Ballyhoura Walking Festival
October 2nd – 5th, 2025 | Ballyhoura, Ireland
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EXPLORE THE EVENT HERE
Every autumn, as the leaves begin to turn and the mountains soften into gold and rust, a corner of Ireland comes alive with footsteps, stories, and song. The Ballyhoura Walking Festival, now a cornerstone of the region’s outdoor calendar, returns from October 2nd – 5th, inviting locals and visitors alike to reconnect with nature, heritage, and each other.
But this isn’t just a walking festival. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and connection. It’s a chance to experience this gem of Ireland at its best.
Community-Led and Locally Loved
What makes Ballyhoura so special isn’t just its diverse hills or ancient pathways, it’s the community of people who live here. From seasoned guides steeped in local legend to the guides at Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club, this festival is built from the ground up by a wide variety of volunteers who know and love this region.
Many of the walks are led by these enthusiastic locals. Some are environmentalists, others are historians or artists, but all of them have a deep passion for the area and want to share it with you! Their knowledge doesn’t come from books but from generations of lived experience. This festival isn’t just about physically moving through stunning Irish landscapes; it’s also about building a connection with the places you pass through.
Exposing The Hidden Gems of Ballyhoura
Treading Lightly
As the conversation around sustainable travel continues to grow, Ballyhoura has long been quietly leading by example. The festival follows Leave No Trace principles and supports regenerative tourism, encouraging visitors not only to minimise their impact but to actively contribute to the local economy and environment.
Whether it’s stopping in a small café in Kilfinane, buying a handmade souvenir from a local crafter, staying in locally run accommodation or simply listening and learning from the land, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival fosters a form of tourism that nourishes both place and person.
Walks like the Griston Bog Bug Safari, led by environmentalist Albert Nolan, or the pre-dawn Seefin Summit hike, are designed to help participants engage more deeply with the region’s biodiversity and beauty. These events are an experience that gently reminds us that wild places are worth fighting for and protecting.
For something truly unique, join Anita Bennis for a Whistling Walk, a light-hearted stroll through the enchanting landscapes of Poulnadiha (Ponahihole) and Killeen Fields, where the hills carry a tune and so might you. Along the way, Anita will teach participants how to whistle a melody, turning a simple walk into a joyful, musical experience.
The Walking
Whether you’re a seasoned hillwalker, a history buff, a family with young explorers, or simply someone looking to stretch the legs and the mind, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival offers a trail for everyone:
Epic Mountain Adventures
Take on the Sunrise to Sunset Challenge, a full-day challenge that will cover a minimum of 42km. The route ventures deep into the Ballyhoura hills, covering over 1,500m of elevation and testing both stamina and spirit. Or opt for the 21km Half-Marathon Hillwalk, offering a scenic yet strenuous journey through rugged, lesser-trodden terrain like Carrighenry and Fear Breagach.
Book The Sunrise to Sunset Hike – 4 October
Book The Half Marathon Hike – 4 October
Moderate Looped Walks
Enjoy panoramic views, forest paths, and heritage landscapes on guided routes like the 14km Molanna to Darragh Loop. This walk blend effort with reward, perfect for those wanting a good challenge without the extremes.
The Castle Oliver Walk takes in some of the most scenic and historic parts of the Ballyhoura region. The 14 km loop walk will take approximately 4 hours. This makes it a perfect intermediate walk for those looking to experience the best parts of the region.
Book The Castle Oliver Walk – 4 October
Book The Molanna Walk – 4 October
Sunrise and Moonlight Walks
Experience the landscape in a new light. The Seefin Sunrise Hike is a dawn ascent for early risers, offering a golden hour like no other. Or join the Night Walk, a magical evening of torch-lit trails, folklore, and forest ambience.
Book The Night Walk – 4 October
Book The Dawn Chorus Sunrise Walk to Seefin – 4 October
Culture, History and Heritage
Dive deep into Ireland’s ancient past with the Lough Gur Heritage Walk, which covers Neolithic stone circles, medieval churches, and Bronze Age tombs with expert guide Brian Collopy. Or explore the medieval streets and monuments of Kilmallock, and hear local history come alive with storytelling from local historians.
Step back in time with immersive tours at Doneraile Park. Michael O’Sullivan, a local historian, offers a compelling exploration of Doneraile’s landscape design and estate history. Discover how the St. Leger family shaped the demesne over centuries into the elegant grounds we see today.
Explore Anne’s Grove Gardens, where period-costumed guides and actors bring historical figures to life through storytelling, pageantry, and performance, history told not just by the books, but by the characters who shaped it.
Book The Step Back in Time at Annes Grove Gardens – 5 October
Book The Guided Tours of Doneraile Park & Gardens 2025 – 3 October
Book The Lough Gur, Walking through Time – 5 October
Book The Kilmallock Medieval Town Guided Walk – 5 October
Immersive Nature Experiences
Young naturalists and curious minds will love the Griston Bog Insect Walk with local environmentalist Albert Nolan — an educational ramble perfect for families. Or get up close with gentle alpacas on the Ballyhoura Farm Escape Alpaca Walk, complete with animal feeding and hands-on farm fun.
Book The Family-Friendly Bug Safari at Griston Bog – 5 October
Book The Alpaca Walking and Farm Activities – 5 October
Wellbeing on the Trail
Reconnect body and mind on the Yoga Walk along the Moor Abbey Loop, where mindfulness, storytelling, breathwork, and nature converge. Led by Caroline of Yoga Walks Ireland, this is a soul-nourishing blend of gentle hiking and meditative practice.
A Festival With a Beat
And when the boots come off, the beat continues.
Running alongside the walking programme is the vibrant Joyce Brother’s Music Festival that pulses through the villages of Ballyhoura. Traditional Irish music sessions spilling out of cosy pubs, where walkers cradle pints and share stories late into the evening. Whether it’s your first céilí or your fiftieth, the music brings people together in that uniquely Irish way where conversations go beyond the trails and every pint feels earned.
International Food Fair – A Taste of the World in the Heart of Kilfinane
If you are looking to fuel up during the festival, the International Food Fair will return on to Kilfinane on the Saturday afternoon. This much-loved celebration of Kilfinane’s rich cultural tapestry this festival is organised by the local community. This vibrant event sees residents from all backgrounds come together to cook, share, and showcase dishes from around the globe. It brings a burst of flavour, colour, and warmth to the village, adding an irresistible layer of atmosphere to the festival weekend.
8 of the Best Bites in Ballyhoura
More Than a Weekend
At its core, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival is a celebration of slow, soulful travel. It’s about moving with purpose, meeting people where they live, and discovering the stories tucked into hedgerows, ruins, rivers, and trails.
This October, take a step away from the everyday and step into the community, the history and the stunning region of Ballyhoura.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW
Tickets and full programme available via the Eventbrite page
Early booking is advised; many walks have limited numbers.
