This year, from 8-10 October, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival will celebrate 25 years of scenic treks in Kilfinane, Limerick. Walkers nationwide are invited to join and explore the designated walking trails, many featuring guided tours from members of the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club.
Each walking trail varies in difficulty, so there’s something for all tastes and ability levels. The leisurely C-level tracks are available to those looking for a more gentle walk, while the more intense A and B-level tracks are perfect for those in search of a challenge.
There are plenty of activities for you and your to get involved in over the weekend, with the family scavenger hunt, Mitchelstown Heritage Walk and the Forest Welly Waddlers for tiny tots.
This year’s festival lets guests explore trails including:
- Darragh Hill Moon Light Walk (C walk)
- Silvereagh Loop Walk (B walk)
- Walking Half Marathon (A walk)
- Sunrise Walk to Seefin (the highest point of Ballyhoura Mountains)
On the Sunday, the festival offers a 2km Yoga Walk hosted by Yoga Walks Ireland for those searching for relaxation and mindfulness. Stops along the way allow visitors to unwind and relax in the scenic beauty of the Kilfinane area.
The 2021 festival will collaborate with The Joyce Brothers Music Festival, which has its own jam-packed schedule of events across the weekend. Historical talks, musical performances, concerts and workshops will take place in the Kilfinane area. The festival remembers the well-loved work of the Joyce Brothers, renowned for collecting and documenting Irish music, songs and poetry from the 1800s.
On Saturday afternoon, a series of music workshops will be available to attend to teach and showcase the music and songs of the brothers’ collection. This will include traditional music workshops for beginners, intermediate and advanced musicians, as well as a traditional whistling workshop.
On the Sunday, visitors will be taken on a walk from the Joyce Brothers’ homestead in Glenosheen led by historian Angela Hennessy, followed by music and storytelling at Kilflynn Church.
Click here to download the full festival brochure.