Walking Festivals in Ireland
Ireland’s wild landscape has long attracted walkers, but the organised walking festival scene is a relatively recent phenomenon. Around two decades ago a group of clubs retraced the 500 km march of Gaelic lord Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare – a historic trek from Dursey Island to Lough Neagh – and the idea of a walking festival was born. Since then the calendar has swelled to dozens of events, each pairing guided routes with local food, music and community.
Festival calendar 2025
| Festival | Dates (2025) | Location | Approx. cost | Dog policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Causeway Coast & Glens Walking Festival | 14‑16 Mar | Causeway Coast & Glens (NI) | £10 per walk | No dogs |
| Wander Wild Festival | 4‑6 Apr | Killarney National Park (Co Kerry) | €10‑€100 (free events included) | Dogs allowed on some walks – check website |
| Connemara Mountain Walking Festival | 2‑4 May | Leenane, Co Galway | €40‑€75 (full weekend) | No dogs |
| Slieve Bloom Walking Festival | 3‑5 May | Kinnitty, Co Offaly | €5‑€30 (per walk / family) | Dogs allowed on most routes |
| Bantry Walking Festival | 30 May‑1 Jun | Bantry, Co Cork | TBD – usually €5‑€15 per walk | No dogs on coastal sections |
| Dingle Walking Festival | 16‑18 Feb | Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry | €15‑€30 per walk | Dogs welcome on easy routes |
| Ardara’s Walking Festival | 18‑20 Mar (dates to be confirmed) | Ardara, Co Donegal | €10‑€20 per walk | Dogs permitted on lower‑grade walks |
| Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival | 30 Jan‑1 Feb | Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary | €12 per walk | Dogs allowed on most routes |
| Kerry Camino Walking Festival | 2‑4 May | Tralee, Co Kerry | €50‑€150 (3‑day pass) | No dogs |
| Women With Altitude | 9‑11 May | Donard Park, Newcastle (NI) | €80‑€100 | Dogs not permitted |
| Castlebar International 4‑Days’ Walks | 3‑6 Jul | Castlebar, Co Mayo | Information unavailable | Dogs not permitted |
| The North Leitrim Glens Hill Walking Festival | April (TBC) | Leitrim (NI) | Information unavailable | Dogs welcome on easy walks |
| Sperrins & Killeter Walking Festival | March (TBC) | Sperrins & Killeter (NI) | Information unavailable | Dogs welcome |
| Carlow Autumn Walking Festival | 3‑5 Oct | Blackstairs Mtns, Co Carlow | Information unavailable | Dogs allowed on most walks |
| Wicklow Walking Festival | 23‑26 Oct | Brockagh Resource Centre, Co Wicklow | €10‑€20 per walk | Dogs welcome on most routes |
| Wee Binnian Walkers Hillwalkers Festival | September (TBC) | Mourne & Cooley Mtns (NI) | £10‑£15 | Dogs allowed on most routes |
| Burren Peaks Walking Festival | September (TBC) | Ballyvaughan, Co Galway | Information unavailable | Dogs welcome on easy walks |
| Ballyhoura Walking Festival | October (TBC) | Kilfinane, Co Limerick | Information unavailable | Dogs allowed on most routes |
| Féile na Sléibhte | August (TBC) | Joyce Country, Co Galway | Information unavailable | Dogs welcome |
| Castlerock Walkfest | August (TBC) | Castlerock, NI | Information unavailable | Dogs welcome |
| Castlerock Walkfest | August (TBC) | Castlerock, NI | Information unavailable | Dogs welcome |
Where a cost is listed as “TBD” the organisers have not yet published 2025 pricing. Check the official website for the latest information.
Festival spotlights
Causeway Coast & Glens Walking Festival
Three themed routes – Tales & Stories of Bun Abhainn Doinne (6 km), The Broad Peak (9 km) and In Shane’s Footsteps (10 km) – showcase the dramatic coastline of Northern Ireland. The event runs over a long weekend in March; registration is online via the official site. Dogs are not permitted because the routes cross livestock‑rich farmland.
Connemara Mountain Walking Festival
Based in Leenane, the festival blends sea‑side walks with mountain treks along the Wild Atlantic Way. Guides are often local farmers who add folklore to the experience. Full‑weekend tickets include transport, maps, a souvenir, tea & scones, and an evening céilí.
