Killeshandra Loop, Co Cavan

With Cavan's bounty of beautiful lakes, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty of gorgeous lakeside walks in this part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Stay in the heart of Cavan town at the Farnham Arms Hotel before setting off on the Killeshandra Loop, a two-hour, 6km looped walk on a flat trail. Follow up your hike with a seasonal meal at The Oak Room Restaurant in town – and leave some room for the toffee apple panne cotta. Continue your break in Cavan by kayaking around Clough Oughter Castle on Lough Oughter.

Sheep's Head - Lighthouse Loop, Co Cork

Sheep’s Head is a stunning part of the West Cork coastline. Base yourself along the Wild Atlantic Way in Bantry with a few night's stay in the Westlodge Hotel, a 26-acre haven overlooking Bantry Bay. Make good use of their jacuzzi before you walk the Lighthouse Loop, a 4km looped walk that makes up part of the 172km long Sheep’s Head Way. The highlight of this trail is the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse, so, climb the steps to the top for unbeatable ocean views. Enjoy a post-hike debrief over deliciously cheesy pizza at The Brick Oven.

Howth Cliff Path Loop, Co Dublin

The iconic Howth Cliff Path Loop in Dublin is an absolute must for any seasoned walker. The 8km looped trail starts at Howth Railway Station and takes in incredible views of Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island (with its colony of wallabies) and Dublin Bay. 

After your two-hour walk, discover the flavours of Howth's fresh seafood at The Bloody Stream or King Sitric Seafood Bar, both a short walk from the beautiful harbour. Better yet, stay overnight at the King Sitric Seafood Bar & Accommodation and explore the pretty fishing village and nearby coastal towns.

Ballinacourty Loop, Co Tipperary

Tipperary in Ireland’s Ancient East is dotted with many great walks and the Ballinacourty Loop in the Glen of Aherlow is definitely one of them. This 8.3km looped walk has a few uphill sections and climbs 240m during the three hours it takes to complete and traverses part of the Slievenamuck Mountain. The trail begins at Christ the King statue in Aherlow, which also makes for a great photo opportunity. 

Enjoy fantastic views of the Galtee Mountains, Tipperary town, Golden Vale and Devil’s Bit. Spend the weekend in Tipperary town and stay at Corderry Farm, a 300-year-old self-catering cottage nestled in the nearby countryside, and catch brown trout in the River Aherlow or play a round of golf at one of the nearby courses. The town also has a number of cosy lunch spots like the French Quarter Café, with sweet treats like açai bowls and milkshakes.

Glencolmcille Tower Loop, Co Donegal

Journey to Donegal and stay in Ardara, Teelin or Glenn Cholm Cille (Glencolmcille) where you can take on the 8km Glencolmcille Tower Loop with its epic views of the Wild Atlantic Way. Start at St Columba’s Church and make your way through a landscape dotted with Megalithic tombs and rich in Neolithic heritage. 

Along the coast you’ll see roaring Atlantic waves crash into the base of soaring cliffs, rugged rocks jutting out into the ocean and birds flying overhead. While you’re in the area, make time to explore the sublime Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) cliffs and Silver Strand Beach.

Cap off your visit to lovely Donegal with a juicy burger and loaded chilli fries from Nancy's in nearby Ardara, a family-run restaurant which has been in the McHugh family for over seven generations. Then put up your feet and stay the night at one of the historic rooms at Woodhill House.

Slieve Foye Loop, Co Louth

Book a stay in historic Carlingford and follow the signs in the village to the trailhead of the 9km Slieve Foye Loop. Enjoy panoramic views from the top of Carlingford Lough, the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Mountains.

The walk takes about two and a half hours, and there are plenty of traditional pubs and restaurants in Carlingford for a great lunch or dinner afterwards. Opt for award-winning flavours at The Bay Tree Restaurant, or enjoy a romantic dinner at the intimate Kingfisher Bistro. If you fancy spending more time in the area, McKevitts Village Hotel is conveniently set in the centre of town so you won't miss a thing. 

Letterkeen Loop, Co Mayo

Head to Mayo and discover the Letterkeen Loop, a challenging 10km walk that brings you through the stunning Nephin Beg Range. It takes about three and a half hours to complete and there's some glorious views along the way.

Nothing beats good pub grub after a day out on the trails. Once you've conquered the loop, head into Newport and settle in for a meal at The Gráinne Uaile. Enjoy their deep-fried scampi alongside a pint of your choosing, and if you're lucky you may even catch a bit of live music. From there, it's only a four-minute walk to Hotel Newport, with rooms that have fantastic views of the mountains you've just conquered.

Rinmaher Walking Trail, Co Galway

Take on the Rinmaher Walking Trail, a 12.5km trek through Portumna Forest Park. The single track takes in views of Lough Derg and here you'll see fallow deer and colourful flowers, making it easily one of the best walks in Galway. 

Start or end your hike with a pitstop at CaToCa Fine Food at Portumna Castle Tea Rooms for a sweet treat and a cup of coffee, or save your appetite for dinner at the Modena Restaurant, with dishes like roast orange duckling atop creamy champ potatoes. Continue to soak up the fresh air with a night's stay in Pod Umna, a cosy, environmentally-focused glamping site just a two-minute drive from the centre of Portumna. 

Glinsk Castle Loop, Co Offaly

You’ll need about two and a half hours to complete the Glinsk Castle Loop, a 6.5km woodland walk in Kinnitty, Offaly. Prepare for some long uphill sections but the reward is some amazing scenery when you reach the top. 

After a day's adventuring, rest up by the open fire in Giltraps with fellow hikers and refuel with one of their stone-baked pizzas. For a stay that feels just like home, Ardmore Country House is the ideal spot, whether you decide to stay in the house itself or one of the cute self-catering cottages. 

Mangan’s Loop, Co Wicklow

Journey to Tinahealy for one of the best Wicklow walks in Mangan’s Loop, a 4km looped walk that climbs Garryhoe Hill and takes about one and half hours to complete. 

Mangan's Loop may be short, but that doesn't mean you can't turn your visit into an overnight getaway. Start your evening with panfried tiger prawns cooked in lemon and chilli butter from The Old Ship in Arklow, followed by a drink with the friendly locals in The Old House. Complete your adventure in Wicklow with a stay at the Arklow Bay Hotel and take advantage of the wellness and spa facilities onsite.