Skip to main content
Beyond the Glass

Guided Day Hikes

Explore the mountains of Munster with a qualified Mountain Leader.

Join a small-group guided hike in the mountains of Munster, with routes ranging from introductory mountain days to challenging summit hikes.

Come on your own or with friends — each hike shows the fitness and experience needed before you book.

Rated five stars on Google and TripAdvisor

See upcoming hikes

€50 per person · Carrauntoohil €60

Next hike: Sunset Hike — Temple Hill — Saturday, 26 September

Not sure which hike suits you?WhatsApp James
Small group of hikers climbing a grassy mountain ridge in the Galtee Mountains on a clear day
  • Small-group guided hikes
  • Qualified Mountain Leader
  • Solo walkers welcome

What hikers say

Rated five stars on Google and TripAdvisor

Live Google reviews are off in your privacy settings.

“He walked at a nice pace, never a problem if we needed a rest.”
Siobhan — Google review, Galtymore Hike
“Great mountain hiking day with James! He was cheery, knew his stuff and happy to work within our limits.”
Jen — Google review

Upcoming guided hikes

Public hikes across the Galtee Mountains, Knockmealdowns, Comeraghs and selected Carrauntoohil dates. Each date books directly.

ModerateSunset

Sunset Hike — Temple Hill

  • Galtee Mountains
  • Starts 4:00pm
  • approx. 10 km
  • approx. 5 hours
€50 per personBook this hike
Introductory

Introductory Mountain Hike — Lough Curra

  • Galtee Mountains
  • Starts 9:00am
  • approx. 9 km
  • approx. 4½ hours
€50 per personBook this hike
ModerateSunrise

Sunrise Hike — Knockmealdown Mountains

  • Knockmealdown Mountains
  • Starts 5:45am
  • approx. 9 km
  • approx. 4½ hours
€50 per personBook this hike
ModerateSunset

Sunset Hike — Temple Hill

  • Galtee Mountains
  • Start time TBC
  • approx. 10 km
  • approx. 5 hours
€50 per personBook this hike
ModerateSunrise

Sunrise Hike — Knockmealdown Mountains

  • Knockmealdown Mountains
  • Start time TBC
  • approx. 9 km
  • approx. 4½ hours
€50 per personBook this hike

What’s included

Qualified Mountain Leader · Small-group guided hike · Route and safety management

Guided hikes are typically around 4–8 hours on the hill, depending on the route.

Not sure which hike suits you? Compare hike types.

Looking for a private hike? See private hike options.

Call 086 385 0398WhatsApp James

Find the right hike for you

Introductory mountain hike

Lough Curra, Galtee Mountains

A good introduction to the mountains for active people who have a reasonable level of fitness and want to build experience.

Forest tracks, trails and open mountain, with some uphill sections taken at a relaxed pace.

Moderate mountain day

Galtymore · Knockmealdown Mountain · Nire Valley / Comeraghs

For walkers with a good base level of fitness who are comfortable spending several hours on mountain terrain.

Expect typically around five hours of sustained walking, several uphill sections and varied terrain.

Challenging summit day

Carrauntoohil

A longer and more demanding mountain day for fit walkers. Previous hillwalking experience is essential.

Expect a full mountain day of six hours or more, with sustained climbing, rough mountain terrain and a higher level of effort.

Sunrise & sunset hikes

Sunrise Hike — Knockmealdown Mountains · Sunset Hike — Temple Hill, Galtee Mountains

Experience the mountains at one of the most atmospheric times of day, walking as the landscape changes from darkness to first light, or from evening light into sunset.

These are moderate mountain hikes, with the added experience of being on the hills at sunrise or sunset. A head torch, spare batteries and additional warm layers are required.

Sunrise and sunset hikes are an experience type — each scheduled date still carries its own introductory, moderate or challenging difficulty label.

A day in the Munster mountains

  • Hikers stopped on a high ridge taking photographs above the clouds

    High ground and big views

  • Two walkers with poles on a mountain path in the Galtee Mountains

    Steady walking on mountain paths

  • Walker resting above the mountain lakes below Carrauntoohil in Kerry

    Mountain lakes below the summits

Am I fit enough for a guided hike?

You do not need to be an expert hillwalker, but every hike requires a reasonable level of fitness. The level varies considerably between an introductory hike and a mountain such as Carrauntoohil.

  • Introductory hikes

    Aimed at people who are active and comfortable walking for several hours.

  • Moderate mountain hikes

    A good base level of fitness is required and some previous hillwalking is helpful.

  • More challenging routes

    You should be fit and comfortable with longer climbs and rough mountain terrain.

If you are unsure, ask James before booking.

Ask which hike suits me
Walkers climbing a grassy mountain path at a relaxed pace with wide countryside views behind them

Coming on your own?

Many people join our public hikes on their own. You'll be part of a small group for the day, with regular breaks and a pace managed around the group.

Five hikers walking uphill together across open mountain terrain in soft morning light

What to expect on a guided hike

  • Meet at the confirmed trailhead
  • Short briefing before we set off
  • A guided mountain day at a pace suited to the route and group
  • Regular breaks along the way
  • Local landscape and history where it fits the day
  • Time for photographs and to enjoy the views
  • Route and summit decisions depend on conditions on the day
  • Safety always comes before reaching a summit

Your guide in the mountains

Your hikes are led by James Foley, a qualified Mountain Leader who walks these mountains throughout the year.

The focus is on safety, a relaxed pace and helping everyone enjoy the day, with local knowledge and mountain context shared along the way.

Mountain guide pointing out landmarks to walkers resting on a summit

What you'll need

Standard guided hikes

  • Hiking boots
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Suitable walking trousers
  • Warm layer
  • Food and snacks
  • Water
  • Small rucksack

In wet or changeable conditions, waterproof trousers may also be needed.

Cooler-season / winter hikes — also bring

  • Additional warm layers
  • Hat
  • Gloves

Sunrise & sunset hikes — also bring

  • Head torch
  • Spare batteries
  • Additional warm layers
  • Flask with a hot drink
  • Dry change of clothes left in the car for afterwards

Hiking poles are optional. Gaiters are optional.

A full kit list is sent after booking.

Mountain weather can change

  • Hikes go ahead in normal Irish mountain weather.
  • Routes may be adjusted when conditions require it.
  • Unsafe conditions may mean rescheduling or cancelling a hike.
  • Reaching a summit can never be guaranteed.
  • Safety takes priority over any summit.

Prefer a private hike?

Private guided hikes can be arranged for friends, families, clubs and small groups. The route can be discussed around the group's experience, fitness and preferred date.

Enquire about a private hike

Planning an active hen, stag or social group? Hen party options · Stag party options

Want to build the skills to plan your own mountain days? See Mountain Skills Training.

Frequently asked questions

New to the Irish hills? Hiking the Galtee Mountains: a first-timer's guide

Not sure which hike is right for you?

Tell me a little about your walking experience, fitness and the kind of day you're looking for, and I'll help you choose.

We’ll use these details to reply to your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy.

Prefer to talk it through?Call 086 385 0398WhatsApp James

Ready for your next day in the mountains?

See upcoming hikes

Each hike shows its own date, difficulty and price.