Walking festivals are fantastic opportunities to explore new corners of Ireland - or your local corners that you want to see new areas of or learn the historical context of. They are places to meet people who also like to carry multiple pairs of dry socks (just us?), and can laugh about how exactly to cross a wet bog. While we might be well into the second half of the year - hell, it’s the last quarter - there are several walking festivals popping up for the coming months. Here are the ones that I’ve come across. If I’ve missed any, please let me know in the comments of this blog post!
Festivals vary from event to event, but in general they offer three different tiers of walks: approachable for everyone; intermediate hikes; intense hikes. This can be great for anyone who’s really enjoyed getting out this past year and wants to gain some more experience on the hills - or, something that might entice the more experienced hikers to try out a weekend of wanders - is that all the planning is taken care of for you.
Ballyhoura Walking Festival, Kilfinane
8th - 10th Oct 2021
As their website so rightly says, “the autumn evenings may be starting to close in, so there’s no better time to get your walking boots on”! The 25th Ballyhoura Walking Festival is taking place from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th October in Kilfinane, Co Limerick. “Many of the walks are led by members of the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club–who have in-depth knowledge of the area and its heritage, history, flora and fauna–and are suitable for all abilities, from the enthusiastic well-equipped walker who relishes the challenge of the A & B level walks to the gentle ramblers who are out to enjoy pleasant C walks.
Amongst the walking programme’s highlights are: the Darragh Hill Moon Light Walk on Friday evening; Saturday’s Sunrise Walk to Seefin (the highest point of Ballyhoura Mountains) led by Britton Outdoors; as well as the Walking Half Marathon, where each participant will be awarded with a certificate of achievement.
There are also many family orientated walks, such as “welly wanders” and scavenger hunts. As this festival of events literally starts on the day that this blog post is going out, I hope that this is the moment of inspiration for the weekend ahead!
As far as I can tell, all events are individually priced.
Carlow Walking Festival, Blackstairs Mountains and River Barrow
15th - 17th Oct 2021
The Carlow Walking Festival is taking place this coming weekend, in the Blackstairs Mountains and along the River Barrow. The festivals offers to help everyone to “explore on foot the lush green landscape associated with Ireland’s Ancient East,” immersing yourself in “thousands of years of history and heritage found in abundance in County Carlow.” The Festival is a great opportunity “for the beginner, experienced or advanced walker to enjoy the challenges of Carlow’s mountain treks or the peace of its woodland walks.” Included over the three days are heritage walks, photography walks and night hikes.
Walks are priced individually, as well as there being 2 and 3 day walking passes:
Two Day Pass: €30 per person
Three Day Pass: €40 per person
Wicklow Walking Festival
22nd - 25th Oct 2021
The Wicklow Walking Festival will be based in the Brockagh Resource Centre with many of the walks taking us through Wicklow Mountains National Park. The Centre is situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, on the road between the village of Laragh and Glendalough. Eircode, A98 D3H1
All walks are led by experienced walking leaders who will enhance your day with information on local history flora and fauna. Events are running from the Friday (22nd) across the bank holiday Monday (25th).
On the website, the festival “offers a selection of walking choices which you can mix, match, or just choose one:
– Climb Leinster’s highest peak, Lugnaquilla (925 m).
– A night walk on Friday the 22nd promising to be a unique and adventurous experience.
– A selection of day walks from challenging, moderate and easy on Saturday and Sunday.
– A moderate walk on Monday the 25th to celebrate the completion of a great weekend and summer walking season.
(Please note: Walks may be changed on the day depending on weather conditions or the fitness level of the group at the leader’s discretion.)”
Connemara Mountain Walking Festival, Leenane
23rd - 24th Oct 2021
Based in Leenane, the Connemara Mountain Walking Festival “has been designed to suit all levels of walkers from casual low level walks to the more experienced”, and so far on the website they have at least 3 walks to choose from, from strenuous to low level. They also have organised the events so that “each walk is guided by qualified, experienced guides,” who, working with the local farmers involved with the festival, they will be sharing their vast knowledge, folklore and history of the land.”
Price:
Single Day: € 35 Per Walker
Full Weekend: € 65 Per Walker
Slieve Bloom Walks
Rolling Events & Dates
While not a festival, the Slieve Bloom Walking Club regularly organises guided walks and hikes. Upcoming they have a hike along the Ridge of Capard in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
On their website they say that walks are open to members and non-members. Registration takes place prior to the start of each walk. The fee is €5 per per walk (accompanied children are free) or annual membership of €20 (single) or €30 (family). Dogs are not allowed, and strong waterproof footwear and protective outdoor clothing is advisable.
The Slieve Blooms are some of our favourite mountains and can happily recommend checking out the amazing trails there (in particular the Slieve Bloom Way).
Annascaul Walking Club
Rolling Events & Dates
The Annascaul Walking Club is a member based club, however “guests are welcome to participate in walks with the group and are covered under Mountaineering Ireland insurance for a maximum of 3 “taster” walks. To facilitate the administration of this visitors must contact the club by email giving minimum 24 hours’ notice before they come to do a walk.” They have hikes listed for the rest of 2021.
Last updated 7th October, 2021.
If you know of any other walking events coming up comment below or send us an email.