Walking Festivals in Ireland: Discover Ireland on Foot

The wild Irish landscape has beckoned wanderers for centuries, but it was only two decades ago that the country's walking festivals began to formalize this ancient tradition. Born when several walking clubs joined forces to retrace the historic 500km journey of Gaelic Lord Donal Cam O'Sullivan Beare, who in 1602 fled from his stronghold on Dursey Island to Lough Neagh while battling Queen Elizabeth I's forces, these festivals now offer a considerably more peaceful experience.

Today's walkers can enjoy Ireland's breathtaking terrain without the need to forage for sustenance or to fend off Elizabethan soldiers. Here is our round-up of confirmed walking festivals for 2025:

Causeway Coast & Glens Walking Festival

Dates: 14th-16th March 2025

Location: Causeway Coast & Glens

Cost: £10 per walk

The Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival returns for Spring 2025. Discover a selection of three iconic routes in the Causeway Coast & Glens, coupled with interesting themes to explore along the way. The three events are as follows:

• Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival - Tales & Stories of Bun Abhainn Doinne (6km)
• Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival - The Broad Peak (9km)
• Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival - In Shane's Footsteps (10km)

Please note that dogs are not permitted on these walks due to the nature of the landscape, which includes areas with livestock.

Official Website & Booking: visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/whats-on/causeway-coast-glens-walking-festival

Connemara Mountain Walking Festival

Dates: 2nd - 4th May 2025

Location: Leenane, County Galway

Cost: €75 Full Weekend Ticket, €40 Saturday Ticket, €40 Sunday Ticket

This festival offers a unique combination of mountain and sea experiences, with walks designed for all levels of ability. Participants can enjoy the beautiful scenery, nature, history, and geology along the Wild Atlantic Way. The festival includes a team of professional mountain guides, transport to and from the walks, maps, a small souvenir, and tea and scones at the end of the walks. Friday evening entertainment and the end-of-festival Cèilidh are also part of the experience.

One unique element of this festival is the involvement of local farmers in guiding the walks. These knowledgeable guides share their insights into the area's folklore, history, and natural environment, providing a truly authentic Connemara experience.

Official Website & Booking: connemaramountainwalkingfestival.com

Slieve Bloom Walking Festival

Dates: 3rd - 5th May 2025

Location: Kinnitty, Co. Offaly

Cost: €5 per walk for non-members, €20 for a festival and annual subscription (individual), or €30 for a festival and annual subscription (family).

The 29th Annual Slieve Bloom Walking Festival will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend. The festival provides a variety of guided walks through the picturesque Slieve Bloom Mountains in the heart of Ireland. Walkers can choose from a range of routes, including woodland trails, riverside rambles, and hikes through the gentle rolling hills. Experienced walk leaders accompany each group, sharing their knowledge of the area's history, geology, and wildlife.

Official Website & Booking: slievebloom.ie/whats-on/walking-festival

Wander Wild Festival

Dates: 4th - 6th April 2025

Location: Killarney National Park

Cost: Ticket prices range from €10 to €100 depending on the event, with a number of free events included.

Wander Wild Festival is Ireland's Great Outdoors Festival. This festival offers a variety of activities for all levels of adventurers, from adrenaline-pumping thrills to mindful escapes.

Activities include:

• Conquering Ireland's highest peak at Carrauntoohil - Challenge yourself with a hike to the summit of Carrauntoohil, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Rock climbing in the Gap of Dunloe - Experience the thrill of outdoor rock climbing in the dramatic Gap of Dunloe.
• Kayaking through Killarney's stunning lakes - Explore the tranquil beauty of Killarney's lakes by kayak, surrounded by mountains and forests.
• Wim Hof breathing techniques - Learn and practice the Wim Hof method, combining breathing exercises, cold exposure, and meditation to enhance physical and mental well-being.
• Sunrise sauna and swim - Start your day with an invigorating sauna session followed by a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear lake.
• "Forest bathing" experience - Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest, connecting with nature through mindful walks and sensory exploration.

The festival also offers cultural experiences, such as local food vendors, live music, and exhibitions.

Official Website & Booking: wanderwildfestival.com

Kerry Camino Walking Festival

Dates: 2nd - 4th May 2025

Location: Tralee, County Kerry

Cost: €150 for 3 days, €50 for Friday only, €60 for Saturday only, €60 for Sunday only

This 3-day walk from Tralee to Dingle follows the route that St. Brendan once walked. The walk is 60 kilometers in total over the 3 days. Evening accommodations and luggage transfer for 1 cabin-sized bag per person per day are included with the registration fee. This is a low-level trail walk suitable for most people with the ability to walk for distance over 3 days. There will be several guides out with you, plus support cars for anyone who has difficulty finishing the route.

