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The Boyne Valley Trails Festival is back and is offering 8 days of unique walks and activities from 15 to 22 September 2024! The jewel in the crown of this festival is the 25km Boyne Camino event on Saturday 21 September but with 28 events spread across one week, there is something for everyone – regardless of your interests. You can expect everything from easy ambles to strenuous hikes and whiskey tours to family-friendly wanders!
Whether you’re a veteran hiker, a gang of mates looking for something fun to do at the weekend, or a family with kids looking for a new way to get out and explore Ireland, the Boyne Valley Trails Festival is the place to be this September. Not only is it a great way to get some fresh air, but it also gives you the opportunity to meet like-minded people who share the same passion for the outdoors, history and culture. The Boyne Valley is only a short 45-minute drive or 45-minute train ride from Dublin, so it’s perfect for a day trip to the festival if you can’t make the whole thing.
BOOK BOYNE VALLEY TRAIL FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE
What to Expect…
There is a wide range of guided hikes and walking tours on offer at the festival. Regardless of your experience level or interests, you are guaranteed to find something worth attending on their packed schedule. Here are a few of the highlights to give you a sense of what’s on offer.
CHECK OUT THE FULL ITINERARY HERE
The Boyne Camino starts in Drogheda and you can join a guided hike along this historical pilgrimage on 21 September from 2 pm. Participants will be guided around some of the most stunning scenery in the Boyne Valley and take in fascinating locations like the site where the Battle of the Boyne was fought on the majestic Boyne River.
The 25km Boyne Camino is a looped walk and is part of the official Celtic Camino, which connects with the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain. Historically significant, it retraces the paths of early Irish pilgrims who journeyed by sea to northern Spain before continuing on foot to Santiago de Compostela, where St. James the Apostle is believed to be buried. This route underscores the deep cultural and religious ties between Ireland and mainland Europe during the medieval period. Pilgrims today can walk at least 25km of the Celtic Camino in Ireland, obtain a certificate, and continue their pilgrimage 75km from the port town of A Coruña in Galicia to Santiago, seamlessly integrating into the broader Camino de Santiago tradition.
Official Camino passports are included in the ticket price and walkers will have the opportunity to collect official Camino stamps along the route too in case they wish to continue their journey to Santiago de Compostela.
When:
21 September at 10:00 am
BOOK IT NOW: The Boyne Camino Walk
The John Jameson Whiskey Tour gives a unique opportunity to discover the history and craftsmanship behind Ireland’s world-renowned whiskey. Author, historian and journalist Des Grant takes on the character and persona of John Jameson, the founder of Jameson Whiskey, and leads guests through the streets of Drogheda town telling the fascinating story of how a world empire was built from the Boyneside town. This walk will take place on the evenings of 17 and 18 September in Drogheda.
When:
17 September at 7:30 pm
18 September at 7:30 pm
BOOK IT NOW: The John Jameson Whiskey Tour
The Navigator: Family Storytelling Guided Walk is sure to be a family favourite at the festival. This fantasy walk will follow train driver Patrick Leonard and his daughter Doreen as they battle with the ghost of ‘The Navigator’. Guided by the incredible Grainne, this unique tour of Drogheda explores the fascinating history of the Boyne Viaduct and the town’s rich mythological heritage. This walk will delivered with engaging, family-friendly storytelling. This fabulous family walk is one of two at the festival this year.
When:
15 September 3:00 pm
20 September at 6:30 pm
21 September 3:00 pm
22 September 3:00 pm
BOOK IT NOW: The Navigator
The Governors Jewels: Family Storytelling Guided Walk is the other family-friendly event. Again led by Grainne, this walk follows Deirdre Doyle as she navigates a world where Cromwell’s armies are attempting to break through the walls of Drogheda, unleashing fearsome monsters from the Underworld. Join Deirdre as she zig-zags across Drogheda town dodging monsters and the ongoing battle as she tries to discover a secret hidden treasure! Under 5s go free on this walk but require a ticket to secure their place.
When:
15 September at 12:00 pm
20 September 4:00 pm
21 September 12:00 pm
22 September 12:00 pm
BOOK IT NOW: The Governors Jewels
The Mowry Pass (Gap of the North) hike is for outdoor enthusiasts. Join your guide, Dusty Flanagan, on this exhilarating hike on Friday 20 September 2024 for a four-hour trek following the ancient Slige Midluachra, one of the five historic roads from Tara. This 12km looped walk is mainly through woodland, featuring many places of interest and a slice of Irish rainforest. Meet at 9:30 am at the Secret Garden Cafe, with parking and toilets available. The route is graded as moderate to moderately challenging in a few places.
When:
20 September at 9:30 am
BOOK IT NOW: The Mowry Pass
The Myths and Legends of the Hill of Tara concludes the festival on 22 September. Join author and mythologist Anthony Murphy on this guided tour to learn about the weird and wonderful myths and legends of Tara. The hill was the seat of the high kings and the ancient political capital of Ireland. Anthony will share the earliest kingship myths of Tara and the various, sometimes strange, methods by which future kings were foretold. He will also discuss the archaeology of Tara and its monuments, which span 5,000 years of Irish history. Please note, that this walk is not suitable for young children. Dogs are permitted if leashed.
When:
22 September at 2:00 pm
BOOK IT NOW: The Myths and Legends of the Hil of Tara
How to Sign Up for the Boyne Valley Walking Festival…
The festival runs from 15-22 September 2024. To sign up for any of the walks listed above – and the many more on offer – follow this link:
