Ireland’s 4 Peaks Challenge – Climb the Highest Point in Each Province
As middle age looms, I am knee-deep in my attempt to climb the 40 highest mountains in Ireland. To be honest, ticking off all of these summits before I turn 40 is proving to be a massive logistical effort. I now realise why climbing so many mountains may not appeal…
Vartry Reservoir Loop Walk
I’m based in Dublin so a lot of my hiking and walking takes place in and around the Wicklow Mountains. I feel blessed to have such a beautiful part of the world right on my doorstep. For many of these Wicklow hikes, I drive through the picturesque village of Roundwood…
Easiest Option for Climbing Tonelagee and Seeing Lough Ouler
I’ve had a few experiences of feeling like I haven’t got the most out of a hike after completing it. That feeling that I need to come back and try it again and complete unfinished business. My experience climbing Tonelagee to see the beautiful Lough Ouler walk definitely falls into…
The Conavalla and Camenabologue Hike
The Conavalla and Camenabologue hike is certainly a tough one. We completed this c. 19km trek in April 2025. The two peaks form part of my 40 highest mountains challenge. Given their proximity to each other, we climbed the two mountains on the same outing. While I found it tough…
Best Hotels for Toddlers
Whether you’re looking for toddler-friendly hotels in Ireland, self-catering accommodation with hotel facilities or simply some inspiration for your next family break, here is the Wild Irish Walks guide to some of the best hotels for toddlers in Ireland. Over the past few years, we’ve taken a number of family…
Crone Wood and Maulin Loop
I really like the Crone Wood and Maulin Loop. The highlight of the trail has to be the majestic views of Powerscourt Waterfall on offer. I just love the section of the walk when you turn a corner and suddenly get to see the Waterfall. The subsequent couple of hundred…
The Blessington Greenway
Myself and my most trusted walking companions headed for Wicklow on a cloudy weekday morning. Joining me to walk the Blessington Greenway was my Mother and Aunty Noreen. I don’t think Noreen has forgiven me yet for the torrential rain we encountered when she and I completed the Wicklow Way…
Seefingan Hike via Seefin Passage Tomb
Recently, I received a thoughtful gift of the book ‘Irish Peaks’. Produced by Mountaineering Ireland, this magnificent printed work provides 72 suggested routes encompassing some of Ireland’s highest mountains. I have bagged many of the summits recommended for Leinster such as Kippure, Lugnaquila and Mount Leinster. However, one option that…
The Spinc and Glenealo Valley Walk – Glendalough
Glendalough has to be one of the most beautiful places in Ireland; if not the whole world. The glaciated valley has spectacular natural beauty with waterfalls, massive cliff faces, scenic ribbon lakes and calming woodlands. In addition, Glendalough offers an amazing glimpse of man’s history in the area. The Spinc…
The Great Sugar Loaf Loop
The Great Sugar Loaf mountain dominates the landscape as you leave Dublin and head for the Wicklow countryside. The steep angles of the peak of the mountain provide a really distinctive physical feature in the skyline. On my many hikes in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, the Great Sugar Loaf…