Ireland Walking & Hiking Tours: Northern Coast vs. Cork to Kerry

Want to explore Ireland on foot? CIETours offers two nine-day Ireland Walking & Hiking tours, each combining scenic walks, local history, welcoming accommodations, and the company of a small group. Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast explores the dramatic landscapes and heritage of northern Ireland, while Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry takes you through the spectacular scenery of the southwest.

Both tours are designed for travelers who want to experience Ireland's natural beauty at a walking pace, with knowledgeable Tour Directors helping take care of the details. The best choice depends on the landscapes you most want to see and the places you want to explore.

At a Glance: Northern Coast vs. Cork to Kerry

Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast

• Highlights: Rugged coastlines, cliffs, mountains, beaches, and northern Irish heritage
• Best for: Travelers who enjoy varied walks through dramatic landscapes and discovering local culture.
• Duration: 9 days
• Group size: Maximum 16 guests

Explore the Northern Coast tour

Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry

• Highlights: Southwest Ireland's scenery, national parks, nature reserves, coastal walks, and Irish history
• Best for: Travelers who want a blend of hiking, sightseeing, and cultural discovery.
• Duration: 9 days
• Group size: Maximum 16 guests

Explore the Cork to Kerry tour

Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast

Choose the Northern Coast if you're drawn to Ireland's rugged northern landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and a variety of scenic walks. This nine-day small-group tour explores forests, mountains, cliffs, islands, rivers, and expansive beaches while introducing you to the history and culture of the places along the way.

The tour combines time outdoors with visits to towns and historic sites, offering a chance to experience a side of Ireland beyond the best-known tourist stops. With a small group and knowledgeable Tour Directors, you can explore these landscapes while learning about the places, people, and traditions that make northern Ireland distinctive.

What guests love about the Northern Coast

Guest reviews highlight the variety of walks, the scenery, and the personal attention of the Tour Directors. Elvena Elizabeth Brady described the experience as a journey through “forests, mountains, cliffs, islands, and rivers for 9 days.” She also praised the guides, Fiona and Samzie, for being “remarkable: strong, resilient, kind, and patient.”

Other guests appreciate the opportunity to discover places they might not encounter on a conventional sightseeing trip. Pamela Briggs Raymond wrote:

“The hikes and walking took us to very scenic parts of Ireland many people don’t get to see … Our guides Calliam and Tom were very helpful and encouraging during the hikes.”

The small-group setting can also make it easier to share the experience with fellow travelers. One guest described a group of 13 as “small but mighty,” while another highlighted the variety of hikes, noting that no two were alike.

Who should choose the Northern Coast?

The Northern Coast is a good fit if you want to spend time among dramatic coastal scenery, explore a variety of landscapes, and learn about the history and culture of Ireland's northern countries along the way. It's particularly appealing to travelers who value going off the beaten path and discovering places that feel less familiar.

Discover Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast

Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry

Choose Cork to Kerry if you want to explore the landscapes, history, and character of southwest Ireland's classic visitor experiences on foot. This nine-day small-group tour combines scenic walks with sightseeing and opportunities to discover the region's towns, coastline, and natural attractions.

From national parks and nature reserves to rugged coastal scenery, the itinerary offers a mix of outdoor experiences, traditional highlights, and cultural discovery. Guests also appreciate the accommodations, included meals, and the balance of guided activities with some time to explore independently.

What guests love about Cork to Kerry

Reviews often mention the thoughtful itinerary, excellent guides, and combination of hiking, sightseeing, and Irish history. One guest summed up the experience this way:

“The guides were excellent, the group size was perfect and it was a great mix of sight-seeing, hiking and learning Ireland's history. One of our best trips ever.”

Another guest praised the itinerary and the natural scenery, writing:

“The tour itinerary was exceptional. Our tour guides had extensive knowledge of the history and outdoor nature (plant and animal life) at each of these sites. The hiking within national parks and nature reserves could not have been more beautiful.”

Guests also appreciate having the major travel arrangements taken care of. As one reviewer explained:

“CIE organized our vacation from start to finish. All we needed to do was pack and show up. All the guesswork was taken care of, leaving us to just sit back and enjoy.”

