Ballyhoura Walking Festival 2026

This October the Ballyhoura Walking Festival celebrates 30 years of bringing people together to explore the landscapes, heritage and communities of Ballyhoura Country.

Recognised as Ireland's longest-running community-led walking festival, this special anniversary year also celebrates 40 years of Ballyhoura Fáilte and community tourism and 20 years of the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails.

As part of the year’s Ballyhoura Walking Festival, a variety of walks to suit all ages and abilities will be on offer – from sunrise hikes to family-friendly strolls!

Events taking place as part of the festival include:

Friday 9th October

• Autumn Migration Walk | Griston Bog | 3pm | Discover one of Ballyhoura Country's most important peatland habitats on a guided walk exploring autumn wildlife, migrating birds and the unique ecology of Griston Bog.
• Kilmallock Community Connections Walk | 5pm | Explore the rich heritage of historic Kilmallock on this welcoming community walk delivered in partnership with Limerick Sports Partnership.
• Whistling Walk | Old Chapel Rooms, Kilfinane | 5pm |  A relaxed evening walk combining local stories, music and the outdoors in a unique Ballyhoura experience.
• Moonlight Walk | Old Darragh Creamery | 7pm | Enjoy a magical guided walk under the evening sky, experiencing Ballyhoura Country in a completely different light.

Saturday 10th October

• Dawn Chorus Walk to Seefin | Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trailhead | 6am | Watch the sunrise over the Ballyhoura Mountains while listening to the dawn chorus on one of the festival's most iconic experiences.
• Marathon Walk | Ballyhoura Apple Farm, Kilfinane | 8am | Challenge yourself on a full-day guided mountain adventure through the spectacular Ballyhoura Mountains.
• Half-Marathon Walk | Ballyhoura Apple Farm, Kilfinane | 10am | A rewarding challenge for experienced walkers looking to explore the Ballyhoura landscape.
• Galtycastle Woodland Wellness Experience with Yoga Walks Ireland | Attychraan Car Park, Galtycastle Wood | 10am | Slow down, reconnect with nature and experience the wellbeing benefits of spending time in the forest.
• Peatlands Community Visioning Workshop | Forrest Hall, Mitchelstown | 11am | Learn more about Ballyhoura's peatlands and explore their importance for biodiversity, heritage and climate resilience.
• Guided Walk with Ballyhoura Bears | Ballyhoura Apple Farm, Kilfinane |11am |  A guided mountain walk suitable for those looking for a moderate hiking experience.
• Kilmoylan Woods Nature Walk | 11am | Join local naturalist Albert Nolan to discover the wildlife, habitats and biodiversity of the beautiful Kilmoylan Woods in Doon.
• Lough Gur Heritage Walk & Meet the Maker Experience | 12pm | Discover the fascinating archaeology, folklore and history of one of Ireland's most important heritage landscapes and meet the local pottery maker Clair Jones of Lough Gur Pottery.
• Food at the Apple Farm | 1pm | Enjoy locally produced food and community spirit in a relaxed setting.
• Galtee Mountain Screening & Photography Exhibition | 4pm | Celebrate the beauty of the Galtee Mountains through film and photography.
• Photography Walk | Mitchelstown | 5pm | Join fellow photographers to explore Mitchelstown through the lens while learning tips and techniques along the way.
• Meet the Maker & Taste the Place | 6pm | Meet local food producers and discover the flavours that make Ballyhoura Country unique.

Sunday 11th October

• Farm Walk & Meet the Alpacas | Ballyhoura Farm Escape | 11am | Meet the alpacas while enjoying a relaxed guided farm walk and learning about life on a working Ballyhoura Farm Escape.
• Peatlands Community Visioning Workshop | 11am | Continue the conversation around the future of Ballyhoura's peatlands through this interactive workshop.
• A, B & C Guided Walks with Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club | 10.30am | Choose from three guided mountain walks offering different distances and levels of challenge.
• Trail of Teampuillin | Anglesborough Community Centre | 10.30am | Explore some of the lesser-known trails of the western Galtee Mountains on this challenging guided walk.
• Cnoc na Magairle | Anglesborough Community Centre | 10.30am | Explore the valleys, foothills and peaks of the Western Galtees on this guided walk.
• Kilmallock Heritage Walk | King John's Castle, Kilmallock | 11am | Step back in time and explore one of Ireland's finest medieval towns with an experienced local guide.
• Hill of Ardpatrick Walk | Ardpatrick Church Car Park | 11am | Enjoy spectacular views while discovering the rich history and folklore of this iconic Ballyhoura landmark.
• Castle Oliver Nature Walk | 11am | Explore the woodlands and landscapes surrounding the magnificent Castle Oliver estate.
• Step Back in Time | Annesgrove Gardens | 11.30am | Discover the history and horticultural beauty of one of Ireland's finest historic gardens.
• Bug Safari at Griston Bog | 2pm | Perfect for families, discover the fascinating mini-beasts and wildlife that call Ballyhoura home.
• Doneraile Park & Gardens Walk | 2.30pm | Explore one of Ireland's most beautiful parklands on a guided walk through Doneraile.
• Walk the Course | Ballyneety Golf Club | 3pm | Experience the course that will welcome the Junior Ryder Cup as you walk its fairways with local insight and stories.
• Galty Valley Food Truck | 3pm | Refuel with delicious local food before the festival draws to a close.

Running alongside the festival is the much-loved Joyce Brothers Music Festival, celebrating the legacy of PW and Robert Dyer Joyce, natives of Glenosheen, Co. Limerick, this vibrant festival brings music, song, dance, and history to the weekend.

Whether you're looking to challenge yourself on a mountain marathon, discover hidden heritage, enjoy a family day out, experience traditional Irish music, or simply spend time outdoors with friends, there's something for everyone at this year's festival.

The full event programme is available to view here.