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- Fernhill Park and Gardens, County Dublin
- Ballyfad Woods, County Wexford
- Ceann Iorrais (Erris Head), County Mayo
- Aughris Head, County Sligo
- Bohernabreena Reservoir, County Dublin
- Djouce, County Wicklow
- Stairway to Heaven, Cuilcagh, County Fermanagh
- Fairycastle, Dublin Mountains
- Knocknarea, County Sligo
- Doolin Cliff Walk, County Clare
- Arklow Rock Walk, County Wicklow
- Belleek Woods, County Mayo
- Sliabh Liag, County Donegal
- Devil’s Glen, County Wicklow
- Ballycotton Cliff Walk, County Cork
Autumn brings crisp air and vivid colours — the perfect backdrop for a countrywide series of walks. Food and travel creator Éadaoin Fitzmaurice has picked 15 routes across Ireland that reward layering up and heading outdoors, from coastal cliffs to quiet woodlands.
Fernhill Park and Gardens, County Dublin
Trail length: 2.3km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash.
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Located just outside Stepaside, Fernhill is a 34-hectare former estate with an extensive botanical collection. The gardens, opened to the public in 2019, feature rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias, and you might even spot fallow deer on quieter days.
Stick to the park loop for sweeping views across lawns, wooded glades and the botanical displays. There’s a small coffee truck and picnic benches beside the house, though the house itself is not open to visitors.
Ballyfad Woods, County Wexford
Trail length: 3km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes.
Set across roughly 200 acres, Ballyfad is prized for its ancient oak trees and varied woodland trails. The Bluebell Trail is family-friendly and includes a fairy trail that children enjoy.
Along the route you can see wildflowers and wildlife, with views stretching to Croghan Mountain, Tara Hill and the east coast.
Ceann Iorrais (Erris Head), County Mayo
Trail length: 5km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: No.
This headland loop on the Mullet Peninsula offers dramatic sea-cliff scenery emblematic of the Wild Atlantic Way. The trail begins by climbing a small ladder onto grassy headland paths; good boots are advised, as sections can become boggy.
On the return leg you pass one of the wartime “Eire” coastal watch signs and lookout posts erected in 1939 — a reminder of Ireland’s second-world-war coastal defences.
Aughris Head, County Sligo
Trail length: 4km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: No.
This loop around southern Sligo Bay starts and ends near the well-known Beach Bar. The route follows the coastline past fishing piers, cliff edges, a famine village and Dunmoran Beach.
The path is mostly grass and gravel with fencing throughout, and typically takes 45–60 minutes to complete.
Bohernabreena Reservoir, County Dublin
Trail length: 4km. Parking: Yes, limited. Dog-friendly: Yes.
Just outside Tallaght, the two reservoirs at Bohernabreena form a peaceful 4km loop through Glenasmole Valley. Evergreen and deciduous trees line the Dodder as it flows through this valley.
The trail is generally flat and popular with dog walkers; autumn reflections on the water make this a seasonal favourite.
Djouce, County Wicklow
Trail length: 7.4km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes.
Djouce is known for extensive boardwalks that keep the route accessible after wet weather. The route starts at the JB Malone car park; a short detour across the road leads to a viewpoint over Lough Tay.
Published route lengths vary — some guides reference a shorter 6km option — but allow two to three hours for the walk. The descent offers particularly rewarding views of the Wicklow mountains meeting the valley and Lough Tay.
Stairway to Heaven, Cuilcagh, County Fermanagh
Trail length: 11km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: No.
The Cuilcagh boardwalk leads to a dramatic viewing platform and a steep wooden stair section locally called the “Stairway to Heaven.” The route crosses one of Ireland’s largest blanket bogs and provides wide views across Cuilcagh Mountain.
Cuilcagh sits within a UNESCO Global Geopark and is designated for conservation, making it a notable bucket-list walk for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Fairycastle, Dublin Mountains
Trail length: 6km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes.
Only about 15 minutes from Dundrum, the Fairycastle loop winds through forest tracks and Three Rock Wood, with panoramic views back toward Dublin city. The route is largely boardwalked and is popular with other walkers and dog owners.
Afterwards, some visitors opt to relax at local wellness facilities in Dundrum; the area offers several post-walk options for recovery and warmth.
Knocknarea, County Sligo
Trail length: 8km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: No.
Steeped in myth, Knocknarea dominates the Sligo landscape and is associated with the legendary Queen Maeve. The ascent is rocky in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
One popular approach is to climb the steeper, stonier side and descend through the boardwalk forest, completing an 8km loop. From the summit you can see Strandhill, the Ox Mountains and Benbulbin, and the large cairn of Queen Maeve, around 55 metres across and 10 metres high, thought to date to about 3,400 BC.
Doolin Cliff Walk, County Clare
Trail length: 5.6km. Parking: Yes, €5. Dog-friendly: No.
For cliff-top views of the Cliffs of Moher, consider parking at Hags Head and walking the coastal path from there rather than starting at the visitor centre. There is an honesty box for the small parking fee, so bring cash.
The route is relatively flat but can be exposed and windy — dress accordingly and wear good footwear.
Arklow Rock Walk, County Wicklow
Trail length: 6.1km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes.
Included by the author as a hometown pick, this Arklow route traverses quarry landscapes and offers views of the south-east coastline and the jetty. The path begins with a climb and follows a stone surface for much of the way.
It’s particularly attractive at sunrise and finishes at The Cove beach, a popular spot for sea swimmers.
Belleek Woods, County Mayo
Trail length: 4km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes.
On the banks of the River Moy just outside Ballina, Belleek Woods spans roughly 1,000 acres and is counted among Europe’s largest urban forests. The 4km trail weaves through riverside and woodland, carpeted with autumn leaves at this time of year.
Sliabh Liag, County Donegal
Trail length: 4km. Parking: Yes, €5. Dog-friendly: No.
Sliabh Liag features some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, with sheer drops to the Atlantic and expansive views of Donegal Bay and the Sligo mountains. The Pilgrim’s Path is the most visited route, reflecting the area’s long cultural and spiritual history.
Walkers can turn back from Teelin Harbour, or, for experienced hikers, continue past a high waterfall to reach plateaus overlooking Loch Each and Gleann Cholm Cille.
Devil’s Glen, County Wicklow
Trail length: 5.2km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes.
The loop through Devil’s Glen descends into a wooded valley and leads to a waterfall often used for wild swimming. The trail alternates between steep wooded drops and mossy streams, offering a varied and atmospheric walk.
Close to the waterfall is a small verse carved in the landscape that has become a romantic feature for some visitors.
Ballycotton Cliff Walk, County Cork
Trail length: 9km. Parking: Yes. Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash.
East Cork’s Ballycotton shore path follows dramatic cliffs where sightings of dolphins are not uncommon and where the dark Ballycotton lighthouse punctuates the seascape. The fenced path includes benches for pauses and views.
The route reaches Ballyandreen Beach, a fine picnic stop before returning along the headland.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
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