I’m a huge believer in supporting local businesses and always try to buy Irish whenever possible. With that in mind, I wanted to put together a guide to some of the best hiking shops in Ireland.
It’s always tempting to chase online bargains, but hiking gear is one of those things where quality really matters. Let’s face it, whatever you buy is going to end up being tested by Irish rain, wind and rough mountain terrain sooner or later.
Over the years, I’ve also realised that it’s usually better to buy one good-quality piece of gear that lasts for years rather than constantly replacing cheaper alternatives.
I expect my hiking boots to last me at least a decade. I’ve got a brilliant Finisterre Stormbird waterproof jacket that doubles as my everyday rain jacket. My Columbia waterproof trousers have been going strong since 2014. Even my backpack is an old pink Jack Wolfskin bag that my Mam gifted to me years ago — and it still does the job perfectly well.
What I’m trying to say is that you don’t need a huge amount of gear to go walking and hiking in Ireland. And if you buy good-quality equipment, there’s every chance it will last you for years.
So, whether you’re buying your first pair of hiking boots or replacing gear that has finally given up after countless days on the hills, these are some of the Irish outdoor shops worth knowing about.
Why Buying in Person has its Advantages
Pretty much all of the best hiking shops in Ireland listed below offer strong online services too. Their real advantage though is the level of knowledge and personal service they can provide in-store.
I recently bought a new pair of Meindl Peru Hiking Boots (you can check out my review here). The sales assistant helping me was from the Italian Alps. It sounded like she had been hiking since she could walk. She took her time, carefully talked through the fit of the various boots, and gave me loads of useful advice over the course of the half an hour I was in there.
That’s the sort of experience that can be difficult to replicate online. Especially important when you’re spending serious money on gear that you hope will last for years.
With that in mind, here are some of the best hiking shops in Ireland – ordered by location.
Westmeath
As always, we start in the centre of everything and in the heart of the country. I can personally recommend Outdoor Sports Mullingar having bought items here over the years.
I purchased my much used waterproof trousers here. These trousers have survived everything that has been thrown at them – even when the rain is coming at me sideways!
- Location – Mullingar
- Shop online – Yes – www.outdoorsports.ie
- Instagram: @outdoorsportsmullingar
Dublin
My favourite hiking shop. This is where I chose to buy my hiking boots recently. There’s something reassuring about walking into a place where the staff genuinely seem to spend their weekends outdoors. Founded in 1976 and 100% Irish owned. Known for their main store in Dublin City Centre, they also operate from the Awesome Walls indoor climbing centre in Finglas.
- Location – South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2
- Shop online – Yes www.greatoutdoors.ie
- Instagram: @greatoutdoors76
Wholly owned Irish company with a huge range of products. One of Ireland’s best-known outdoor retailers, with stores in Dublin and Cork. If you’re looking to compare different brands of boots, waterproof jackets or camping equipment under one roof, this is usually a good place to start.
- Location – Stores in Blanchardstown, Carrickmines and Cork City
- Shop online – Yes – www.53degreesnorth.ie
- Instagram: @53degreesnorth
Independent, 100% Irish owned outdoor retailer based in Dublin City Centre. Basecamp has been part of Dublin’s outdoor scene for years and remains one of the best-known independent outdoor retailers in the country. Their city-centre location makes it a handy stop for anyone looking to browse gear in person.
- Location – Jervis Street, Dublin 1
- Shop online – Yes – www.basecamp.ie
- Instagram: @basecampdublin
Family business opened in the capital in 1983. Few outdoor shops in Ireland can match that sort of longevity, which says a lot about the reputation they have built over the years.
- Location – Mary Street, Dublin 1
- Shop online – Yes – www.ramblersway.ie
- Instagram: @ramblerswaydublin
Established in 2000 and now operating stores based in Dublin, Bray and Cork
- Location – Liffey Street in Dublin, Paul Street in Cork and Bray
- Shop online – Yes – www.outdooradventurestore.ie
- Instagram: @outdooradventurestore.ie
Galway
We go west to Irish hiking and adventure stores in Galway and first up is Call of the Wild located in the city.
- Location – Eglington Street, Galway
- Shop online – Yes – www.callofthewild.ie
- Instagram: @callofthewildgalway
River Deep Mountain High is Galway’s oldest outdoor store. It feels like they’ve been part of the outdoor scene in the west since forever.
- Location – Middle Street, Galway
- Shop online – Yes – www.rdmh.ie
- Instagram: @riverdeepmountainhighgalway
Family owned outdoors shop established in 2014 and based in Galway.
- Location – Whitegate, Ballybane, Galway
- Shop online – Yes – www.outbackjacks.ie
- Instagram: @outbackjacksireland
Retail arm of Portwest, a designer and manufacturer of outdoor clothing and leisurewear. The online store also stocks other well known outdoor brands.
- Location – Galway, Westport and Killarney
- Shop online – Yes – www.theoutdoorshop.ie
- Instagram: @portwestireland
Wicklow
Is Glendalough the spiritual home of Irish hiking? I think we all just need to agree on that one. This store is located in Laragh and also online through their website. I just love seeing a specialist outdoor shop based here given how important Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains are to Irish hiking culture.
They are 100% Irish owned. Adventure.ie also specialise in running outdoor activity sessions and training courses.
- Location – Brokagh Centre, Laragh, Co.Wicklow
- Shop online – Yes – www.adventure.ie
- Instagram: @adventure.ie
Kerry
This is a family owned store based in the kingdom of Kerry.
- Location – Mile Height Retail Park, Tralee
- Shop online – Yes – www.landers.ie
- Instagram: @landers_tralee
Cork
Moving to the rebel county, this is a lovely store run by a married couple in west Cork.
- Location – Unit 8, Bandon Retail Park
- Shop online – Yes – www.wildsidesports.ie
- Instagram: @wildsidesports
Meath
And on to royal Meath. This is a Navan based sporting goods business that is fully Irish owned and operated.
- Location – Navan, Co. Meath
- Shop online – Yes – www.sportsden.ie
- Instagram: @sportsden_ie
Support the Community
That brings to an end my list of Irish Hiking and Adventure Stores. Hope you are able to find something amazing for yourself. Or for that special adventurer in your life!
One of the things I love about hiking in Ireland is the sense of community that surrounds it. The same sense of community is true of many of the outdoor shops listed above.
Thankfully, you don’t need endless gear to enjoy the Irish mountains. A good pair of boots, decent waterproofs and a few reliable layers will take you a long way.
And when the time does come to replace something, it’s worth checking whether one of these Irish outdoor retailers can help before automatically turning to the big international websites.