I read a post recently that was wrapping up the summer hiking events - and in that, wrapping up the hiking season. While summer is definitely the best season for getting outdoors in Ireland, there is still so much we can do throughout the colder months! So with that, here’s a list of winter walking festivals and outdoors related events that are happening from October 2023 - March 2024:
Waterville Walking Weekend: 13th - 15th October 2023
Where: Waterville, Co. Kerry
When: Friday 13th - Sunday 15th October
Price: Free - €15
This weekend includes a free children’s seashore walk, free heritage walk of Waterville, as well as hikes from 6km - 18km, all costing €15.
Get ready to embark on some memorable adventures as we explore the breathtaking landscapes and trails of the breath taking scenery surrounding Waterville, Co Kerry.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting to discover the joys of hillwalking, why not come join us for a weekend filled with camaraderie, fun and some walking in between.
Learn more and book here.
Mountaineering Ireland Autumn Gathering: 20th - 22nd October 2023
This year we have the pleasure of the Kenmare Hillwalking Club hosting our Autumn Gathering in the beautiful setting of Sneem, Co. Kerry. The gathering will be based out of the Sneem Hotel. Registration for the weekend is €50 which is subsidised by Mountaineering Ireland and includes, talks, activities, workshops, dinner on Saturday evening, a gift, and buses where needed. There is an alternative fee of €20 for those who do not want to attend the Saturday evening dinner in the hotel.
The weekend will start with registration from 6.30pm at the Sneem Hotel where you will receive a gift and full details for the weekend ahead. The welcome talk will take place from 8.00pm. Saturday sees a full programme of activities including hillwalking, navigation and climbing in and around the Kerry Mountains. Sunday morning will have a variety of workshops commencing at 10.00am.
This year’s event takes us to some of the lesser known, yet beautiful, sandstone mountains on the Iveragh Pensinsula. The mountains surrounding Sneem have a wild and rugged character, with corrie lakes, rocky ridges, and big skies above. We also have some scenic sections of the Kerry Way for people to enjoy, all from the charming and colourful town of Sneem nestled on the northern side of Kenmare Bay.
Book online here (you must be a member of MI to attend).
The Wicklow Walking Festival: 27th - 29th October
Where: Brockagh Resource Centre, Wicklow
When: Friday 27th - Sunday 29th October 2023
Distances: multiple options every day
The Festival will be based in the Brockagh Resource Centre with many of the walks taking us through Wicklow Mountains National Park. The Centre is situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, on the road between the village of Laragh and Glendalough. Eircode, A98 D3H1
All walks are led by experienced walking leaders who will enhance your day with information on local history flora and fauna.
More info and book here.
The Nire Valley Drop: 29th October 2023
Where: Ballymacarbry, Nire Valley, Waterford
When: 29th October 2023
Distance: 45km
The Nire Valley Drop MTB challenge takes place in and around the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains and the Nire Valley every October Bank Holiday.
The Nire Valley Drop is an off road cross country cycle challenge, up hill and down hill, crossing forestry, moorland, and everything in between.
Book online here.
Run the Line 2023: 18th November 2023
Fundraiser for the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team
Where: Glencullen, Dublin
When: Saturday 18th November, 9am
Distance: Long Course 26km / Short Course 13km
‘Run The Line’ a fundraising race for Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team, returns on Saturday 18th November 2023. The event consists of two separate races (13km and 26km) across the Dublin Mountains, starting and finishing in Glencullen Adventure Park, and taking in many spectacular locations along the way offering breath-taking views of Dublin.
More info on the event here, and register on eventmaster here.
“Long Way Round”: 25th November 2023
Fundraiser for the South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA)
Where: Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Distance: 15km
Cost: €35 - 37
“Our 15Km fundraising night walk/run for SEMRA takes place on Saturday the 25th of November from Gaelcholaiste Cheitinn, The Mall, in Clonmel. All entries will receive a lovely new SEMRA buff.
