Hiking/ Hill Walking Festivals & Events

15-17 April - Wicklow Outdoors Festival

Throughout Wicklow

Activities to suit all ages including rock climbing, walking, cycling, archery, windsurfing and horse riding.

For more information visit: wicklowoutdoors.ie

23-24 April - North Leitrim Glens Hill Walking Festival

Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim

Two day hill walking festival with two levels of walks on Saturday and Sunday and a meal and dancing on the Sarurday night!

For more information visit: discoverireland.ie/festivals

23-30 April Donegal Highlands Walking Festival

Gleann Cholm Cille, Co Donegal

Daily walks on the Sliabh Liag Peninsula. Breath-taking scenery and professional and knowledgeable guides.

For more information visit: oideas-gael.com

29 April - 2 May - Ballyhoura International Walking Festival

Counties Limerick, Cork and Tipperary

Over 30 guided walks for all levels of ability. Ballyhoura is a walker's dream with the green pastures of the Golden Vale, the woodlands and rolling hills of Limerick, Cork and Tipperary and the high peaks of the Galty Mountains.

For more information visit: ballyhouracountry.com 

29 April-2 May - Slieve Blooms Walking Festival

Slieve Bloom Mountains, Co Offaly & Co Laois

Discover the wind and wonderful Slieve Blooms and by night put the feet up and enjoy the traditional music sessions and the annual Blisters Ball at Kinnitty Castle

For more information visit: slievebloom.ie

29 April-2 May - Achill Walks Festival

Achill Island, Co Mayo

Guided walks for all levels on the beautiful Achill Island. The walks take in the historical and archaeological sites as well as the islands natural beauty.

For more information visit: achilltourism.com

22-29 May - Donegal Walking Week

County Donegal

A week long walking festival for all the family with both guided and non-guided special interest walks including: history, geology, nature and health.

For more information visit: letswalkdonegal.com

3-6 June Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival

Co Tipperary

Three day walking festival catering for all levels with three guided each day on the Galtees and Slievenamuck hills. Spectacular scenery and great entertainment at night.

For more information visit: aherlow.com

10-12 June - Focus Ireland Four Peaks Challenge

Countrywide

Teams of between 3-5 (and a minimum of two drivers) over three days climb the four highest peaks in each province: Carrauntoohil (Kerry), Mweelrea (Mayo), Slieve Donard (Down) and Lugnaquilla (Wicklow). This is a tough and rewarding challenge in aid of Focus Ireland.

For more information visit: focusireland.ie

24 July-1 August - Belturbet Festival of the Erne

Belturbet, Co Cavan

Family festival featuring river based events like rowing, canoeing, fishing and other events such as races, Ireland's Strongest Man, pig races, musical events and an Adult Fancy Dress!

For more information visit: ernefestival.com

27-29 August - Achill Summer Walks Festival

Achill, Co Mayo

Walks for all levels around secluded beaches, hills and secret's of Achill's stunning landscape.

For more information visit: achilltourism.com

23-25 September Burren Peaks Walking Festival

Ballyvaughan, Co Clare

Guided walks for all levels around the beautiful Burren Region.

For more information visit: burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com

7-9 October - Carlow Autumn Walking Festival

Co Carlow

Beginners and advanced walkers can enjoy the challenge of Carlow's mountain treks or the peace of it's woodland and forest walks.

For more information visit: carlowtourism.com

7-9 October - Nire Valley Walking Festival

Nire Valley, Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford

Great walking and Historical/ Geographical talk on Nire & Comeraghs.

For more information visit: nirevalley.com 

28-31 October - Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival

Glendalough, Co Wicklow

Selection of guided walks for all levels in the spectacular Glendalough. Includes great entertainment and accommodation.

For more information visit: walkinghikingireland.com

11-13 November - Upperchurch Walking Weekend

Thurles, Co Tipperary

Comprising a range of walks and entertainment locally each night.

For more information visit: upperchurch.ie

12 November - Paddy Games

Cork City

Open to contestants of all levels of fitness, Paddy Games is about removing elitism from sport and enabling everyone to become their own sporting hero.

For more information visit: paddygames.ie

26-27 December - Walk Killarney

Killarney, Co Kerry

Fully guided walks through Ireland's oldest oakwoods, highest mountains, rich wildlife and dramatic Atlantic Coastline in the company of knowledgable and entertaining guides.

For more information visit: killarney.ie/walkkillarney