Wilderness Ireland

23/06/2024

Step into ancient Ireland on a trip of a lifetime.✨

Walk along the 17th-century Derry walls, visit a folk village in Donegal, explore megalithic and neolithic sites, admire a 15th-century tower house, and much more.

Our bucket-list trip allows you to experience and immerse yourself in Irish culture and history. From ancient myths to modern history, join us on a journey through time and uncover the stories that have shaped this captivating land.

The Highlights of Ireland Hiking trip brings you from Northern Ireland down into the Wild Atlantic Way, giving you a true sense of Ireland’s rich history, culture, heritage, and stunning scenery at every turn.

https://www.wildernessireland.com/adventure-holidays/luxury-deluxe-tours/highlights-of-ireland/

Hike Ireland’s highlights, from wonders like the Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher to cultural sites like Croagh Patrick and Galway.

21/06/2024

"We hiked through staggeringly gorgeous Emerald Isle landscapes several hours a day but there was much more — a visit with a beloved blind goat farmer, a haunted abbey, toe-tapping pubs, a “Sleeping Giant,” and an evacuated island of storytellers, to name a few highlights."

Check out our feature in the travel section of The Orange County Register to read all about this unforgettable hiking & island hopping journey through Cork & Kerry.

https://www.ocregister.com/2024/06/19/travel-i-climbed-the-stairway-to-heaven-next-to-a-star-wars-film-set-in-ireland/

The weeklong ‘Hiking & Island Hopping: Cork & Kerry’ trek traverses stunning Emerald Isle landscapes.

18/06/2024

Immerse yourself in Connemara’s rugged beauty.

Experience breathtaking landscapes, tranquil lakes, and the Wild Atlantic Way coast on two wheels. 🚴‍♂️

Connemara always has more to uncover — from the rich Irish culture to echoes of ancient history. What will you discover this year? ✨

Choose to cycle at your own pace with our self-guided+ trips or join a guided E-bike group tour. No need to worry about logistics—we’ve got everything covered for a last-minute Connemara adventure.

https://www.wildernessireland.com/holiday-locations/west-connemara-the-burren-the-aran-islands/

14/06/2024

The stunning Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. But did you know they’re also steeped in mythology?

One such tale is about the lost city of Kilstiffen. According to legend, the city sank when its chieftain lost the golden key to the castle doors and it will remain underwater until the key is found.

Many say they have seen the city shining below the surface. Others claim the lost city rises every seven years. However, be warned—those who witness the city rising above the water are said to pass away before it reappears again.

11/06/2024

While wandering through the Irish countryside, there’s no shortage of characters you could meet. But our favourites to bump into are the local sheep and lambs that ramble along the hillsides and coastlines.

Read our blog to see more of these cute creatures and uncover the traditional farming practices that have shaped the countryside.

https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/sheep-hill-farming-ireland-west-coast/

08/06/2024

Let’s celebrate World Ocean Day 🌊

Join us in feeling the salty breeze on your face as you embrace the enchanting seas that surround us. From vibrant marine life to breathtaking coastlines, Ireland’s oceans are teeming with wonder and beauty for us to discover.

22/05/2024

With a coastline that’s 3,172 km (1,970 miles) in length, the shore is dotted with serene, sandy beaches. Many of these beaches were awarded Blue Flag status for 2024, reflecting the superb levels of water quality, management, and safety for the summer season.

Visiting any of these beautiful beaches is an experience not to be missed. Whether you fancy a dip in the Atlantic or a leisurely walk along the white sand, Irish beaches offer endless discoveries and unforgettable moments.

Leave a 🌊 in the comments if you can’t wait to visit Ireland’s gorgeous coast.

17/05/2024

While travelling along one of Ireland’s long distance trails, the Di**le Way, you will come across this ancient, well-preserved church known as the Gallarus Oratory.

Crafted entirely from locally sourced stone, the church boasts a corbel-vaulted roof. While the exact construction date remains a mystery, architectural clues suggest an origin in the 11th or 12th century.

