Mountain Elopements in Ireland
ditch the crowds, find your own epic spot
Forget the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway—amazing, yes, but every other elopement couple has been there. Ireland is packed with breathtaking mountains, hidden trails, and wild landscapes that will take your breath away. And the best part? You won’t be sharing your moment with busloads of tourists.
Wicklow is only a stone’s throw from Dublin, and the Mournes? Just two stones away. Whether you fancy a sunrise hike or a relaxed sunset stroll, a mountain elopement isn’t just about the views—it’s an adventure, a story, and a day that’s completely yours.
why mountain elopements?
not just a hike—it’s the journey, the vows, and the views
Mountain elopements offer something entirely unique. It’s about taking your time—savouring the climb, soaking in the views, and sharing quiet moments that last a lifetime. From easy-going walks to more challenging hikes, I’ll make sure your elopement is a mix of adventure, intimacy, and fun.
mountain elopement locations in ireland
discover hidden gems for your elopement
Slieve Muck, Mourne Mountains, Co. Down
Distance: 2.1 km loop, 727 m elevation
Pros: Stunning panoramic views, short but steep climb.
Cons: Steep with a lot of elevation, exposed to wind.
Recommended Footwear: Hiking boots essential for steep, rocky paths.
Suitable For: Couples looking for a rewarding view with a short but steep climb.
Glen Walk (Bridle Path), Co. Galway
Distance: 15 km, 382 m elevation
Pros: Beautiful and quiet, great for adventure lovers.
Cons: Longer and more strenuous.
Recommended Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots highly recommended.
Suitable For: Couples who are physically fit and enjoy longer hikes. Great for adventure lovers who want a more extended and peaceful route.
hen mountains, The Mourne, Co.Down
Distance: 3.2 km loop, 194 m elevation
Pros: Gentle climb, great variety for photos.
Cons: Lower elevation, less expansive views.
Hiking Boots: Not strictly necessary but recommended for rocky areas.
Suitable For: Couples seeking a more relaxed hike with moderate elevation gain. Perfect for those who want a variety of photo opportunities with less strenuous effort.
The Poisoned Glen, Co. Donegal
Distance: 2.9 km, 84 m elevation
Pros: Stunning Ruin Church with dramatic mountain views, peaceful and remote atmosphere.
Cons: Can be challenging to access.
Recommended Footwear: Hiking boots essential for boggy and uneven terrain.
Suitable For: Couples seeking a tranquil, easy hike in a remote location with stunning valley views. A great choice for those looking for a short walk with breathtaking scenery.
Three Castle Head, cork
Distance: 4 km, 166 m elevation
Pros: Stunning coastal views, historic castle ruins, peaceful and less crowded.
Cons: Can be windy; some uneven terrain.
Recommended Footwear: Recommended for rocky and grassy paths.
Suitable For: Couples seeking a combination of coastal views and historic charm. The trail is not overly challenging but requires some effort to navigate rocky paths.
White Hill and Djouce Overlook at the Guinness Lake, Wicklow
Distance: 4 km, 500 m elevation
Pros: Stunning panoramic views, well-maintained boardwalk sections, and a relatively moderate climb.
Cons: Exposed to strong winds; boardwalk can be slippery in wet weather.
Recommended Footwear: Hiking boots recommended for uneven, rocky terrain.
Suitable For: Couples looking for a relatively easy but stunning hike with beautiful panoramic views. Suitable for those who can manage a moderate climb.
diamond hill, Connemara, Galway
Distance: 7 km, 394 m elevation
Pros: Stunning views of Connemara, moderate hike.
Cons: Can be challenging for beginners.
Hiking Boots: Recommended for this moderate trail.
Suitable For: Couples with good fitness levels who are ready for a longer, moderate hike with amazing views. Ideal for those seeking a bit more of a challenge.
Innisfallen Augustinian Abbey, Co.Kerry
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable For: Perfect for a relaxed, short walk with stunning views. Great for couples looking for an easy hike without much elevation.
Pros: Scenic stroll through Killarney National Park, with views of Lough Leane and the Abbey ruins.
Cons: Can be busy during peak seasons.
Extras: A boat trip is required to reach the island and incurs an additional fee. (€15 each)
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or boots if it's damp.
Hornhead, Co.Donegal
Distance: 2.9 km, 135 m elevation
Pros: Incredible panoramic cliff views, remote and peaceful.
Cons: Can be boggy in places; no marked trails, so navigation can be tricky.
Recommended Footwear: Hiking boots recommended for uneven, rocky terrain.
Suitable For: Couples who are comfortable with remote, natural terrain. This location requires a bit more fitness due to boggy areas and no marked trails.
Slieve League cliffs
Distance: Varies depending on route.
Pros: One of Ireland’s most dramatic cliffs, breathtaking sea views.
Cons: Can be crowded in peak season, very exposed to the elements.
Recommended Footwear: Hiking boots essential for rocky and steep paths.
Suitable For: Experienced hikers or those seeking dramatic cliff views. Some sections are very exposed, and the hike can be challenging.
how I help your plan
I’ve got plenty more locations to explore and a bunch of books and websites to dive into. There’s a whole lot I haven’t seen yet—so it’s an adventure for me too!
Once you’ve picked a place—say, Wicklow—I’ll find the top 4-6 spots for you to choose from. I’ll make a custom trail map, prep everything from headlamps to hand warmers if it’s chilly, and we’ll be ready for an epic day.
