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

CIE Tours offers two nine-day, small-group Ireland Walking & Hiking tours, each combining scenic walks with cultural experiences and time to discover places you might otherwise miss. Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry explores the celebrated landscapes of southwest Ireland, while Ireland Walking & Hiking: Northern Coast ventures through the rugged scenery and distinctive heritage of Donegal, Derry, and Antrim.

Both tours offer the personal experience of a small group, knowledgeable guides, and thoughtfully planned arrangements. Here’s how they compare, what to expect from the walks, and how CIE Tours helps you prepare for your adventure.

Which Ireland walking and hiking tour is right for you?

Both tours offer scenic walks and hikes through magnificent scenery and splendid national parks, a boat trip to experience a historic island, and a visit to learn about traditional farm life. Each lasts nine days, and begin and end with a night in Dublin. They both balance hiking, sightseeing, and learning about Ireland, along with knowledgeable, supportive guides, thoughtfully planned arrangements, and a small group.

Cork to Kerry: Southwest Ireland's Natural Beauty and Heritage

Best for travelers who want to combine scenic walks with sightseeing, Irish history, and the character of the Irish region most beloved by visitors for centuries.

• Explore: Discover some of the landscapes most beloved by visitors for centuries in Kerry around Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula, and some of the hidden gems of West Cork.
• National Park: Discover Killarney National Park, beginning with a boat trip across Lough Leane, then a hike through ancient woodlands, plus a visit to the lavishly furnished rooms of Muckross House, a Victorian mansion.
• Island Experience: Visit Garnish Island to explore the Italianate gardens with its exotic plants and decorative sculptures.
• Traditional life: Visit Molly Gallivan's Cottage and Traditional Farm for a hands-on experience of Irish rural life, with turf-cutting and a breadmaking demonstration.
• Farewell lunch visit: Stop in the charming village of Adare, where you'll have time to stroll picturesque streets with their charming thatched cottages before lunch with your group.
• Scenic highlight: Hike along Dingle Peninsula's Slea Head, with dramatic views of stone-walled farmland, sweeping hills, and coastal cliffs on your way to the Blasket Centre, where you'll learn about the rich culture of islanders who once lived off this rugged coast.

Explore Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry

The Northern Coast: Dramatic Landscapes and Wild Atlantic Scenery

Best for travelers who want to see a different side of Ireland, with varied walks through rugged coastal scenery, discovering traditional culture in some of Ireland's most striking northern landscapes.

• Explore: Discover a side of Ireland many visitors don't get to see in Donegal, Derry, and Antrim, with their distinctive wild landscapes and deep cultural heritage.
• National Park: Hike through the splendid beauty of Glenveagh National Park, then visit its opulently furnished 19th-century castle and have tea and scones in the charming tea room.
• Island Experience: Visit Devenish Island and walk among the stone ruins of a monastic site dating back to the 6th century, where 1,500 scholars once lived.
• Traditional life: Learn the customs and daily life of rural people of the past in Glencolmcille Folk Village, an open-air museum with meticulously reconstructed cottages.
• Farewell lunch visit: Stroll through the historic coastal town of Carlingford, known for its rich medieval heritage and scenic views, before lunch in a local cafe.
• Scenic highlight: Hike along the dramatic Causeway Coast Way, seeing the intriguing basalt pillars of the Giant's Causeway and finishing at the medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle.

Explore Ireland Walking & Hiking: Northern Coast

What do guests say about CIE Tours' Ireland walking and hiking tours?

Guest reviews offer a helpful sense of what makes these small-group journeys memorable: the scenery, the guides, the mix of activity and sightseeing, and the opportunity to explore Ireland together.

Cork to Kerry guest reviews

Guest Michael loved it all: 

“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....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 loved the deep dive into nature: 

“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.”

Northern Coast guest reviews

Pamela praised the scenery and the support she received along the way:

“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.”

Elvena described the experience of traveling with a small group:

“Our tour guides led our small but mighty group of 13 through forests, mountains, cliffs, islands, and rivers for 9 days.”

She also praised Tour Directors Fiona and Samzie, describing them as “remarkable: strong, resilient, kind, and patient.”

How active are the walks?

