Dreaming of that long-sought vacation in the wilderness? Or imagining sprawling, snow-capped mountains, and the sounds of the woods bringing you the tranquility you’ve always wanted. Imagine no more. These scenic hiking trails in County Galway are the next stops for your Galway itinerary. Availing an expert or a tour guide during your hike is advisable, but if you have a friend or a local who is familiar, or have mastery on the geography of the trails, then you guys are all set!
For travelers hiking alone, a map and a portable GPS are highly necessary for the trip. Filled with fun, good conversations, meditation, and adventures, expert guides, or you, yourself will learn the basics of mountaineering, while capturing the beauty of hiking in Galway, Ireland.
Things you'll find in this article
Top 10 Most Scenic Hiking Trails In Galway
1. Western Way Trailhead
Available for hiking all-year-round, this scenic, long-distance trail begins in Oughterard, County Galway and ends in Ballycastle, County Mayo. The trail serves as an excellent introduction to Irish hiking, where the idyllic wildernesses of Connemara. The route starts on the famous angler’s town and then follows the western edge of Lough Corrib. Peaceful country road walks, grassy riverbanks, steep tracks to a mountain pass, and much more await you on your trail towards the end of your Wester Way Trailhead expedition.
2. Barna Woods
The dense, broadleaf woodland is one of the national forests found in County Galway and is accessible from Cappagh Park, which is situated near Knocknacara. The walking terrains are easy, but be sure to bring waterproof footwear during your expedition. Oak trees are found all over the woods, as it is considered as the last woodland in West of Ireland to have natural-growing oak trees. Crossing over passable and almost flat terrains, this trail also serves as an introductory hike for those who are just learning the basics of hiking.
Opening Hours
OPEN 24 HOURS
Contact Information
Address: 336 Barna Road | Near Knockaunnacarragh,Galway, Ireland
Email: cvgalway@gmail.com
3. Merlin Park Woods
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Known as the oldest and largest urban park in Galway City, Merlin Park and Woods is a playground for nature and woodland lovers. It remains as one of the forefronts of biodiversity conservation practices in the city. The amazing range of flora and fauna found flourishing and frolicking in the park is a sight to behold. Stands of hazelnut trees are serene places where one can meditate and practice yoga.
Wildlife abounds the area, such as rare red squirrels, foxes, and rare flowers and birds. If you are looking for a quiet spot to relax, have a trip, and take your mind off at worldly things, then Merlin Park Woods is the spot you’ve been looking for.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Contact Information
Phone:+353 56 777 0777
Address: Merlin Woods, City Park, Doughiska Rd, Galway, Ireland
Email:mail@heritagecouncil.ie
4. Rinville Park
The mega-sized, nature-preserved recreational park is a perfect trail for travelers or joggers who wish to extend their circuits further. The park contains an extensive area of woodland, walking paths, and picnic areas and playground areas perfect for the family. Admission is free, and it is open for all seasons.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Phone: +353 91 509000
Email: corpserv@galwaycoco.ie
5. Connemara National Park
The expansive national park covers 2,957 acres of woodland, mountain ranges, bogs, grasslands, and prairies. Four mountains found in the park, the Bencullagh, Benbaun, Benbrack, and Muckanaght mountains are included in the famous Twelve Bens mountain ranges.
Fun-filled activities in Connemara National Park include the multi-lingual exhibition of the Connemara landscape, riding on the Connemara ponies, indoor and outdoor picnic areas, varying nature trails that leads to heathlands and wide grasslands, their famous Diamond Hill walks, and lastly, children’s playgrounds where we can watch our children and at the same time enjoy the captivating landscape of Connemara.
Opening Hours
The Park is open all year round.
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Phone: +353 (95) 41054
Address: Letterfrack, Co. Galway, H91 K2Y1
Email: cnp@ahg.gov.ie
READ MORE: Connemara National Park Guide
6. Knockma Wood, Galway
Avail yourself of fun and a bit challenging hiking trail in the Knockma Forest Walk. Some of the areas have steep terrains, but that won’t stop you from conquering its beautiful hills.
There are a myriad of places where children can stay and have fun in the park. Under close supervision you can let your kids explore the secret fairy doors scattered all over the park, and let them experience the magic of a ‘faerie’ woodland.
7. Cappagh Park
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This fun, suburban park features fascinating playgrounds, woodland paths, Gaelic soccer fields and pitches, and a lot of picnic areas for you, your friends, and family. Enjoy long walks with your pets, and have beautiful Irish sceneries captured on your phone in this serene and enticing park.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Contact Information
Address: Cappagh Rd, Galway, Ireland
Phone:+353 91 536 565
8. Portumna Forest Park
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The Portumna Forest Walk offers woodland paths and forestlands that remind you of scenes from Harry Potter and Hagrid’s House. The clean park abounds with wildlife and a rich variety of flora, carefully conserved and cared for.
Picnics and barbecues are common activities in the park, but one can go for long walks and feel little exhaustion due to the park’s green canopy, cooling you and giving you the fresh air that you need.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Contact Information
Address: Portumna, Galway
Email: nto@irishsportscouncil.ie
9. Terryland Forest Park
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The iconic urban park is covered by 500,000 Irish trees of rich assortment, with an area of 120 acres where you can roam free. The catchphrase Green Lungs for the City is perfectly embodied in this park, with the presence of a wide variety of trees and canopies.
Engaging community activities had been held in the name of forest conservation and preservation when the local government of Galway took great efforts into initiating drives for planting more trees in the park.
And right now, one of the freshest places where you can abundantly enjoy your picnics and silent walks is within reach, once you are near the domain of Terryland Forest Park.
Opening Hours
Open 7 Days a Week
Contact Information
Address: Terryland, Headford Road, Galway
Email: parks@galwaycity.ie
Phone:(091) 536565
10. Walk Connemara (Clifden)
Guided walks, tours, and excursions are available in the Walk Connemara. Enjoy the scenic trails and one of the most breath-taking views once you have reached the summits of different elevated terrains and mountains planned in your itinerary.
And if you continue your trail, your last stop will end in CountMayo, where you can continue to enjoy your visit in one of the best hiking trails in Ireland.
Opening Hours
Open daily- 9:00 am to 5:30 pm from March to November.
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Address: Clifden
Email: activities@loveconnemara.com
Phone: +353 (0)95 22785
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.
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