With the longer evenings and better weather ahead, there's more time for us all to get outdoors. If you're looking for inspiration for a beginner and family friendly hike for the upcoming bank holiday weekend, we've pulled together a few of our favourites!
Glendalough Lower Lake Loop, Co. Wicklow
Glendalough Lower Lake Loop Route (Hiiker)
One of Ireland's most iconic spots. The lower lake loop is easy, well-marked, and buggy-friendly in parts. The monastic ruins add a real sense of discovery for kids. About 4km, flat, well-surfaced path.
Torc Waterfall Trail, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Torc Warterfall Trail Route (Hiiker)
Short and dramatic - a 20-30 minute walk up to a stunning 20m waterfall, with the option to extend along the Upper Lake. Kids love the payoff. Very manageable for little legs, with beautiful woodland the whole way.
Salthill Promenade & Grattan Beach Loop, Co. Galway
Salthill Promenade & Grattan Beach Loop - Route
A classic Galway family outing. The prom stretches along the coast with Galway Bay and the Burren hills as your backdrop, and the loop back through Grattan Beach keeps it interesting. Flat, easy underfoot, and brilliant for kids who want to kick the wall at the end (a Galway tradition). Around 4-5km.
Howth Cliff Path (Abbey Loop), Co. Dublin
Howth Cliff Path Route (Hiiker)
A manageable coastal loop with big sea views, wildflowers (in season), and a sense of real adventure without serious elevation. The abbey ruins at the start add character. About 6km but easy underfoot.
Knocknarea, Co. Sligo
A clear path leads to the summit cairn (Queen Maeve's tomb) with sweeping Atlantic views. Doable in 60 mins for active families, and the mythological backstory gives it real magic for curious kids.
The Blasket Trail, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry
Blasket Trail - Siuloid na Cille (Hiiker)
Starting from Dunquin, this short coastal walk takes you to the edge of the Blasket Sound with amazing views across to the Great Blasket Island. The landscape feels like the edge of the world, and the story of the island's abandoned village adds real weight and wonder for older kids especially. One of the most atmospheric short walks in the country & of course one of our favourites at Outwest! You will also pass by the old schoolhouse from the film Ryans Daughter on this loop.
Dunmore East Cliff Walk, Waterford
Dunmore East Cliff Walk (Hiiker)
Dunmore East is one of Waterford's most picturesque fishing villages, with walking options to suit every pace - from a gentle 4km coastal stroll to Portally Cove, to a more ambitious 15km stretch as far as Ballymacaw Cove. No visit is complete without a wander through Dunmore East Woods, a beautifully maintained woodland that has been held in trust for the local community since 1924. It's a lovely spot for families or anyone after a peaceful walk among the trees.
Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk, Dublin
Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk Route (Hiiker)
A 4km cliff walk from Donabate to Tower Bay at Portrane, taking in sea views, a Martello Tower dating back to 1805, and stunning vistas of Lambay Island and the Irish Sea. If you've got time to spare, head down to Donabate Beach afterwards to catch a sunset or head to Nino's in Portrane for one of the best pizzas in Dublin as a reward after the walk!
Glen Beach Cliff Walk, Co. Wicklow
Glen Beach Cliff Walk (Hiiker)
This stunning cliff path heads towards Wicklow Head Lighthouse, passing Bride's Holy Well, a historic church ruin, and a string of coves and beaches along the way - with beautiful views of Wicklow Harbour, Bray Head, and the Wicklow Mountains throughout. Keep an eye out for grey seals and seabirds, though note the trail can close during seal pupping season, and dogs must be kept on leads. Sturdy footwear is a must - it's a rugged path and can get muddy - but it's well worth the effort.
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Heading on any of these trails this weekend? Let us know in the comments or tag us @outwestclothing.ie on your socials, we’d love to see your adventures ⛰️