Despite its modest size—just 4.8m long and 3m wide—the oratory holds cultural significance. A single, small window illuminates the interior, and local lore claims passage through this window guarantees entry to heaven.

Have you ever visited the Gallarus Oratory? ☘️

**le **le **le **lePeninsula **le **leWay **leWay

15/05/2024

Step into Irish mythology at the Giant’s Causeway, a renowned geological marvel.

According to legends, the Giant’s Causeway was forged by the legendary Irish giant, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who built it as a pathway to confront his Scottish counterpart, Benandonner. When Fionn realised he was outmatched, he resorted to a clever trick. His wife pretended that Fionn, in a cradle, was their baby. Benandonner, upon seeing the massive “baby,” fled in fear, tearing down the bridge as he escaped. The Causeway we see today is the remains of that legendary bridge.

Explore this legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site and trace the echoes of ancient stories etched into its storied stones.

15/05/2024

When you think of Ireland, you may think of lush green scenery; however, there is a vastly different type of landscape in a corner of Ireland—the Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The rocks that make up the Burren were formed between 359 and 299 million years ago, and they are home to 1,100 plant species. Pedal your way through its enchanting landscape, passing the Neolithic monument, Poulnabrone Dolmen. Stop to take in the impressive views and breathe the fresh Atlantic air.

After finishing your cycle through this moon-like landscape, enjoy a celebratory dinner and drink in a local restaurant, where you might be lucky enough to experience some traditional Irish music.

All that on just one day of our guided e-biking trip through Ireland’s West Coast.

Adventures await here: https://buff.ly/3JX3uQn

10/05/2024

Ireland is a land full of legends, myths, and folklore.

One such tale is that of Queen Maeve; a formidable figure in Irish legends. She was a powerful warrior, who features in the tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley.

It is said that Queen Maeve is buried atop Knocknarea in Co. Sligo. Her grave is marked by a massive cairn standing 10m high and 55m wide. According to legend, Maeve was buried upright in full armour, facing her Ulster enemies. However, this has never been confirmed, as the cairn has remained untouched and unexcavated since the Neolithic era, due to fear of angering Queen Maeve’s spirit.

If you’d like to find out more about the legend of Queen Maeve, visit the blog section of our website.

06/05/2024

Feel the freedom of the open road on the Di**le Peninsula.

It's where ancient history, captivating culture, and breathtaking scenery converge to create an experience like no other.

Discover the Di**le Peninsula in our travel guide.

https://buff.ly/4buCWBL

**lePeninsula **le **le **le

04/05/2024

We don’t just create adventures; we live them.

A few weeks ago, Barry from Sligo Kayak Tours welcomed the Wilderness Ireland team for a kayak tour around Lough Gill in beautiful Co. Sligo.

Lough Gill offers endless opportunities for adventures. Surrounded by lush scenery and dotted with a number of tranquil islands to explore, what could be better?

28/04/2024

The salty sea air of Ireland’s West Coast beckons those who dare to explore. 🌊

Hike and island hop along unspoiled beaches, charming villages, and hidden coves. On this exciting tour, you'll explore the cultural, mythological, and geological wonders of the islands and regions you’ll visit.

Sail to Clare Island, the hideaway of famous Irish pirate Grace O’Malley. Cross the Atlantic to visit one of the Aran Islands, a stronghold of Irish traditions. Step back in time on the tranquil Inishbofin.

Make this summer unforgettable with the trip of a lifetime. ☘️ Find all the trip details here: https://buff.ly/3JN42rt

West coast Ireland hiking tour in Connemara, Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Enjoy island hopping to Aran Islands, Inishbofin & Clare Island.

25/04/2024

We’re Hiring.

We’re seeking a creative and focused Marketing Assistant to join our team. With a genuine interest in content marketing and visual media management, you will have excellent administration skills.

