When: August 29, 2026

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: October 9 – 11, 2026 

Now in its 30th 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. This year's programme is yet to be announced, but previous years have included guided walks with experienced hikers and members of the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club. Each give you the option to go easy on the moderate hike by the pinnacle of Slievereagh or take on the 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 sixth 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. Although the official line-up for 2026 is still being finalised, last year's programme hints at a weekend filled with music workshops and classes, 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.  

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 or book in for a meal in the restaurant with friends and family as a treat for your efforts.