With the evenings getting longer and the weather picking up, there's more time for us all to get outdoors. If you're looking for inspiration for a beginner and family friendly hike to take on at the weekend, we've pulled together a few of our favourites.
Glendalough Lower Lake Loop, Co. Wicklow
One of Ireland's most iconic spots. The lower lake loop is easy, well-marked, and stroller-friendly in parts. The monastic ruins add a real sense of discovery for kids. About 4km, flat, well-surfaced path.
Glendalough Lower Lake Loop - All Trails Link
Torc Waterfall Trail, Killarney, Co. Kerry
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.
Torc Warterfall Trail - All Trails Link
Salthill Promenade & Grattan Beach Loop, Co. Galway
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.
Salthill Promenade & Grattan Beach Loop - All Trails Link
Howth Cliff Path (Abbey Loop), Co. Dublin
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.
Howth Cliff Path - All Trails Link
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
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.
Blasket Trail - All Trails Link
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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! ⛰️