With the option to be based in either our Sligo or Aviemore offices, this is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to develop their marketing skills to join our team.

Find all the details here:

23/04/2024

Welcome to Glenveagh National Park, where adventure awaits at every turn. 🏞️

As we pedal through the park, with the mountainous landscape surrounding us, we encounter Glenveagh Castle, built in the 1800s. With its perfectly manicured lawns and vibrant flowers, the castle Gardens are a perfect place to stroll around and immerse yourself in its history.

Have you ever visited the stunning Glenveagh National Park?🚲

22/04/2024

This Earth Day, we’re reflecting on our sustainable travel journey. At Wilderness, we believe tourism is more than just sightseeing. It’s about connecting with landscapes, people, culture, and heritage in a responsible and conscientious way. 🌍🍀

Learn how we’re positively impacting the planet by reducing our carbon footprint, supporting smaller, more remote communities through tourism, educating visitors about wildlife conservation, and leaving no trace wherever we roam.

Sustainability at Wilderness Ireland. We have a wide-ranging approach to our operations and vision as a sustainable business.

17/04/2024

Rugged, wild, and unknown to many visitors.

County Mayo is steeped in ancient history, fantastic folklore and epic scenery far from the ordinary tourist trail. Enjoy a truly serene escape in this captivating corner of the Emerald Isle.

Interested? Read our handy travel guide to learn all about County Mayo:

Discover the wild and remote beauty and adventure in Mayo, a largely undiscovered region in western Ireland.

16/04/2024

We’re hiring 🎉

Do you have a passion for adventure, are a natural collaborator, and have experience delivering world-class customer service?

Then we have the role for you - we are currently hiring for a Sales Consultant.
But be quick, the closing date for applications is tomorrow, the 17th of April.

Join our team in beautiful Sligo as a Sales Consultant and enjoy generous holiday leave, flexible working hours, industry discounts on outdoor equipment, and much more.

Find all the details here:

This trip is operated by our Scotland team. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness Scotland website.

15/04/2024

Did you know there is only one herd of indigenous red deer on the entire island of Ireland? 🦌

These red deer, with roots dating back to Neolithic times, roam freely in the beautiful Killarney National Park. All other herds of red deer found in Ireland are descended from reintroduced populations.

On our Kerry & Clare Hiking Trip, you can visit Killarney National Park and see these majestic creatures wandering around their natural habitat.

We’ll ensure your visit is enjoyable for you and responsible for the flora and fauna of the area, preserving the natural habitats and wildlife for all future visitors.

Check out the entire trip here: https://www.wildernessireland.com/adventure-holidays/hiking/kerry-clare/

13/04/2024

Experience the stunning Irish landscape by E-biking along the captivating Sky Road in Connemara. 🚲

Every twist and turn along the winding road offers breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Prepare to be mesmerized by the vistas as you pedal along the epic Connemara shoreline.

11/04/2024

We’re hiring! 🎉

Do you have a passion for adventure, a love of Ireland, and experience delivering world-class customer service?

We have the role for you!
Join our team in beautiful Sligo as a Sales Consultant and enjoy generous holiday leave, flexible working hours, industry discounts on outdoor equipment and clothing, and much more.

Find all the details here:

This trip is operated by our Scotland team. Clicking on the link below will redirect you to the Wilderness Scotland website.

07/04/2024

Looking at these pictures, it’s easy to see why Lindsay Lohan fell in love with Ireland in her latest movie. 😍

Shot in several locations throughout Ireland, Netflix’s newest rom-com, ‘Irish Wish,’ took us around the country from Lough Tay in Co. Wicklow to the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare to the timeless town of Westport in Co. Mayo. Each location served as a picturesque backdrop to the magical storyline showcasing Ireland’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage in every scene.

If you’re dreaming of visiting Ireland, contact our friendly team today to help craft the perfect itinerary and fulfil your own ‘Irish Wish’!

https://www.wildernessireland.com/contact/

04/04/2024

Immerse yourself in true serenity on Skellig Michael.