Please note that this event is for those over 18 years old and does not allow dogs.

Official Website & Booking: kerrycamino.com

Castlebar International 4 Days' Walks

Dates: 3rd July to 6th July 2025

Location: Castlebar, Ireland

Cost: This information is unavailable.

One of the oldest and most celebrated walking festivals in Ireland, the "Castlebar 4 Days' Walk" is an International 4 Days' Walk. It offers a variety of road walks of 10km, 20km, and 40km, as well as a ramble of approximately six hours.

Official Website & Booking: castlebar4dayswalks.com

The North Leitrim Glens Hill Walking Festival

Dates: April 2025 TBC

Location: Leitrim, Ireland

Cost: Information unavailable.

This festival is a haven for dedicated hill walkers and ramblers, offering a unique opportunity to experience the stunning scenery of Leitrim and its surrounding counties. Embrace the renowned hospitality of the region and immerse yourself in the pristine landscape, enjoying wild walking and fantastic local food.

Official Website & Booking: leitrimhillwalking.org

Sperrins & Killeter Walking Festival

Dates: March 2025

Location: Sperrins & Killeter, Ireland

Cost: Information unavailable.

The Sperrins & Killeter Walking Festival welcomes walkers of all ages and abilities, offering a chance to explore the beauty, history, and heritage of these regions. Choose from easy strolls, moderate treks, and challenging hill walks, each providing a unique perspective on the landscape.

Official Website & Booking: sperrinskilleterwalking.com

Carlow Autumn Walking Festival

Dates: Autumn 2025 TBC

Location: Carlow, Ireland

Cost: Information unavailable.

Whether you're a seasoned rambler or simply enjoy stretching your legs and taking in the views, the Carlow Autumn Walking Festival has something for you. With the magnificent Blackstairs Mountains and the picturesque River Barrow as your backdrop, you'll find a range of superb walks to suit all levels.

Official Website & Booking: carlowtourism.com/event/carlow-autumn-walking-festival-2024/

Women With Altitude

Dates: 9th - 11th May 2025

Location: Donard Park Newcastle, Northern Ireland.

Cost: €80 - €100

This festival encourages women of all abilities to enjoy the mountains. It offers a variety of activities, including guided walks, workshops, and opportunities to network with other women who love the outdoors.

Official Website & Booking: womenwithaltitude.ie

Féile na Sléibhte

Dates: August 2025 TBC

Location: This information is unavailable.

Cost: This information is unavailable.

Féile na Sléibhte is a walking and hiking festival with a variety of routes to suit different interests and abilities. It takes place in the scenic Joyce Country and offers a chance to experience the beauty of Connemara.

Official Website & Booking: galwaycountyppn.ie/events/feile-na-sleibhte-wlaking-festival/

Castlerock Walkfest

Dates: August 2025 TBC

Location: Castlerock, Northern Ireland

Cost: This information is unavailable.

This festival offers a variety of guided walks, ranging from challenging hikes to family-friendly events. The routes take you through the North Coast's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, showcasing the stunning scenery of the region.

Official Website & Booking: castlerockwalkfest.wordpress.com

Wee Binnian Walkers Hillwalkers Festival

Dates: September 2025 TBC

Location: Mourne and Cooley Mountains

Cost: £10.00 - This is a three-day Festival with a Blister Ball, so the price varies depending on the walks/events chosen.

This festival offers a program of guided mountain and lowland walks in the Mournes, Slieve Gullion, and Cooley Mountains. With a variety of graded walks led by experienced leaders, it caters to all levels of hill walkers.

Official Website & Booking: eventbrite.ie/o/wee-binnian-walkers-63350358923

Burren Peaks Walking Festival

Dates: September 2025 TBC

Location: Ballyvaughan near Galway, Ireland

Cost: This information is unavailable.

Explore the Burren on foot at this festival organized by the Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club. With a choice of Grade A, B & C guided walks on both Saturday & Sunday, you can enjoy walking in this unique landscape with its rich geology and diverse habitats.

Official Website & Booking: galwaytourism.ie/event/burren-peaks-walking-festival/

Ballyhoura Walking Festival

Dates: October 2025 TBC

Location: Kilfinane, Co. Limerick

Cost: This information is unavailable.

Ireland's oldest walking festival, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival, invites walkers of all levels to discover the beauty and history of the Ballyhoura landscapes. The festival offers a variety of walks, including challenging hikes, leisurely rambles, and family-friendly events.

Official Website & Booking: purecork.ie/whats-on/11172512/ballyhoura-walking-music-festival