You will walk or run the 15km circuit in and around the Comeraghs at night. The route consists of roads, forest tracks and open mountain. You can do it yourself, with a group of friends or join a mixed group that will have leaders. The route will typically take an hour and half to run and three to four hours if walking.”
More info here, and register on Eventbrite here.
Moonlight Challenge 2023: 25th November (FULL)
Fundraiser for the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue team
Where: Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Base, Trooperstown
Distance: 25.5km / 800m heigh climb
“The Glen of Imaal team was founded in 1983 and is celebrating 40 years this year. It seems fitting that the theme brings us back to the 80’s!
This year’s MLC is approx 25.5 km and will start/finish at Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Base, Trooperstown (A98 VY72). During the event, the entire route will be marked with arrows and marshalled by our wonderful volunteers, so you will NOT be expected to navigate yourself. On the day of the event you will also have access to our app with an interactive map of the route.”
More info here.
The LugMo Challenge: 2nd December 2023 (Sold Out)
The LugMo Challenge is an annual winter hiking challenge, now in it’s 12th year with over €240,000 raised to date!
This year, the winter challenge is a 22km crossing of Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in Leinster, with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.
The Ronald McDonald House provides a home, support and comfort to families when caring for their seriously ill child in hospital on a long-term basis. They strive to alleviate the practical, financial and emotional burdens placed on parents shoulders to allow them to spend as much quality time with their sick child.
The event is currently sold out, but you can add your name to the waiting list via their instagram page, and donate here.
Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival: 26th - 28th January 2024
While the event details are yet to be announced, we know that the Winter Walking festival dates are set for the 26th - 28th of January! Check out the 2023 Brochure here for a sample of events.
Details will be here.
Outsider Awards: Jan 2023
The annual Outsider Awards event celebrates all of the amazing achievements, milestones and contributions that have taken place in the Irish outdoor community over the past year. In the run up to the event you’ll be able to read about the nominees from different categories on outsider.ie
This is always an inspiring evening of incredible stories, attending is always a treat!
Read about last years awards here.
Mountain Views Gathering: 1st March 2024
Date: Fri, 1st March 2024
Venue: TBA - Dublin area.
Time: 7:30 for 8pm start.
Price: €15
Open to all!
The mountain views gathering is a celebration of special moments and achievements of the hillwalking in the past year, and is always a lovely night. If you’ve been ticking off your county high points, or other mountain list challenge, you can register it on MountainViews.ie and receive a certificate when completed! Printed Annuals will be available.
Wander Wild Festival 2024: 22nd - 24th March 2024
“What happens when you wander off the beaten track? You swim at sunrise in a lake - you climb Carrauntoohil to see Ireland from its peak - you bike, you run, you horse ride, you stroll, you kayak - you refuel with a food trail and you recharge with a wellness session. You experience Killarney’s National Park, its lakes and its mountains – like never before!
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or like to slide into the weekend with some mindfulness there is something to suit all our wanderers. Experience Killarney like never before at Wander Wild Festival March 2024
More info here.
Walk the Line: 23rd March 2024
Fundraiser for the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team
Where: Glencullen Adventure Park
Distance: Short route 11km / Long route 22km
Price: €65 solo / €75 guided
Walk the Line 2024 is a fundraiser for Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team taking place on Saturday 23rd March from Glencullen Adventure Park
The event consists of two route options: a 22Km loop and the shorter 11Km. Both loops start and finish at The GAP (the GlenCullen Adventure Park), just up the road from Johnnie Fox’s.
“Walk the Line” aims to cater for both the seasoned hill-walkers and also those walkers who want to give the hills a try with a super route around the Dublin Mountains. With this in mind, we offer the option of being guided along the route by Rescue Team members ( PRO Guided adventure ticket) or self-navigation (unguided / solo adventure ticket) for the more adventurous among you. Either way, you will have the opportunity to see Dublin laid out below you at night from the unique vantage point of the Dublin Mountains.
Learn more and register here.
Previously I’ve written a list of walking festivals in 2021, which can be a guide for general festivals coming up next year!