Ireland is packed with epic trails that are perfect for family adventures. Whether you're strolling through lush forests or taking in jaw-dropping views, these hikes are all about fun and making memories together. Here are some of our picks for the best family-friendly hikes across the country — so lace up those boots and let's hit the trails!
Torc Mountain — Killarney, Co. Kerry
Only a 25-minute drive from Killarney town, this well-marked trail is suitable for beginners and families. It takes you from woodland trail to stone steps to boardwalk, with a zig-zag upper section for a steady, rewarding climb to beautiful views.
- Type Out & Back
- Start Torc Upper Car Park
- Distance 7–8 km
- Height 535m / 1,755ft
- Time 2–2.5hrs (maybe more with kids)
- Terrain Gravel path, woodland trail, boardwalk
- Animals Mountain goats, red deer, birds
- Views Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House, McGillycuddy Reeks, Dingle Peninsula
- Facilities Free parking, dogs allowed on lead
- What you need Tick repellent, waterproofs, insulated jacket, hiking boots, water, snacks, rucksack, dry bags
Top tip — Bug repellent is a MUST. There are a lot of midges and ticks in Killarney National Park. If you're bringing the dog, check them for ticks after the hike.
➕ Add Torc Waterfall — Park at the lower Torc car park on the N71 and walk 5 minutes to the base of Torc Waterfall. For a longer challenge, climb Cardiac Hill beside the waterfall and continue to the Torc Mountain summit from the same start point.
Ticknock & Fairy Castle — Co. Dublin
A popular, easily accessible hike for all abilities. Several trails wind through the forest, linking up with the Dublin Mountains Way and the Wicklow Way. The forest is shared with mountain bikers, dog walkers, and trail runners — and what better family day out than exploring a fairy castle?
- Type Loop
- Start Ticknock Forest Car Park
- Distance 6 km
- Ascent 245m / 804ft
- Time 2hrs (maybe more with kids)
- Terrain Paved path, gravel path, woodland trail, boardwalk
- Animals Sika deer, red grouse, red squirrel
- Views Dublin Bay, Dublin City, Wicklow Mountains, Bray Head, Poolbeg Lighthouse
- Facilities Free car park, Trails Café, bike hire, dogs on lead
- What you need Waterproofs, insulated jacket, hiking boots, water, snacks, rucksack, dry bags
Top tip — On the descent from the fairy castle, take the pressure off your knees and improve balance with a pair of hiking poles.
Green Road Trail, Glendalough National Park — Laragh, Co. Wicklow
Glendalough is steeped in history and awe-inspiring nature. The national park has a trail to suit every fitness level and is a popular family-friendly day out. There are always chatty ducks on the lake to feed — the kids will love it.
- Colour Green trail
- Type Loop
- Start Upper Car Park or Lower Car Park
- Distance 3 km
- Time 1hr (maybe more with children)
- Terrain Paved path, boardwalk
- Animals Mountain goats, ducks, lizards, sika deer
- Things to see Upper & lower lakes, Monastic City
- Facilities 2 paid car parks, toilets, food trucks, café, wheelchair & buggy friendly, dogs on lead
- What you need Waterproofs, trail shoes / boots
Top tip — After rain the boardwalk can be slippery. Make sure the kids have trail boots with good grip and support to keep falls — and tears — to a minimum.
➕ Add Poulanass Waterfall — From the upper lake, venture left over the wooden bridge to follow the trail alongside Poulanass Waterfall (pink trail).
➕ Add the Miners Village — To the right of the upper lake, take the Miners Trail (purple trail) down to the Miners Village, passing St. Kevin's Bed and maybe a mountain goat with her kids!
Stairway to Heaven (Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail) — Co. Fermanagh
A popular hike within the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, offering vast views of sprawling countryside, farmland, mountains, and one of the largest protected blanket bogs in Northern Ireland. Mostly flat boardwalk, with a steep climb up 450 steps at the end — the views are absolutely worth the effort. This is a very exposed trail so pack appropriate layers and sun cream.