An uninhabited UNESCO site that lies off the coast of Kerry, where ancient monastic ruins dating back to the 7th century stand in harmony with the rugged cliffside. With 618 steep steps painstakingly constructed by the monks hundreds of years ago, the ascent to the top of this rugged island feels like a personal pilgrimage where jaw-dropping views and ancient historic dwellings await you.

02/04/2024

Welcome to the Burren, A UNESCO site at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Brimming with history, geographical wonder, and extraordinary plant life.

Read more about the Burren National Park here:
https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/burren-national-park-travel-guide/

01/04/2024

You never know what you might see on a trip to Ireland 👀

Our guide captured this moment during a hike through Kerry, and we were so amazed we had to share. The beautiful flashes of light can only mean one thing - the elusive Irish fairies up to their usual antics.

Fairies are renowned for their mischievous nature hence why they choose to reveal themselves to us on April Fool’s Day! 🧚

26/03/2024

The Wilderness Group are honoured to announce that three of our team have been listed as Conde Nast travel experts.

Louise, Sales Manager for Wilderness Ireland, along with Rachael (Wilderness Scotland), and Jade (Wilderness England), have each been recognised for their outstanding knowledge and dedication to crafting unforgettable travel experiences.

We caught up with Louise and asked her what she would include in her dream trip:
“Exploring Connemara in County Galway is a crucial part of my dream trip. The tranquil ambience of Connemara invites you to embrace a slower pace of life, while its rugged and timeless landscape seems to transcend any particular era.

A visit to Connemara wouldn’t be complete without embarking on a boat excursion around Killary Fjord, where we can learn firsthand about mussel farming from a seasoned shellfish expert. The added delight of enjoying our fresh harvest for dinner makes the experience even more memorable.

Delving deeper into the local culture, a stop at a working sheep farm is an essential part of the Connemara experience. Witnessing the skilled sheepdogs herding their flock and listening to the farmer share stories about the rich tradition of sheep farming offers profound insights into Ireland’s agricultural heritage.

After a day of outdoor adventures, retiring for the night at the serene Ballynahinch Castle is pure bliss. Settling beside the crackling fireplace with a glass of wine, relishing in the day’s adventures is the perfect culmination of an unforgettable Connemara escape."

Contact Louise and the rest of our friendly team to see how they can craft your dream bucket list trip to Ireland.
https://www.wildernessireland.com/contact/

22/03/2024

With its dramatic cliffs and sweeping panoramas, Rathlin Island provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

And for the bird watchers, there is an RSPB Seabird Centre where you can enjoy views of the largest seabird colony in Northern Ireland, with puffins, guillemots and more seabirds gathering to breed from April to July. While serving as a crucial breeding ground for seabirds, Rathlin Island is also the sole nesting site for breeding choughs and corncrakes in Northern Ireland.

Being able to observe these remarkable creatures up close is an unforgettable experience not to be passed up on.

Have you ever seen a puffin up close? 🐦

18/03/2024

Time is running out for our St. Patrick’s Day Saver – only 24 hours left to get your hands on a discounted place on select summer trips.

Book your dream Irish vacation before the 19th of March and receive €100 off the booking price for certain trips departing before the 31st of August.

Follow the link for all the details:

Book a 2024 hiking trip with Wilderness Ireland and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a special discounted price.

17/03/2024

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit (Happy St. Patrick's Day)! 🌈

Where better to celebrate than on Croagh Patrick’s peak in Co. Mayo, where it’s said that in the year 441 AD, St. Patrick spent 40 days and nights of Lent praying and fasting on the mountaintop as a part of his mission to convert the Irish people to Christianity.

According to legend, St. Patrick expelled snakes and demons from Ireland from the top of Croagh Patrick, casting them into the Log na nDeamhan (Demon’s Hollow), a lake at the base of the mountain. To this day, there are no snakes to be found anywhere in Ireland.

How are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? ☘️