Food and travel content creator Éadaoin Fitzmaurice shares her pick of the 15 best autumnal walks across Ireland that are worth pulling on the thermal socks for.
There's a chill in the air, and a crunch of brown and orange leaves underfoot. This truly is one of the best times of year to get out for those bright but cool autumnal walks. It’s not bad weather, just the wrong outfit, so that saying goes. So come rain, hail or frost, we encourage you to wrap up, throw on the waterproofs and get outdoors.
1. Fernhill Park and Gardens, Co. Dublin
Trail length: 2.3km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash
One of the most underrated parks in Dublin is Fernhill Gardens, just outside of Stepaside. Opened to the public in 2019, the gardens are bursting with beautiful, and unusual botanicals, including rhododendrons, camelias and magnolias. You may even spot some fallow deer whilst here. Fernhill is a former substantial family residence on 34 hectares of land, and while you can't go into the house, there is a great little coffee truck and picnic benches in front of it.
There are many routes you can take around the gardens here. You can go right up into the Dublin Mountains, but I recommend doing the loop of the park itself for the best views around. The trail will lead you through big open spaces (great for picnics), woods, wildflower patches and the incredible botanical gardens, with some of the tallest trees you’ll see in any park in Dublin.
2. Ballyfad Woods, Co. Wexford
Trail length: 3km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
If you’re searching for a leafy trail through breathtaking woodlands, Ballyfad is a must. Set on 200 acres, the wood contains some of the oldest oak trees in the country. There are various trails you can do here, but the Bluebell trail is my preference, especially if you have kids with you, as there is a fairy trail for them to follow.
Along the trail, you’ll see lots of wildlife, wildflowers and views of Croghan Mountain, Tara Hill and the stunning East Coast.
3. Erris Head, Co. Mayo
Trail length: 5km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
Few walks capture the essence of the Wild Atlantic Way like the Erris Head loop trail along the Mullet Peninsula. Climb over a small ladder to begin this grassy trail, with epic views of the sea cliffs below. Be sure to wear good boots along this walk as the terrain can be boggy during the winter season.
Before looping back toward Erris Head, you’ll come by an "Eire" World War II coastal watch sign and lookout posts, one of 82 scattered across the Irish coastline, set up in 1939 to guard against invasion.
4. Aughris Head, Co. Sligo
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Trail length: 4km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
Located in southern Sligo Bay, this loop trail starts and ends at the iconic pub: The Beach Bar - an excellent place to stop in for a bite to eat before, or a pint after*. The route leads you along the coastline where you’ll see fishing piers, rugged cliff edges, a famine village and Dunmoran Beach.
The trail is a mix of grass and gravel paths, with fencing the whole way. It should take between 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
5. Bohernabreena, Co. Dublin
Trail length: 4km
Parking: Yes but limited
Dog-friendly: Yes
Another hidden gem of Dublin is Bohernabreena Reservoir, located just outside of Oldbawn, Tallaght. There are two reservoirs here and walking from one to the other will take you on a 4km loop. The Dodder flows through this area known as the Glenasmole Valley, which is surrounded by evergreen and deciduous trees.
The trail is mostly flat the whole way, making it great for dog walkers. I love to come here each season and see how different the landscape can look. I must admit though, this time of year is my favourite, seeing the deep colours reflecting on the water.
6. Djouce, Co. Wicklow
Trail length: 7.4km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Djouce is one of my favourite hikes in Wicklow. It hass boardwalk the whole way up, so even on wet days, it’s accessible and you likely won’t be covered in muck. The hike starts at JB Malone car park, where you can cross the road to see Lough Tay's viewpoint. This is well worth taking the time to see. The trail is 6km in total and it should take between two and three hours.
The views from the top are great, but the views on the descent back to the car park are the real treat. You’ll see the Wicklow mountains weaving down to the valley and meeting at Lough Tay.
7. Stairway to Heaven, Cuilcagh, Co. Cavan
Trail length: 11km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
The Cuilcagh walking trail is 11km long, starting at the car park and following the boardwalk to the viewing platform. From here, there’s a steep section of wooden steps along the final descent locally nicknamed, "The Stairway To Heaven". Along the route, you’ll see one of the largest blanket bogs across Ireland, as well as views of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Cuilcagh is a UNESCO Global Geopark area of outstanding beauty and Special Conservation. It’s a total bucket list walk in Ireland - if you haven’t tried it yet, make sure to try it before this year’s end.
8. Fairycastle, Dublin Mountains
Trail length: 6km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Just a 15-minute drive from Dundrum, the Fairycastle loop trail takes you through forest paths and the Three Rock Wood. It has panoramic views of Dublin City like no other. It’s one of the most popular routes along the Dublin Mountains because it takes just under two hours and is pretty easy-going throughout.