- Type Out & Back
- Start Killykeeghan Nature Reserve (free) or Trail head (paid)
- Distance 11km / 9km
- Ascent 550m / 1,804ft
- Time 2–3hrs (maybe more with children)
- Terrain Gravel path, boardwalk
- Animals Red grouse, red deer, foxes, badgers, birds
- Views Atlantic Ocean, Sperrin Mountains, sprawling countryside
- Facilities Paid car park at trail head, free car park at nature reserve, toilets 1.5km away, dogs not allowed
- What you need Waterproofs, insulated jacket, trail shoes / boots, sun cream, hat / cap, rucksack, food, water
Top tip — You'll be getting the steps in on this trail, so avoid cotton socks! Cotton soaks up sweat and keeps it there, leading to rubbing and blisters. Keep your feet happy with merino wool or synthetic socks.
Gougane Barra Forest Park — Co. Cork
You'll recognise the iconic church on the island where St. Finbarr, patron saint of Cork, founded his early Christian monastery in the 6th century. Gougane Barra Forest Park has 6 trails ranging from short multi-access routes to longer and more strenuous ones — pick the best one for your family. With picnic and toilet facilities, if the weather is nice you could spend the whole day here.
- Trail Slí Dhoire na Coise
- Colour Dark blue trail
- Type Loop
- Start Lower Car Park
- Distance 1.8 km
- Ascent 57m
- Time 45mins (maybe more with kids)
- Terrain Gravel path, woodland trail
- Things to see River Lee, Gougane Barra Lake
- Animals Foxes, pine martens, badgers, otters, birds
- Facilities Paid entry, car park, toilets, picnic areas, dog friendly
- What you need Waterproofs, trail shoes / boots, sun cream, hat / cap, rucksack, food, water
Other trails in the park:
Orange Slí an Ghaorthaidh — 0.5km, 30mins, multi-access
White Slí na Laoi — 1.3km, 1hr, moderate
Red Slí na Sléibhe — 2.5km, 2hrs, strenuous
Light Blue Slí an Choim Rua — 0.5km, 30mins, moderate
Top tip — Fuel up in the forest! Pack a camping stove and some lightweight cookware for hot food or a freshly brewed coffee among the trees.
Belleek Forest Park Nature Trail — Co. Mayo
Beautiful woodland trails, Irish historical sites, flora, fauna, and a fairy-tale castle. What more could you ask for?
- Colour White trail
- Type Loop
- Start Belleek Woods Car Park
- Distance 4 km
- Ascent 74m
- Time 1hr (maybe more with the whole family)
- Terrain Gravel path, woodland path
- Things to see River Moy, icehouses, hermitages, concrete ship SS Crete Bloom, Knox-Gore monument, Famine built wall
- Animals Foxes, hares, pine martens, red squirrels, hedgehogs, birds
- Facilities Free car park, picnic sites, dog friendly
- What you need Waterproofs, trail shoes / boots, hat / cap, rucksack, food, water
♿ Wheelchair & buggy friendly option: Try the Red trail — a multi-access trail, 1.7km, following the River Moy.
Top tip — Let the kids catch a glimpse of nature up close before it darts away — a pair of binoculars makes all the difference.
Mahon Falls — Co. Waterford
Only 40 minutes from Waterford City, this trail is easy to find, straightforward to follow, great for any time of year, with the reward of a gorgeous 80m-high waterfall in lovely surroundings. An easy, satisfying family day out.
- Type Out & Back
- Start Mahon Falls Car Park
- Distance 3 km
- Ascent 48m
- Time 40mins (maybe more with children)
- Terrain Gravel path
- Things to see Mahon Falls, River Mahon
- Animals Sheep, birds
- Facilities Free car park, dogs allowed on lead
- What you need Waterproofs, trail shoes / boots, sun cream, hat / cap, rucksack, snacks, water
Top tip — Keep your valuables safe and dry in a dry bag or waterproof pouch before throwing them in your pack. They're also great for separating wet or muddy gear on the way back.
Have a family-friendly hike you love? Share it with us on our socials — we'd love to add it to the list!
