7 Tips - How to Hike Happily When Ireland Heats Up

1. Start Early, Finish with a 99

Hotter countries have mastered the early-morning start. Try it here: set off before the sun gets hig. We've a few suggestions on where to go, Queen Maeve Trail is especially beautiful at sunrise. Finally hit the ice-cream man and finish with a well deserved 99.

2. Think Shade, Not Just Views

Irish walks are famous for big open vistas but that also means full exposure. Mix in woodland trails or riverside paths so you get breaks from the sun along the way. Na coillte are your friends.

3. Swap the Heavy Backpack for a “Bum Bag”

Old-school waist packs are back, and in the heat, they’re brilliant. You’ll keep your shoulders free, reduce sweaty back patches, and still carry your essentials: phone, snacks, and of course SPF.

4. Frozen Water Hack

Half-fill your water bottle the night before and stick it in the freezer lying on its side. In the morning, top it up with cold water. You’ll have an ice-cold drink that stays cool for hours.

5. Ditch the Cotton

A cotton T-shirt might seem harmless, but once it’s damp with sweat it stays that way, clinging and cooling you down in all the wrong ways. Our lightweight Trendex™ fabric was designed for exactly this kind of day, it wicks away moisture fast, dries quickly, and has just the right amount of stretch so you can move freely without feeling sticky or weighed down. You’ll stay cooler, fresher, and more comfortable, from your first step to your last.

6. Know the “Irish Heat” Signs

Here, sunburn can sneak up faster than dehydration. If your skin feels tight or your freckles are popping faster than you can count them, it’s time for shade and a re-coat of SPF.

7. Finish Somewhere with a Dip

Even if you’re not a hardy sea-swimmer, dipping your feet in a lake, river, or the sea is an instant cooldown and a very Irish way to round off a summer walk.