Ireland Active Vacation: Hikes, Bikes, and More

If you’re looking to visit Ireland, why not try an active vacation? Trust me, it’s totally possible to go on an active tour of Ireland, and I’ll share with you how from my personal experience!

When I initially started looking in to our Ireland trip, I was told there weren’t a lot of options for active tours – which is total B.S.

Ireland can make for a phenomenal active getaway and without needing to drive on the opposite side of the road causing heart failure.

Of course you’ll find yourself putting in a lot of steps in nearly any European city as you explore, but there’s so much more than that to Ireland.

We didn’t even get to scratch the surface of great things to do, but I’ve focused on our favorite things…hiking, biking, all the sites!

Read on to learn how my active vacation trip to Ireland was and what I’d recommend you do when visiting the Emerald Isle.

Best Time to Visit Ireland

Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to choose the right time to visit for your preferred outdoor activities.

The summer months, between June and August, have long days with mild temperatures which makes them ideal for hiking, cycling, and water sports. But fair warning – be prepared for occasional rain showers, as they are a part of Ireland’s charm.

During the summer, Ireland’s landscapes seriously come alive with vibrant colors, lush green fields, and blooming wildflowers. I was surprised to see so much color!

Ireland Active Adventure Experience

Ireland offers an active holiday with a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking and cycling provide scenic views, while water sports like surfing and kayaking are available too. Ireland is also famous for its golf courses.

David and I mainly biked around and went on hikes. And, of course, we walked quite a bit. Let’s look at my experience during this active vacation:

Biking in Killarney

For many people, Killarney is a quick stop on a bus tour around the Ring of Kerry.

This is a great way to see some hot spots, but for an even better vacation, grab a bed and breakfast for the night, then rent a bike for just 15 Euros the next day.

The best part is that you can really do this is ANY of the little towns and villages, this will give you an example of what you might see.

Tip No. 1: Head to Lyne’s

You have to go to Lyne’s, which is right next to a little gas station and seems odd because it’s not a regular business storefront.

But you know what, we didn’t have enough Euros on us and he didn’t care! Sent us on our way without signing a thing and just asked us to come back by 6 with the bikes and pay him!

Killarney immediately strikes you as a cute town with colorful shops and a bustling atmosphere, but tackling it on the bike gave me a whole different perspective. There was so much more to see!

Here are some great places to check out while out and about:

Muckross House Gardens

Muckross House Gardens is a must-visit site in Killarney National Park, Ireland. The Victorian-style mansion is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens with a variety of plants.

I didn’t know there was so much color in Ireland beyond the green! And the trees here were straight out of Avatar! We could have walked the trails here alone for hours.

Ross Castle

Ross Castle in Killarney National Park is a 15th-century tower house that offers a glimpse into Ireland’s rich history. It’s a great chance to see some ruins without being overrun by folks off a large bus tour.

The area around the castle also has tons of trails, giving you great water views. Visitors can enjoy water-based activities like kayaking and boat rentals.

Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park in Ireland is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 25,000 acres, Killarney National Park has diverse landscapes, such as the Gap of Dunloe, the Ring of Kerry, and three lakes for water-based activities.

There’s also a great paved path goes all the way round the lake with lots of places to stop for a little hike or some great photos.

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park is a must-see for active travelers. The waterfall is easily accessible via a short walk from the car park or by bike, and the path is well-marked for visitors of all ages.

The climb up to the viewpoint above the waterfall is steep, but the panoramic views of the park and lakes are worth it.

Killarney Gardens

Killarney gardens are also stunning and I highly recommend heading there. The formal gardens are just breathtaking, and in the spring they have a long row of cherry trees.

Tip No. 2: Pack Snacks

On all these adventures, bring a backpack which you can use to take layers on and off, carry water and most importantly SNACKS.

David and I have a ridiculous but money-saving plan of taking an apple and a roll for breakfast, which ends up being our lunch on these adventures. We aren’t used to such a big breakfast, so heading out by 9 AM lasts us until we head to dinner around 5 or 6.

