Galway-hiking-areas

Top Hiking Areas in Galway

Galway, Ireland’s Cultural Heart, offers a variety of stunning landscapes perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking areas you shouldn’t miss:

  1. The Twelve Bens (Beanna Beola): This mountain range, known as The Twelve Bens due to its twelve highest peaks, offers challenging hikes with breathtaking views. The most popular route is the Maumturk Horseshoe, which takes you through rugged terrain and provides panoramic vistas of Connemara.

    Difficulty Level: Advanced Time Required: 7-9 hours Starting Point: Leenaun or Maam Cross

  2. Connemara National Park: This park offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels. The Diamond Hill trail is particularly popular, providing stunning views of the park and the Atlantic Ocean.

    Difficulty Level: Moderate Time Required: 2-3 hours Starting Point: Visitor Centre in Connemara National Park

  3. The Burren: This unique karst landscape offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Blackhead Trail and the Poulnabrone Dolmen Loop. The Burren is not only known for its geological features but also for its rich flora and fauna.

    Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate Time Required: 2-4 hours Starting Point: Parking areas along the trails

  4. Aille Brack Loop Walk: This moderate hike takes you through a beautiful valley, past ancient monuments, and offers stunning views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.

    Difficulty Level: Moderate Time Required: 3-4 hours Starting Point: Ballyconneely or Recess

  5. Inishbofin Island: Accessible by ferry from Cleggan, Inishbofin offers several hiking trails with beautiful sea views and opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, and even basking sharks.

    Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate Time Required: 2-4 hours Starting Point: Cleggan harbour