Win a Carlow Walking Break as the Autumn Festival Returns to the Blackstairs
Night hikes, mountain circuits and guided nature walks return to Carlow this October. Enter our giveaway for festival tickets and an overnight stay for two.
The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival returns from 2–4 October with night hikes, mountain challenges and guided nature walks. We’re giving one reader the chance to win festival tickets and an overnight stay for two.
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The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival is back from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026, bringing three days of guided walking to the Blackstairs Mountains. This year’s programme takes in everything from after-dark hikes to demanding mountain circuits and walks exploring the area’s wildlife and heritage.
To celebrate, Outsider is giving away an overnight bed-and-breakfast stay for two at a four-star hotel, along with tickets to the festival. The voucher is valid for five years, so the winner does not have to plan their overnight stay for festival weekend.
Want to choose your walk now? Explore the full festival programme and book tickets here.
A different view of the Blackstairs
The festival opens with a guided night hike on Friday 2 October. Following popular demand, the B-grade outing returns on Saturday evening too. With daylight gone, walkers can experience a quieter side of the mountains and look down towards the lights of Carlow’s towns and villages.
For a bigger day on the hills, Saturday’s A-grade Scullogue Gap Hike crosses some of the highest ground in the Blackstairs. The 12km Ballycrystal circular walk offers another mountain challenge, while Sunday’s Blackstairs Circuit starts at the Nine Stones Viewing Point and travels via Scullogue Gap and Blackstairs Mountain towards Knockmulgurry.
There is plenty for walkers who want to learn more about the landscape as they go. Broadcaster and biologist Éanna Ní Lamhna will lead a Saturday walk exploring the habitats, plants and wildlife of the Blackstairs. A separate guided trek focuses on the range’s history and heritage.
The A- and B-grade walks are led by experienced local guides from Tullow Mountaineering Club, Blackstairs Ramblers and Mountain Adventures 74. Walks finish with refreshments and a chance to share the day’s stories with fellow participants.
Win an overnight stay and festival tickets
One winner will receive an overnight bed-and-breakfast stay for two at a four-star hotel, plus tickets to the Carlow Autumn Walking Festival. The voucher is valid for five years, so you do not have to commit to an overnight stay during this year’s festival weekend.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Want to choose your walk now? Explore the full festival programme and book tickets here.
The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival is supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Fund. This article was produced in partnership with Carlow Tourism.