When: August 31, 2024 

If you’ve always fancied taking on a long-distance hike, but don’t want to do so on your own, the Carrick Camino is the perfect solution. This 34km hike takes between seven and ten hours to complete, but you’ll be walking as part of a group on a route with attendants along the way and refreshment stops where you can grab some snacks and refill your water bottle. There are three different groups you can join, depending on your walking speed, and transport is included from the middle of Carrick-on-Shannon out to the start point, so you don’t need to worry about getting yourself there.  

The route itself follows parts of the Miner’s Way, Leitrim Way and Blueway, starting out in Ballyfarnan before weaving down to Keadue along Lough Meelagh, then onwards to Arigna, Drumshanbo, Leitrim village and back to Carrick-on-Shannon, where you will have more than earned your slap-up dinner in The Market Yard. Though it’s a fairly physically demanding route, the scenery along the way will make things easier, as you walk the foothills of the Arigna Mountains, head over the floating boardwalk at Acres Lake and hike through forest trails.    

When: September 14, 2024 

The set up is similar at the Dromard Camino in County Longford, with one key difference – alongside the 35km hike, there’s a shorter version of the route that’s only 20km, which is a great way to dip your toe into the world of long-distance hiking. Both walks take place on the same day in September, and take in the countryside in the region where Longford, Cavan and Leitrim meet. You’ll pass by rolling hills and drumlins, several lakes and pretty villages, all on a waymarked trail with refreshment stops along the way.  

The 20km route starts in the same place and follows a similar enough path, though skipping some of the tougher ascents. It should take between three and six hours to complete, compared to six to ten hours for the longer Camino. But whichever one you do, there’s a hot meal included in the price of your ticket which will be waiting for you at the end.  

When: October 4 – 6, 2024 

Now in its 28th year, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival was the first of its kind to ever take place in Ireland. Over the course of the weekend, there’ll be a range of walks of different levels of difficulty, all of which explore the beautiful scenery of Ballyhoura Country. The Friday and Saturday walks are guided by experienced hikers and members of the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club, which include a moderate hike by the pinnacle of Slievereagh and a more challenging climb of Seefin before wandering along the ancient route of the Black Ditch.  

Highlights are the sunrise and moonlight walks, where you can watch the sun rise over the valleys of Cork and Limerick, or ascend the summit of Carrighenry under the moonlight, where you can explore the ruins of an Iron Age fort dating back to 500 BC. 

There are also more specialised walks, like a medieval town stroll in Kilmallock, or a historical hike from Bruff to Lough Gur, as well as more alternative themes like yoga walks and guided forest bathing.  

And for the fourth year in a row, the weekend is running in conjunction with the Joyce Brothers Music Festival, so when you’ve unlaced your hiking boots at the end of the day, you can tap your toes to some trad in one of the local pubs. There are also loads of music workshops and classes taking place, including Sean Nós dancing, traditional singing and music for all levels. Want to combine the two festivals? Join one of the musical walks, where you can learn how to play the tin whistle as you stroll or listen to the pros as you walk to a historical homestead.  

All this walking and music will work up an appetite, so enter the Cultural Food Fair, where members of the community from both near and far prepare traditional dishes for attendees to enjoy. 

When: May Bank Holiday weekend

The Slieve Bloom Walking Club organise regular guided walks throughout the year, but each May Bank Holiday weekend, they invite hikers and walkers of all levels to join them as they explore the mountains in their full spring glory for the Slieve Bloom Walking Festival. You’ll find a mixture of woodland walks, riverside strolls and longer hikes through the hills on offer, all guided by experienced walk leaders who share stories of local history, geology and fauna along the way.  

The festival typically finds its base at the 13th-century Kinnitty Castle in County Offaly. Stop off at the coffee hatch mid-hike, book in for a meal in the restaurant with friends and family or stay the weekend in the hotel.