The path is mostly boardwalk, it’s good for solo walks because you’ll see lots of other people and dog walkers along the way. After finishing the walk, I reccomend driving into Dundrum and checking out Helios - a new sauna and plunge pool hub. The perfect way to relax the body after a hike.
9. Knocknarea, Co. Sligo
Trail length: 8km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: No
If you’re into Irish mythology, then this is the walk for you. Knocknarea can be seen from all sides of Sligo, making it the perfect place for Warrior Queen Maeve to be buried upright, spear in hand, keeping an eye on her enemies in Ulster.
The walk itself is a bit of a push to the top, but the views make every step worth it. Covered in 300-million-year-old limestone, it can be a little rocky going up one side, so make sure you’re wearing the correct shoes. Alternatively, you can stick to going up and down through the boardwalk forest on the other side of the mountain, this route is a little longer, however. I recommend - if you’ve got time - to go up the rocky side and descend through the forest, this will take you back to where you started and is an 8km route.
From the top, you’ll have the most insane views of Strandhill, the Ox Mountains and Benbulbin. On a really clear day, you might even be able to spot Croagh Patrick. You’ll also, of course, see the large cairn of Queen Maeve, measuring 55 meters across and 10 meters in height, probably built around 3,400BC.
10. Doolin Cliff Walk, Co. Clare
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Trail length: 5.6km
Parking: Yes, it costs €5
Dog-friendly: No
One of the most breathtaking viewpoints in all of Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher, Most people have been to the visitor centre but I highly recommend parking at Hags Head and walking along the cliff walk from there. You can pay €5 via honesty box to park here - so bring cash.
It should take just under two hours to complete this walk, the route is pretty flat the whole way. It can get very windy on the route, so make sure you’re wearing the correct footwear and clothing.
11. Arklow Rock Walk, Co. Wicklow
Trail length: 6.1km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
As an Arklow native, I had to include my favourite (and a very underrated) walk in my hometown. The Arklow Rock Walk is just over 6km and will take you along the quarry and provide views of the stunning South-East coastline, and the Arklow jetty.
It’s moderately challenging, starting with a bit of a climb uphill. There is a stone path the whole way. It’s particularly beautiful at sunrise. When you’ve completed the walk, you’ll arrive at The Cove beach - the hotspot for sea swimmers in this area, so bring your dry robe and be sure to go for a dip afterwards.
12. Belleek Woods, Co. Mayo
Trail length: 4km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Situated just outside of Ballina town, on the banks of the River Moy, Belleek Woods is a treat this time of year with a blanket of autumnal leaves along this 1000-acre woodland. This is one of the largest urban forests in Europe. The 4km trail here will weave through woodland and along the riverside.
13. Sliabh Liag, Co. Donegal
Trail length: 4km
Parking: Yes, it costs €5
Dog-friendly: No
Take a walk along some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Sliabh Liag boasts terrific and terrifying views of the wild Atlantic 600m below, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. The most famous route here is the Pilgrim’s Path. For thousands of years, pilgrims have trekked along these sacred mountains to appreciate their cultural heritage.
Climb along this U-shaped valley to reveal spectacular views of Teelin Harbour. From here you can turn back to and head back towards the car park. Or if you’re an experienced hiker, continue past the waterfall, 500m above sea level and you’ll reach the first plateau which overlooks Lough Agh and Glencolmcille.
14. Devils Glen, Co. Wicklow
Trail length: 5.2km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes
Devil’s Glen is such a hidden gem. The loop trail here will take you deep into the Wicklow forest and lead you to a magical waterfall, where you’ll often see people swimming. The views along this route really are something else, you go from dramatic drops filled with trees the whole way down, to woods stacked with trees and streams meandering through mossy stones.
If you were looking for a magical place in Ireland to get engaged; this is it. Beside the waterfall, there’s a lover’s poem. It reads "When we find the ring, I’ll propose."
15. Ballycotton Cliff Walk, Co. Cork
Trail length: 9km
Parking: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash
Ballycotton Cliff Walk, located in East Cork, is a walk you’ll want to bring your camera with you for. The 9km trail will guide you along dramatic sea cliffs where you may spot pods of dolphins splashing in the waters below, as well as the iconic all-black lighthouse of Ballycotton.
There is a fenced path along the route to guide you, and there are lots of benches to perch yourself on and take in the views. You’ll also reach Ballyandreen Beach, a great spot to stop for a picnic - so pack sandwiches with you!
* Drink responsibly
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