14–21 September Boyne Valley Trails Walking Festival
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Every September, the Boyne Valley Trails Walking Festival transforms the historic town of Drogheda and its surrounding countryside into a living, breathing celebration of place. But behind every clifftop stroll, myth-filled town tour, and coastal Nordic walk is a team of passionate individuals working to make the festival not just an event, but an experience.
Before Boots Hit The Boyne Valley Walking Trails
For Kelly-Louise Foley, who has been involved behind the scenes since 2022, the work begins long before boots hit the trail. “I apply for the funding we’ve so graciously received from Fáilte Ireland, help manage the ticketing system, website and social media, liaise with suppliers, and package all the guides’ wonderful ideas into a week-long festival that shows off the best of Drogheda and the surrounding Boyne Valley,” she says.
Organising a walking festival isn’t just about logistics, though; it’s about collaboration, vision, and love for the land. “We all met up to discuss a plan, and had an instant connection over our shared love of the place we live in,” she adds. “The level of dedication and expertise of every one of the guides never fails to impress me.”
For Brendan Matthews, a local historian and longtime presenter of Drogheda’s history walks, the festival is a continuation of a lifetime spent exploring the layers of the town’s storied past. “I’m a Historian and a Historical Researcher, and the History & Heritage Walk n Talks are a magnificent outlet for informing people about Drogheda’s ‘Storied Past,’” he says.
But the festival has also evolved in response to recent years. “During the early COVID pandemic, when people were allowed to go out within their immediate area, the walk ‘n’ talks began to grow. The outdoors became a ‘new place’ to be; it opened up a whole new experience for people who may otherwise have been left indoors. We see that many of those people are still attending these events in 2025.”
What It Means to the Community
At its heart, the Boyne Valley Trails Walking Festival is about connection: to the land, to heritage, and one another. It brings together locals rediscovering their home and visitors seeing it for the first time.
“There’s a feeling here that just captures the imagination,” says Kelly-Louise. “Whether you’re walking along the Boyne Valley Camino, learning about myths and legends at Brú na Bóinne, or exploring the town’s history, the reactions of guests, especially first-timers in awe, is just magical.”
Brendan agrees: “The interaction between the guide and those who attend is the key. History, heritage, folklore, mythology, and archaeology belong to all of us, and this festival makes that feel true.”
Martina Farrell, who leads Nordic walking sessions as part of the festival, has watched a unique walking community blossom through the event. “We’ve shared ideas, stories, and even recipes along the way,” she says. “I even welcomed a group of Nordic walkers from Preston and Scotland who came especially for the festival, now we travel to each other’s landscapes. It’s become a brilliant exchange of trails, culture, and friendship.”
A Wide Variety of Experiences
One of the festival’s great strengths is the sheer range of walks and activities on offer. From gentle foraging walks to immersive, day hikes.
“We have something to suit all activity levels and interests,” says Kelly-Louise. “If you’re a keen hiker, we have an event for you. If you’re interested in history, there’s a town tour for you, and if you want to feel the pulse of ancient Irish mythology, we’ve got that too.”
New to this year’s line-up is Jenny Boylan, who brings a different kind of storytelling to the trails. “I’ll be running a foraging walk that weaves together Irish food and medicine culture through the wild plants we meet en route,” she explains. “It’s a different type of history walk, but it’s rooted in place, in our relationship with the land.”
Martina’s Nordic walking events offer another angle entirely: wellness and longevity. “It’s a full-body workout that improves posture and balance, but feels like a gentle walk through nature. We walk stunning routes from Newgrange to the East Coast beaches. One of my favourites is the cliff walk from Clogherhead to Baltray. The route passes the shipwreck of The Irish Trader, with a story that involves a bit of whiskey!”
She adds, “We usually stop, open our rucksacks, and just enjoy the view. On the way back, the Mournes and Cooley Mountains appear in the distance, and of course, we finish with fish and chips. It’s spectacular.”
Reasons to Attend the Boyne Valley Walking Festival
The Boyne Valley Trails Walking Festival is more than a collection of guided walks. It’s a gateway into a landscape full of stories, symbols, and adventures.
“I think people are increasingly looking for mindful ways to explore,” says Kelly-Louise. “This festival invites them to experience the Boyne Valley in an immersive, sustainable way, it’s tourism, but with heart.”
Jenny Boylan believes the event’s real power lies in its diversity. “There are so many different topics and events. They’re interactive and highlight both the history and natural history of the area,” she says. “It’s a genuine celebration of local knowledge.”
Martina, ever the optimist, sees even bigger potential on the horizon. “One day, I’d love to see a full day dedicated to Nordic walking. Groups could join us from all over the world. This is just the beginning of what could become one of Ireland’s biggest walking festivals. It could be a true celebration of history, health, and the joy of being outdoors.”
For Brendan, it’s simple: “Meeting and presenting, talking and chatting, and maybe showing someone something they’ve walked past their whole life but never noticed, that’s what it’s all about.”
Let your feet guide you, but let the stories lead the way.
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