Slieve Bloom Walking Festival
Held over the May Bank Holiday, the festival offers woodland, riverside and gentle hill walks. Bluebells are typically in bloom, and the event is family‑friendly. Dogs are allowed on most routes, but keep them on a lead where livestock are present.
Bantry Walking Festival
Running over the June Bank Holiday weekend, the festival organises guided walks on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula and a ferry‑linked walk to Whiddy Island. It is a great way to explore County Cork’s coastal heritage.
Dingle Walking Festival
A February kickoff for the walking year, the Dingle event offers night walks on Friday and moderate to easy routes on the weekend, with views of Skellig Rock and the Dingle Way.
Ardara’s Walking Festival (Donegal)
Held in March, the festival provides easy, moderate and strenuous routes around Maghera Bay, Lough Ros, and the Owenrea River. Evening entertainment and local food are part of the programme.
Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival (Tipperary)
A January‑February event that includes night walks, lake loops and mountain paths. The base is usually Aherlow House Hotel, with transport provided.
Wicklow Walking Festival
Based at the Brockagh Resource Centre near Glendalough, the festival runs in late October and offers walks through Wicklow Mountains National Park, ranging from gentle forest trails to challenging craggy climbs.
What to expect at a walking festival
- Guided walks – Routes are graded (gentle, moderate, challenging). Guides are local walkers who double as storytellers, pointing out geology, flora, fauna and historic sites.
- Social programme – After the day’s walk you’ll often find a café, a tea‑and‑scone stop, or a ceilidh in a nearby village. It’s the perfect chance to meet fellow walkers from Ireland and abroad.
- Logistics – Most festivals provide transport from a central hub to the walk start‑points, and many include accommodation options (camping, B&Bs or hotel blocks). Early booking is advised, especially for May and July festivals.
- Facilities – Toilets, water points and first‑aid are usually on‑site. Some festivals (e.g., Wander Wild) add wellness activities such as sauna‑swim sessions or forest‑bathing.
Practical tips for festival walkers
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Book online as soon as dates are announced. Many festivals offer early‑bird discounts. |
| Accommodation | Look for B&Bs or guesthouses in the nearest village (e.g., Leenane for Connemara, Kinnitty for Slieve Bloom). Festival websites often list partner hotels. |
| Transport | Public transport can be limited in rural areas. Check bus or train links in advance and consider a rental car if you’re travelling between festivals. |
| What to bring | Waterproof walking boots, layered clothing, a reusable water bottle, a small daypack, and a rain cover for your map/phone. |
| Dog policy | Varies by event – always check the official site. Keep dogs on a lead where livestock are present. |
| Food & drink | Most festivals provide tea, coffee and scones. Pack snacks for longer walks and be aware of any dietary restrictions. |
| Safety | Follow the guide’s pace, stay on marked paths, and let someone know your route if you’re walking independently. |
| Leave no trace | Carry out all litter, stick to paths and respect private land – many festivals work closely with local farmers. |
Nearby attractions you can combine with a festival
- Causeway Coast & Glens – After the March walks, visit the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the coastal villages of Portrush and Ballycastle.
- Killarney National Park – Pair Wander Wild with a boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney or a visit to Muckross House.
- Connemara – Extend your stay from the Leenane festival to explore Kylemore Abbey, the Connemara National Park visitor centre, and the rugged coastline of Clifden.
- Slieve Bloom – The surrounding Midlands offer historic sites such as Clonmacnoise and the monastic ruins of Monasterboice.
- Bantry – The Bantry Bay area is famous for the Bantry House and Gardens, as well as ferry trips to Whiddy Island.
- Dingle – Combine the February festival with a drive along the Slea Head Loop, a visit to the Dingle Distillery, and a traditional music session in Dingle town.
Final thoughts
Walking festivals give you the chance to explore Ireland’s scenery with the added benefit of expert guides, local hospitality and a built‑in community of fellow walkers. Whether you prefer a gentle coastal stroll, a rugged mountain trek or a cultural walk with music and food, the 2025 calendar has something for every ability and interest. Plan ahead, pack wisely, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes Irish walking festivals truly special.