These are active vacations designed for travelers who want to explore Ireland on foot. The walks offer a closer look at landscapes, coastlines, national parks, and historic places, and we'll help you decide if this style of vacation is right for you. You don't need to be an expert hiker to appreciate Ireland on foot - you should just be comfortable walking gentle to moderate trails as outlined below.

Each vacation includes:

• Walks of approximately 2–6 miles.
• Activity lasting up to five hours.
• Walking on established paths, though some may be uneven or muddy.
• Some flat walking and some hill walking with climbs of up to 1,500 feet.

The terrain and effort vary from one walk to another. You'll want to bring comfortable, sturdy walking footwear, and suitable layers.

How does CIE Tours help you stay comfortable on tour?

Your guides help you navigate the day's itinerary and provide support along the way. The small-group format also makes for a more personal experience, with no more than 16 travelers on these tours. And you'll be staying in four-star hotels, so you'll relax and rejuvenate in comfort after a day on the trails. We'll take care of your suitcase and transport you at the start and end of each day's activities.

Ireland's weather can change quickly, so you'll want to bring layers and protection for both sun and rain, no matter what the forecast. CIE Tours provides guests with a rain poncho and a waterproof backpack cover to help you prepare in case of wet conditions.

What is included in the price? The CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage

When you travel with CIE Tours, the CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage means you get more included in one upfront price, so you can focus on the experience rather than managing a long list of additional arrangements.

Your walking and hiking tour will include everything on your itinerary – four-star hotels, transportation, attractions and all listed meals. From visits to historic sites and cultural experiences to planned transportation between destinations, the key elements of your journey are arranged for you.

That makes it easier to enjoy the balance of walking, sightseeing, and learning about Ireland without having to plan each stop independently. You'll travel with a knowledgeable guide, experience the itinerary with a small group, and have the main arrangements taken care of.

Review the specific itinerary for each tour to see the included experiences and meals.

Ireland Walking & Hiking tours: Your Planning Guide

Do I need to be an expert hiker?

You do not need to be an expert - you will be fine as long as you are comfortable with the walks outlined above. These trips include walks on hill trails and uneven ground, and some involve climbs. 

What should I bring for the weather?

Bring sturdy walking footwear, comfortable layers, sun protection, and rain gear suitable for outdoor activity. Irish weather can change during the day, so it's wise to be prepared for sun, rain and wind no matter what the forecast. CIE Tours provides a rain poncho and waterproof backpack cover.

How much walking is involved each day?

As a general guide, expect walks of approximately 2–6 miles, with activity lasting up to five hours on some days. Some routes include uneven or muddy paths and climbs of up to 1,500 feet. Consult the detailed itinerary for the specific tour you're considering.

Will I have support during the walks?

You'll travel with knowledgeable guides who help lead the experience and provide support along the way. Guest reviews highlight the encouragement and assistance offered by the guides, as well as the benefits of exploring in a small group. You should still choose a tour that matches your own comfort with the activity level.

How many people are on each tour?

CIE Tours' Ireland Walking & Hiking tours have a maximum group size of 16 travelers, creating a more personal experience as you explore Ireland together.

What is included with CIE Tours?

The CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage includes everything listed on your itinerary - hotels, transportation, attractions, entertainment, and most meal, all in one upfront price. Check your chosen tour's itinerary for the details of included meals and experiences.

Which tour should I choose: Cork to Kerry or the Northern Coast?

Choose Cork to Kerry if you're drawn to the landscapes around West Cork, Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula – some of Ireland's most iconic landscapes beloved by visitors for centuries, while taking in Killarney National Park, the Rock of Cashel, and the Blasket Centre.

Choose the Northern Coast if you'd like to visit some of Ireland's lesser-known beauty and discover Donegal, Derry, and Antrim, with rugged coastal scenery, historic sites, Glenveagh National Park, and the Giant's Causeway.

Both tours offer a nine-day small-group experience that combines walking with sightseeing and cultural discovery. Your choice comes down to which landscapes and experiences appeal to you most.

Find your Ireland walking and hiking adventure

Whether you're drawn to southwest Ireland's celebrated landscapes or the rugged beauty of the Northern Coast, CIE Tours makes it easier to experience Ireland on foot with thoughtfully planned itineraries, knowledgeable guides, small groups, and the CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage.

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