The Best Walks in Ireland for Couples

There’s a reason our wonderful country has become known as the Emerald Isles. Breathtaking views and natural splendour await ramblers heading to Ireland. Taking it all in on foot is the perfect way to explore the majesty and beauty of the plentiful natural landscapes.

Whether you and your partner prefer leisurely urban strolls or adventurous hikes into the wilderness, Ireland has you covered. Sharing all the best walks in Ireland would be a long list indeed so we challenged ourselves to pick just six routes that show off the range of walks on offer. Here goes.

An aerial view of a large park with lush green lawns, circular garden arrangements, walking paths, and surrounding trees, with a distant town visible on the horizon.

Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park

Starting urban in the City of Belfast, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park is an award-winning green space. The park spans 128 acres of woodlands, rolling meadows and various gardens with plenty of plants and animals to discover. There are several trails to explore, starting from Wilmont House. The Meadow Trail is a great choice for the summer months but there are also walks through the walled garden, Japanese-style garden and camelia trails which are excellent all year round.

However, the real highlight is the Rose Week. Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park hosts an annual Rose Festival in July, popular with locals and visitors alike. The International Rose Garden is a must-visit through spring and summer. What better place for a romantic stroll?!

Grand Canal Way

From one capital to the other, our top pick for Dublin would be the Grand Canal Way. Enjoy the bustle of city life along the scenic urban trails beside the water. The entire canal heads out into the centre of Ireland, covering a whopping 117km, all the way to the River Shannon. Grassy towpaths, gravel trails and roadside routes pass historic locks, lock-keepers cottages and picturesque villages. There are plenty of treasures to discover as you go.

However, if you are looking for an easy day stroll rather than a multi-day trek, start from the Grand Canal Dock and head towards Inchicore. Pass along tree-lined banks beside tranquil waters, heading over ornate bridges and incredible feats of engineering. One of the best walks in Ireland for a city stroll.

A steep, grassy hill with rocky cliffs viewed through the bare branches of surrounding trees, under a cloudy sky, creating a dramatic and rugged natural scene.

Benbulben Forest Walk

Leaving the urban sprawl behind, we turn now to one of Ireland’s most distinctive landmarks. The table mountain of Benbulben is part of the Dartry range, taking its unique shape during the more ‘recent’ ice ages. The steep and rugged landscape attracts an impressive range of plants and wildlife to contrast with the domestic sheep skillfully navigating the narrow rockways of the steep slopes.

The Benbulben Forest Walk is a great option to explore these scenic vistas. A relatively easy looped track that is mostly flat and doesn’t rise above the base of the mountain. Despite this, there are fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and coast to be found along the 5.5km trail.

A stunning coastal view of towering cliffs meeting the deep blue ocean, with grassy hills in the foreground and sunlight illuminating the scene under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

Slieve League Cliffs

The path to the highest cliffs on the island were always going to be one of the best walks in Ireland! Rising an impressive 595m, the viewing platform offers incredible sea vistas across Donegal Bay and out into the great Atlantic Ocean.

The best walks in Ireland have a few different trails covering varying lengths and difficulties - Slieve League Cliffs is no exception. The main route to the viewing platform is only 20 minutes of leisurely tarmaced pathway. From there, it’s possible to continue along the hill trail in to explore more.

Alternatively, The Pilgrim’s Path is a more challenging route and, as the name suggests, follows an ancient trail. Slieve League has held Christian pilgrimages for over a thousand years and is considered a sacred mountain. Crossing the infamous One Man’s Path will lead you to the trig point, a tempting target for adventurous couples.

A lush, green landscape featuring rolling fields and dense forests, with three towering, grass-covered hills in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Glen of Aherlow

Once an important pass through the Galtee Mountains between Limerick and Tipperary, now host to some of the best walks in Ireland. Named after the River Aherlow that wanders through this stunning valley, there are mountains, lakes and forests just waiting to be discovered. It’s also easy to access, being only 20 minutes from the towns of Tipperary and Cahir with the rural villages of Bansha and Galbally sitting on the boundaries either side.

There are several loop walks to choose from depending on how adventurous you are feeling - anywhere between half an hour and four hours. Explore miles of forest track through the Slievenamuck, enjoy spectacular views across the valley and discover historical landmarks, such as Christ the King.

Sperrin Mountains

If you and your partner are looking for a proper adventure, head for the Sperrin Mountains. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the mountain range stretches across County Tyrone and County Derry with a range of well-maintained trails. The untouched, rugged landscape is just waiting to be explored.

There plenty of options across the Sperrin Mountains. For spectacular views, take the Crockbrack Way to reach the twin summits of Crockbrack and Crockmore. For a slice of local heritage, try the Carntogher Trail for important archaeological sites that expand our understanding of local history.

Riverside Hotel Sligo

Ease off your hiking boots

After days exploring some of the best walks in Ireland, kick back and relax in the comfort of Riverside Hotel Sligo. Overlooking the River Garavogue in central Sligo, we offer five-star hospitality at three-star rates. Indulge in a hearty meal at the Mill Bar & Restaurant and feel rejuvenated after a night in our modern and spacious bedrooms.

Book in and get ready to start the adventure