Carlow’s fantastic walking festival returns this weekend
There's a wide range of options for hillwalkers to enjoy
CARLOW Tourism invites walkers from across Ireland to lace up their boots for the Carlow Autumn Walking Festival, which returns this Friday to Sunday, 2-4 October.
Taking place throughout the countryside of Co Carlow, the festival gives people the chance to explore the Blackstairs Mountains and some of the county’s most popular walking routes alongside experienced local guides and fellow walkers, with organisers promising the camaraderie, shared experiences and welcoming atmosphere that have come to characterise the event.
The programme reflects the diversity of Carlow’s walking experiences, from rugged mountain trails and historic routes to nature-focused walks highlighting the area’s wildlife, biodiversity and heritage. Walks are graded by difficulty and duration, offering options for hillwalkers hoping to enjoy an active weekend in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Some walks (categorised A and B) will be led by guides from Tullow Mountaineering and Blackstairs Ramblers clubs, along with local company Mountain Adventures 74, who will share their knowledge of the county’s history, geology, biodiversity and flora and fauna along the way.
Highlights of this year’s programme include the night on Friday and Saturday, 2-3 October, giving walkers the chance to experience the peace and tranquillity of the Blackstairs Mountains after dark and take in views of twinkling lights across the county (B walk).
There’s also the more challenging Scullogue Gap hike that brings walkers across some of the highest peaks in the Blackstairs Mountains for some of the finest panoramic views in the region (A walk).
A walk exploring the natural wonders of the Blackstairs Mountains with broadcaster, biologist and environmentalist Éanna Ní Lamhna will give insight into the flora, fauna and ecology of the landscape (B walk), while the popular Blackstairs peaks walk will take in the Blackstairs Mountains and the historic Caher Roe’s den (B walk).
The walk from Mount Leinster to Kildavin will offer views across the south-east and, on a clear day (fingers crossed), as far as Wales (B walk), while there will also be a trail exploring the history and heritage of the Blackstairs Mountains, uncovering the stories, traditions and historic landmarks of the landscape.
Sunday’s programme includes the demanding Blackstairs circuit, the South Blackstairs Ridge walk from Drummond to Knockmulgurry and the Ballycrystal to Scullogue Gap ridge walk, each showcasing the county’s mountain scenery.
Michael Walsh, chairman of Carlow Tourism, said the event “continues to be one of the highlights of our events calendar, attracting walkers from across Ireland to experience the wonderful landscapes and outdoor experiences that Co Carlow has to offer”.
He added that this year’s programme “features some of the most spectacular mountain walks, together with nature and heritage experiences that showcase the richness of the Blackstairs region,” and said organisers “look forward to welcoming both returning visitors and first-time participants to Carlow this October”.
All walks finish with refreshments, giving those taking part the chance to relax and share experiences together.
Full programme details and booking information are available at www.carlowtourism.com/walkingfestival or by calling 059 9130411.
