland stressful for first-time visitors?

A little. The combination of driving on the left, narrow hedged roads, stone walls, and tractors can feel intense on the first day or two, but most people adjust far quicker than they expect. Go slow, avoid over-ambitious daily distances, let locals overtake when it’s safe, and stick to daylight driving at the start, and you’ll likely discover that Irish roads are part of the adventure rather than a nightmare.

How fit do I need to be to enjoy hiking and biking in Ireland?

Not really. You don’t need to be ultra-fit to enjoy Ireland’s outdoors because there are graded options almost everywhere, from gentle lake circuits and forest loops to full-day mountain hikes. If you can comfortably walk for a few hours at home and manage some hills, you’ll be fine on many classic routes; just be honest about your fitness, check estimated times, and choose shorter, lower-level trails on days with rough weather or low energy.

Is it safe to hike and camp in Ireland on my own?

Generally, yes. Ireland is widely considered one of the safer countries for solo travel, and most outdoor areas feel relaxed and welcoming, especially if you stick to well-used paths and established campsites. That said, treat the landscape with respect: check the forecast, let someone know your route and rough return time, bring a charged phone and basic navigation, and remember that the biggest risks are usually weather, slippery ground, and poor visibility, not crime.

Can I wild camp in Ireland or do I always need to stay in official campsites?

It’s complicated. There isn’t a blanket legal right to wild camp in Ireland, so in theory you should always have the landowner’s permission, but low-impact, discreet overnight camping is often tolerated in remote upland areas. As a rule of thumb, pitch late and leave early, stay well away from houses, farms, and roads, avoid camping in sand dunes or fragile ecosystems, and always follow strict leave-no-trace principles so that future hikers are still welcome.

What should I pack for an outdoor trip to Ireland with unpredictable weather?

Absolutely, think layers. A breathable base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a proper waterproof shell are essential, along with quick-drying trousers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip for mud and wet rock. I always throw in a lightweight pack cover or dry bags for my gear, a compact umbrella for town days, and a cosy change of clothes for evenings in pubs so I’m not sitting in damp kit after a big hike.

Is Ireland a good outdoor destination for families with kids?

Yes. Ireland works brilliantly with kids because so many walks are short loop trails with plenty of natural wow moments like waterfalls, castles, cliffs, and sheep-filled fields to keep them interested. If you base yourself in places like Killarney, Dingle, or Galway, you can mix gentle hikes, beaches, boat trips, bike rentals, and pony rides with rainy-day options and family-friendly pubs where live music starts early.

How expensive is an outdoor-focused trip to Ireland compared with a city break?

Surprisingly, it can be more affordable than a museum-heavy city itinerary because most of your entertainment is free once you’ve got the gear. You’ll still feel costs in accommodation, food, fuel, and the odd guided activity, but hiking, coastal walks, and beach days don’t require tickets, and camping or using hostels in rural areas can keep your daily spend closer to a budget range than if you were eating and drinking your way through cities every day.

Do I need special permits or licenses for hiking, camping, or fishing in Ireland?

Sometimes. You generally don’t need permits for normal hiking in national parks and popular mountain areas, though certain car parks may charge and some private estates may have their own access rules. Fishing is different: many rivers and lakes require a licence or local permit, especially for salmon and trout, so it’s worth checking in advance with angling clubs or tackle shops rather than assuming your regular travel insurance covers everything.

Are the rain, wind, and midges in Ireland really as bad as people say?

Mostly, yes, but they’re manageable if you prepare your expectations. You should absolutely expect rain and wind at some point on almost every trip, even in summer, so good waterproofs and flexible plans are non-negotiable; in some western areas during warmer months, tiny biting insects (midges) can also be annoying around still water and at dusk, but a bit of insect repellent, long sleeves, and choosing breezier spots usually keeps them under control.

Where should I base myself in Ireland if I love the outdoors but still want pubs and music at night?

Luckily, Ireland specialises in small towns that offer both. Killarney is an obvious choice for easy access to mountains, lakes, and the Ring of Kerry; Dingle gives you coastal hikes and a compact, lively town; Galway is perfect if you want Connemara and the Burren by day with plenty of food and music after dark; and places like Westport or Sligo put you close to quieter mountains and surf beaches while still having a proper evening scene.

Can I still enjoy Ireland’s outdoors if I rely on public transport and guided tours?

Definitely. You’ll have a bit less freedom than someone with a rental car, but if you base yourself in well-connected hubs like Dublin, Killarney, Galway, or Cork you can use trains and buses for the long stretches and then book local day tours, shuttles, or guided hikes into national parks and scenic peninsulas. You won’t reach every remote trailhead, but you’ll still get a solid mix of cliffs, lakes, and valleys without ever having to get behind the wheel.

In Closing

If you’re looking for an exhilarating outdoor adventure, then Ireland is likely one of the best places to visit.

Spend your days exploring waterfalls, fishing in rivers and riding horseback, and then wind down in the evening over a delicious pint and a hot Irish stew or a boxty in some of the oldest local pubs.

This is what Ireland is all about and as unforgiving as the weather can be, it can also be brilliant and the hospitality of the local people far outweighs the hostility of the climate and landscape. If you’re going to Ireland, get ready for an adventure.