From the vibrant Galway City, we start our hiking journey in Connemara National Park. The famous Irish playwright and wit Oscar Wilde once described the region as a ‘savage beauty.’ It’s easy to see why as gentle green fields give way to the rugged west coast. It’s time to put our boots to test this afternoon on our hike into the sweeping hills of this rugged region. Characterised by its glittering quartzite rocks and boggy slopes, Connemara’s peaks contrast sharply with the gentler Wicklow Mountains.

Mweelrea, the highest mountain in the west of Ireland, is best known for its breathtaking panoramic views. The distance is relatively short but the terrain is challenging and the summit is hard-earned but well worth it. The south falls steeply to the waters of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s largest fjord. To the east stretches the sprawling Sheffry Hills and the mountain Ben Gorm, and to the west lie the white sandy Atlantic shores.

Leaving behind the remote mountains of Connemara, we head southwards to the Kingdom of Kerry. In the afternoon, you’ll discover the lush green valleys and wild hills of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first established national park. Away from the more popular parts of the park, instead our hike heads up into the quiet hills where a fantastic view of the Magillycuddy’s Reeks Mountains spreads out before us, our first glimpse of tomorrow’s challenge.

Carrantuohil is Ireland’s highest peak and the jewel in the crown of our high points hiking tour. At 1,040m, its jagged summit presents an enticing challenge for today! There are many paths to the summit: the cliff-sides of O’Shea’s Gully or the aptly named Devil’s Ladder are just two options. As we hike, we’ll take time to admire the wildflowers, spot raptors soaring on the mountain thermals and keep a lookout for Irish mountain hares. This evening, we’ll celebrate our high points hiking trip accomplishments with a traditional Irish music session in one of the great local pubs in lively downtown Killarney.

From wild Kerry we head east to our next destination, Wicklow Mountains National Park. Full of emerald hills topped with purple heather and framed by lush forests, Wicklow is a special place. In the 6th century, the monk St Kevin sought solace and contemplation. He found it here in the idyllic surroundings of Glendalough’s lakes and valley. Today’s hike explores the quiet hills beyond Glendalough’s ancient monastery and follows the Glenealo River through a stunning glaciated valley.

Our goal for today is reaching the summit of Lugnaquilla Mountain. The highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains, one of Ireland’s six national parks, as well as in the entire province of Leinster, majestic Lugnaquilla proudly overlooks the glittering green valley of Glenmalure. We follow an exceptionally scenic route to the top of Lugnaquilla via a cliff-fringed hanging valley to arrive at the plateau summit named after a 17th century local character.

After an epic Irish hiking adventure covering an incredible variety of landscapes, some of Ireland’s bucket list hikes and tastiest pints of Guinness, it’s time to head to the capital where you can start your onwards journey or take a few days to explore, but not before you’ll get one last opportunity to stretch your legs on part of the country’s oldest and most venerable long distance trails, the Wicklow Way.