Let's start our trek from the heart of Ireland, where some of the most beautiful hiking trails on the island are located. The first stop on our list is the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Located in the heart of the country, this scenic mountain range offers a range of trails of varying difficulty, making it ideal for families with children as well as more experienced hikers. The trails in the Slieve Bloom Mountains lead through dense forests, past murmuring streams and waterfalls, while offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys. This place is especially beautiful in autumn, when the forests shimmer with gold and red.

Another 'must-see' on the map of Irish mountains is The Spinc in Glendalough. This trail, though challenging, rewards hikers with some of the most beautiful views in all of Ireland. The trail leads around a picturesque lake, climbs steep slopes and offers panoramic views of the Glendalough valley. The Spinc is a true gem among Irish trails, combining natural beauty with a rich history - the area is home to the ruins of an early medieval monastery.

For those looking for slightly less challenging but equally scenic trails, we recommend a visit to Djouce Woods, also known as Long Hill. These woods, located in County Wicklow, offer quiet, shady trails ideal for family outings. The trails are well-marked and well-maintained, making them accessible to hikers of all skill levels. Djouce Woods is also a great place for wildlife watching - deer, foxes and many species of birds can be seen here.

When comparing the three locations, it's worth noting their diversity. The Slieve Bloom Mountains offer the widest range of trails of varying difficulty, making it an ideal choice for groups of varying abilities. The Spinc, on the other hand, is for those looking for a challenge and spectacular views, but requires good physical fitness. Djouce Woods, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for families with children or those who prefer quieter, woodland hikes. All of these places have one thing in common - the breathtaking beauty of the Irish countryside, which makes every hike an unforgettable experience.

For those looking for bigger challenges and more challenging trails, Ireland has some real gems to offer. One of them is undoubtedly Strickeen Mountain, located in the picturesque Kerry region. This mountain, although not among the highest in Ireland, offers an unforgettable experience for mountain hikers. The route to the summit is relatively short but intense, with numerous steep sections. The reward for the effort is spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and lakes. It is worth noting that the trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making it safe even for less experienced hikers.

Another place that is sure to delight lovers of mountain challenges is The Great Sugar Loaf in County Wicklow. This distinctive cone-shaped mountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area. The route to the summit is short, but very steep and challenging, especially in the final part. The climb requires good fitness and proper footwear, but the views from the top are worth every drop of sweat. The summit offers panoramic views of the Irish Sea coast, the Wicklow Mountains and, in good weather, even the distant mountains of Wales.

For those looking for a slightly longer and more varied route, we recommend the Forth Mountain Walk in County Wexford. This route offers an interesting combination of climbing and walking, with numerous viewpoints along the way. The trail passes through a variety of terrain - from dense forests to open moorland, which makes for a very interesting hike. Note the information boards along the route, which provide interesting information about local flora, fauna and geology.

Comparing the three locations, each offers something unique. Strickeen Mountain is ideal for those who want to tackle a short but intense challenge. The trail is well groomed and relatively safe, making it a good choice for families with older children. The Great Sugar Loaf, on the other hand, is for more experienced hikers looking for intense climbing and spectacular views. The route is shorter, but more technically demanding. The Forth Mountain Walk offers the most diverse experience, combining climbing elements with easier sections, making it ideal for groups of varying skill levels.

All of these routes have one thing in common - they offer an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to commune with the wild Irish countryside. However, it is worth remembering to be properly prepared - good fitness, appropriate footwear and clothing, as well as taking enough water and snacks. The weather in the Irish mountains can change very quickly, so it is always a good idea to be prepared for different weather conditions.

Ireland hides many lesser-known but equally fascinating mountain trails that are worth exploring during your trip. One such place is the Letterkeen Trailhead in County Mayo. This place offers several different trails of varying degrees of difficulty through the pristine forests and wilderness of Ballycroy National Park. The trails are well-marked and well-maintained, making them accessible to hikers of all levels. We particularly recommend the Letterkeena Loop trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Altaconey River. This is an ideal destination for those looking for peace and quiet and the opportunity to commune with wildlife away from the crowds.

Another hidden treasure on the map of Irish mountains is the 12 O'Clock Hills in County Clare. This group of hills offers several scenic trails of varying length and difficulty. The hills are named after the local tradition of determining the time based on the position of the sun above their peaks. The trails are well marked and offer great views of the surrounding valleys and hills. This place is especially beautiful at sunset, when the last rays of the sun illuminate the surrounding countryside.

For lovers of more active recreation, the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails are a great option. This is the largest mountain biking trail complex in Ireland, offering more than 90 km of marked trails of varying difficulty. The trails lead through scenic forests and moors, offering unforgettable views and plenty of adrenaline. Although the place is mostly known among cyclists, it also offers great opportunities for hiking.

When comparing the three locations, each offers a unique experience. Letterkeen Trailhead is the perfect place for those looking for peace and quiet and opportunities to commune with wildlife. The trails are well groomed and relatively easy, making them accessible to a wide range of hikers. 12 O'Clock Hills, on the other hand, is for those who appreciate scenic views and are interested in local history and traditions. The trails vary in difficulty, allowing you to tailor your trip to your own abilities. Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails is a destination for adventurers and adrenaline junkies, offering not only bike trails, but also the opportunity to hike in beautiful surroundings.

It is worth noting the differences in hiking infrastructure in these places. Letterkeen Trailhead and 12 O'Clock Hills are less developed tourist destinations, which can mean limited access to amenities such as restrooms and food outlets. Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails, on the other hand, as a popular bicycle resort, offers better-developed infrastructure, including equipment rentals and tourist information points.

Regardless of the destination chosen, all of these locations offer the opportunity to discover lesser-known but equally beautiful corners of Ireland. These are ideal options for those who want to get off the beaten path and experience the true wilderness of the Green Island. However, remember to always be prepared for changing weather conditions and respect the rules of nature conservation, so that these beautiful places can be enjoyed by future generations of tourists.