Carlow Autumn Walking Festival 2026: Explore the Blackstairs on Foot
The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival returns from 2–4 October 2026 with guided night hikes, challenging mountain routes and nature-focused walks across the Blackstairs Mountains.
From challenging mountain circuits to guided night hikes and nature-focused walks, the Carlow Autumn Walking Festival returns from 2 - 4 October 2026 with a packed weekend in the Blackstairs Mountains.
“Some places are best explored on foot, and County Carlow is certainly one of them.”
2nd - 4th October
This October, the Carlow Autumn Walking Festival returns for three days of guided hikes, mountain challenges and more relaxed walking experiences across Ireland’s Ancient East.
The programme includes everything from demanding ridge walks and mountain circuits to night hikes, nature experiences and walks exploring the history and heritage of the Blackstairs.
Whether you are searching for a serious day in the mountains or simply want to discover a new corner of Carlow at a gentler pace, there should be something here for you.
Explore the Blackstairs after dark
The weekend begins with one of the festival’s most atmospheric experiences: a guided night hike through the Blackstairs Mountains.
Due to popular demand, the Night Hike will take place on both Friday and Saturday evening in 2026.
Walking through the mountains after dark offers an entirely different experience. The landscape quietens, the senses sharpen and the lights of Carlow’s towns and villages can be seen twinkling far below.
Both outings are graded as B walks and will give participants an opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the mountains.
Take on some of Carlow’s highest peaks
Those looking for a tougher challenge can choose from a number of A-grade mountain walks.
Saturday’s Scullogue Gap Hike takes walkers across several of the highest peaks in the Blackstairs Mountains, combining a demanding day on the hills with extensive views across County Carlow and the surrounding countryside.
The 12km Ballycrystal circular walk also takes place on Saturday, passing through some of the area’s most scenic and historically interesting mountain terrain.
On Sunday, experienced hillwalkers can tackle the Blackstairs Circuit. Beginning at the Nine Stones Viewing Point, the route passes several significant locations, including Scullogue Gap and Blackstairs Mountain, before finishing near Knockmulgurry.
Old trails, traditional stone walls and the remains of former farmsteads offer glimpses into the lives of the people who once lived and worked in these mountains.
Learn more about the landscape
The festival is not purely about covering distance or reaching summits. Several of its walks are designed to help participants understand the landscape beneath their feet.
Broadcaster, biologist and environmentalist Éanna Ní Lamhna will lead Exploring the Natural Wonders of the Blackstairs Mountains on Saturday.
Combining her trademark humour with a deep knowledge of the natural world, Éanna will introduce walkers to the habitats, wildlife, flora and ecology that make the Blackstairs such a distinctive environment.
The History and Heritage of the Blackstairs Mountains walk will reveal more of the traditions, stories and landmarks hidden throughout the range during a six-hour guided mountain trek.
BOOK HISTORY AND HERITAGE HIKE
These walks provide an opportunity to slow down, look more closely and leave with a better understanding of the landscapes through which you have travelled.
Local knowledge and good company
The festival’s A and B walks will be led by experienced guides from Tullow Mountaineering Club, Blackstairs Ramblers and local guiding company Mountain Adventures 74.
Local knowledge is a central part of the experience at the Carlow Walking Festival. Participants will not only be guided safely through the terrain but will also learn more about the history, geology, biodiversity, wildlife and communities of the Blackstairs region.
Each walk concludes with refreshments and a chance for participants to relax, compare stories and enjoy the camaraderie that has become an important part of the festival.
The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival takes place from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026.
View the complete programme and book your chosen walk at carlowtourism.com/walkingfestival.
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.