Who should choose Cork to Kerry?

Cork to Kerry is a good choice if you want to discover southwest Ireland through a blend of walking, sightseeing, and history. It's suited to travelers who enjoy beautiful natural settings but also want time to appreciate the region's towns, hospitality, and cultural heritage.

Discover Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry

What is the activity level of the Ireland Walking & Hiking tours?

CIETours' Ireland Walking & Hiking tours combine outdoor exploration with a planned itinerary and support from experienced Tour Directors. Walking conditions vary by route and location, so it's important to review the details of your chosen tour before booking.

• Distance and duration: Walks can range from approximately 2 to 6 miles and may last up to 5 hours.
• Terrain: Routes may include gentle paths and hill trails, as well as muddy or uneven sections.
• Elevation: Some walks may include climbs of up to 1,500 feet.
• Weather: Ireland's weather can change quickly, so suitable walking shoes and waterproof layers are important.

These tours are designed for travelers who want to be active while discovering Ireland.. Check the itinerary and current tour details to understand what to expect, and contact CIETours if you have questions about whether a tour is right for you.

Why choose a small-group walking tour?

Both Ireland Walking & Hiking tours have a maximum group size of 16 guests. A smaller group offers a more personal way to explore, with opportunities to get to know fellow travelers and enjoy the places you visit without the feel of a large tour group.

With the major arrangements organized for you, you can concentrate on the experience: walking through Ireland's landscapes, learning about local history, and sharing the journey with people who enjoy exploring on foot.

Enjoy the CIETours Inclusive Advantage

On a CIETours Guided Tour, the details are planned in advance so you can spend more time enjoying your destination. The CIETours Inclusive Advantage means the key elements of your itinerary—including hotels, transportation, attractions, entertainment, and most meals—are included in one upfront price.

That makes it easier to plan your vacation and understand what's included before you travel. Instead of organizing each part of the trip yourself, you can focus on the landscapes, experiences, and people you'll encounter along the way.

Which Ireland Walking & Hiking tour is right for you?

Both tours offer a rewarding way to experience Ireland on foot, with small groups, scenic walks, and insights into local history and culture. To decide which is the best fit, consider the landscapes and experiences that appeal to you most.

• Choose the Northern Coast for rugged northern landscapes, dramatic coastal scenery, varied walks, and opportunities to discover Ireland's culture and heritage by going off the beaten path.
• Choose Cork to Kerry for the classic scenery and iconic highlights of southwest Ireland, walks in national parks and nature reserves, and a combination of hiking, sightseeing, and history.

Whichever you choose, you'll have a planned itinerary, a small group of fellow travelers, and Tour Directors to help you make the most of your time in Ireland.

Planning Your Ireland Walking & Hiking Tours

How long are the CIETours Ireland Walking & Hiking tours?

Both Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast and Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry are nine-day tours.

How many people are on an Ireland Walking & Hiking tour?

Both tours have a maximum group size of 16 guests.

Do the tours include sightseeing as well as hiking?

Yes. Both itineraries combine walks with opportunities to discover Ireland's history, culture, towns, and natural attractions. Cork to Kerry includes a mix of hiking, sightseeing, and Irish history, while the Northern Coast explores a variety of landscapes and local heritage in Donegal, Antrim, and Derry.

Are hotels and meals included?

CIE Tours' Inclusive Advantage covers hotels, transportation, attractions, entertainment, and most meals in one upfront price on Guided Tours. The individual tour itinerary will give you all the details  - everything on your itinerary is included. We don't have optional extras, so your Tour Director will never upsell you.

What should I consider before booking a walking and hiking tour?

Review the itinerary's walking distances, durations, elevation, and terrain. Be prepared for changing weather and bring suitable walking footwear and waterproof clothing. If you're unsure whether the activity level is right for you, contact CIETours before booking.

Find Your Ireland Walking & Hiking Tour

Ready to explore Ireland on foot? Discover the dramatic landscapes of the north or experience the natural beauty and heritage of the southwest.

• Explore Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast
• Explore Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry