A walk and a coffee never looked so good …
Outdoor specialists Trailblazers recently revealed the nation’s favourite national parks with the most breathtaking views, plus the best cafés and coffee drive-thrus to refuel before or after your walk.
WICKLOW MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The largest of Ireland’s parks, stretching across almost 23,000 hectares south of Dublin, photographic opportunities are plentiful with wide-open vistas, winding mountain roads and fast-flowing streams that descend into the deep lakes of the wooded valleys, including St Kevin’s monastic settlement at Glendalough. The diverse walking trails range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging hikes, with Glendalough the primary hub. Some of the top choices include the Green Road for a gentle walk, the stunning Spinc and Glenealo Valley for cliff views, and Djouce Mountain via the Wicklow Way.
STOP BY: Nick’s Coffee, Wicklow Town
There are a host of cafés here including Avoca Mount Usher Coffee, Wicklow Inspired and Firehouse Bakery, but for our granola girl coffee fix we love Nick’s Coffee, which has a second location in Ranelagh, both dog-friendly. @nickscoffeewicklow
KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK, KERRY
Killarney’s recognisable scenery spans the Lakes of Killarney, Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake, Torc Waterfall, Ireland’s highest mountain peak Carrauntoohill and Ireland’s oldest native woodlands, which have stood for approximately 10,000 years. Visitors can see the historic estate of Muckross House & Gardens and Abbey or Ross Castle, and an educational visitor centre in Knockreer House. Look out for the largest surviving indigenous herd of red deer in Ireland, the white-tailed sea eagle and otters, to name a few.
STOP BY: RíRá Drive Thru Killarney
Serving specialty coffee, canned iced coffee or matcha for convenience, and overnight oats, freshly baked pastries and handcrafted treats from local baker SweetMix on Sundays, it’s worth your time to drop in. @rirakillarney
PÁIRC NÁISIÚNTA NA MARA, KERRY
Ireland’s first marine park established in 2024 with the islands off the Kerry coast, Kerry Head Shoal, Inch Sand Dunes, the uplands of Mount Brandon and the majestic Conor Pass. The offshore reefs make it a park of international significance for biodiversity, while World Heritage site Sceilg Mhichíl is an ancient monastic settlement home to protected birds, with dolphins and whales in the waters around the island. Don’t miss walks via the Valentia Tetrapod Trackway, Abbey Island, Great Blasket Island, Mount Brandon Nature Reserve, and Derrynane House and Gardens.
STOP BY: Bean in Dingle
One of Begley and Bowie founder Doireann Healy‘s favourite spots locally, along with Noni’s in Kenmare, expect a community vibe and great coffee roast to boot. @beanindingle
CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK, GALWAY
Covering some 2,000 hectares of bogs, grasslands and woodlands, some the the park’s mountains include Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Enjoy panoramic views of Tully Mountain or Kylemore Abbey from the summit of Diamond Hill. Look out for the renowned heritage breed of the region, the gorgeous Connemara pony.
STOP BY: Kabo Coffee, Letterfrack
Located beside Veldon’s Pub – which has great food and ambiance too – Kabo offers takeaway coffee with freshly made cakes and treats every day. We highly recommend the brownies, chocolate covered oat bar and Aileen’s homemade lemon cake. Browse jewellery, cards and gifts from local businesses while you’re there. Park up by Renvyle beach to take in some sea air. @kabocoffee
BURREN NATIONAL PARK, CLARE
A renowned landmark famous for its unique flora spanning 1,800 hectares with glorious walks and hikes from Knockaunroe Turlough, Mullaghmore Loop, Nature Trail and Slieve Carran.
STOP BY: Moher Cottage or Clahane Shore
Find this family-owned café and gift shop at St Brigid’s Well or their coffee van on Clahane Shore in case a dip or a walk on the beach calls you. @mohercottage
WILD NEPHIN NATIONAL PARK, MAYO
This park expands across a vast 15,000 hectares of wilderness, surrounded by the Nephin Beg mountain range and Owenduff Bog, where you can see white-fronted geese, golden plover, red grouse and otters. Vary’s Loop is suitable for families, Bothy Loop is moderately challenging, and Letterkeen Loop and Lough Avoher Loop are for more experienced hikers. An added bonus if you stay late (safely!) is pristine night skies as an officially certified Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. View the Milky Way and even meteor showers on a clear night with the naked eye. A camper’s delight.
STOP BY: Ginger & Wild Café, Westport
Gain a bird’s-eye view to Achill Island and the Atlantic coast while enjoying locally-sourced produce. The gallery onsite exhibits Irish artwork, pottery, textiles and jewellery that you can also shop. www.gingerandwild.com
GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK, DONEGAL
Set among the wild and rugged landscape of Derryveagh Mountains along Lough Veagh, visitors can see protected wildlife on the Upper Glen Walk, Lakeside Walk, Lough Insagh Walk and Derrylahan Nature Trail, taking in the Victorian Castle and Gardens, and Glenveagh Castle and Gardens. Glaciated valleys, rivers, waterfalls and pristine woodlands existed here long before us. Synge and Byrne Tea Rooms serve lunch if you need more sustenance.
STOP BY: Coffee Time, Letterkenny
Based in a 200-year-old cottage, savour local produce and home-churned butter made from fresh local cream or home-cured bisket from pasture-raised Donegal cattle. Also serving freshly baked pastries and very good takeaway coffee! @tiscoffeetime