A number of bikers will do the entire Ring of Kerry, which is about 120 km and would be amazing…except that it’s a very narrow road, and I’d spend most of my time convinced one of the hundreds of tour buses was going to kill me.

Nonetheless, out on the Ring, you’ll get to stop and see amazing things, like a guy using his dogs from miles away to herd sheep!

Turns out the reason they all have spray paint is because everything there is free range. Your sheep could end up miles away, and you need an easy way to spot them so you aren’t herding home another farmer’s little lambs.

Hiking in the Country and City

Ireland offers diverse trails for hikers of all levels. Choose between countryside or city hikes. The Wild Atlantic Way and Ring of Kerry offer stunning views of the coastline, hills, and wildlife.

Dublin and Belfast have urban trails through historic sites and parks.

It’s no surprise that on vacation, I’ll slip out early in the morning to explore the area on a run. I love that everything is quiet.

Normally busy spots are empty. I can truly see what makes a place so special and create a lasting memory. But that’s not the only way to see Ireland!

In fact, we were surprised once we arrived to find out there were a number of options in the town and right in Dublin for getting in some great hiking.

There are the big well known spots you can see, but plenty of others that will allow you to see places others never even realize Ireland has.

Here are some great hiking ideas to get you started:

Howth Island

Howth Island’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and delicious food make it an ideal destination for an active vacation in Ireland. It’s a train ride from Dublin has over 37 miles of trails.

Multi-Day Walking Tours

Lots of multi-day walking tours are available – you walk, they take your luggage to the next lovely hotel.

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall in Killarney had multiple loops offering hikes lasting up to 3 hours, from easy to intense. The route offers stunning views of the park and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Doolin to Cliffs of Moher

Doolin to Cliffs of Moher – This is largely what I did during the relay race to Kinvara a few years ago and it’s a must!! You’ll truly experience the countryside with it’s stone walls, green fields and the dramatic cliffs.

Walk Everywhere You Can

Of course, once you reach Dublin, you can hop on a train or a tram, but you just miss so much by traveling that way!

Walking is the most practical and authentic way to explore the lush green landscape, quaint towns, and popular attractions of this country.

In fact, we opted to get tickets for the hop-on hop-off bus tour one day to give us some ideas and still found that we had walked nearly 11 miles.

That was of course the day before the race, so not my brightest idea, but totally worth it!

Plus, as you walk through the small towns, you can fully see why they host a “Tidy Town” competition!

From the perfectly painted storefronts to the overflowing hanging baskets of flowers and seriously CLEAN sidewalks considering all the tourists.

Of course, walking also means you can strut your stuff in front of all the cool sites for some photos that you couldn’t get from a car.

Clearly my modeling career is about to take off, ha!! I do have to mention that I wore my Under Armour lifestyle shoes for the entire trip  and they were a great way to have a little comfort without being quite as dressed down as I usually am in running shoes.

Try Your Hand at a Celtic Dance

If you’ve ever had a chance to see a Celtic dance (yes Lord of the Rings) then you know it’s a killer workout and looks like a crazy amount of fun.

This is why, of course, for your active vacation, there’s no need to just sit idly in the audience when you can be part of the fun!

Lots of places offer multi-week classes, but for those on vacation, checkout The Irish Dance party, for just 20 Euros you’ll come home with a new jig in your step…or a broken toe, really who knows.

We unfortunately did not do this based on A the race and B my knee…but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t doing some jigs in our hotel room.

Of course, if you find yourself exhausted from all the miles on foot, you can take a “jaunting car” for a ride as well. You’ll still have a chance to breathe in the fresh air, see the area and not a moment will be obscured by a window or traffic.

Wherever the journey takes you, honestly, I hope Ireland surprises you as it did me with its gorgeous colors!

Do you like active vacations?

Have you ever been to Ireland?

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