If you’re a serious rambler or just like to stretch your legs and enjoy the view, then Carlow is a brilliant destination to explore on foot with a wide variety of walks to choose from. The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival is a great opportunity for beginner, experienced. or advanced walkers to enjoy the challenge of Carlow’s mountain treks or the peace of its woodland and riverside walks. A beautiful and varied landscape, knowledgeable local guides and excdlenr accommodation all combine to ensure you enjoy an Autumn break, that will leave you feeling revitalised.
To book a walk, please call Alison Fitzharris on 087 355 3698
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A Walk – Walk 1 – The Blackstairs Circuit
€25.00This walk begins in picturesque Knockmulgurry on the Blackstairs Mountains. Walk along old trails and paths, passing by traditional stone walls and remnants of old farmsteads before finishing at the iconic Nine Stones Viewing Point on the Blackstairs Mountains.
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B Walk – Walk 2 – History and Heritage of the Blackstairs Mountains
€25.00Join us for a guided walk through the Blackstairs Mountains, where you’ll discover the fascinating history of the area. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this six-hour mountain trek offers a deep dive into the area’s ancient past, revealing the many stories etched into its rugged landscape.
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B Walk – Walk 8 – Improving Your Hill Skills – Getting the most from your walking trips
€25.00This mountain walk provides an insight into the skills required for hill walking to ensure you get the most from future walking trips. While not a formal course, areas covered will include map reading and navigation. Taking in the forestry trails at Deerpark, the walk then continues onto Greenoge passing the wind turbine station before descending to Corrabut Gap. From there the walk continues through Kilbrannish South Forest along the Black Banks finishing at the famed viewing spot of the Nine Stones.
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B Walk – Walk 3 – Mount Leinster to Kildavin
€25.00This walk is the perfect opportunity to discover more about the unique landscape of the Blackstairs Mountains, immersing yourself in its ever-changing scenery, wildlife and rich biodiversity. The walk begins at the well-known viewing spot of the Nine Stones on the Blackstairs Mountains before descending towards the cattle grid on the Mountain Road.
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B Walk – Walk 7 – Night Hike
€25.00There’s something truly magical about walking in the Blackstairs Mountains after dark – the serenity of nature becomes even more pronounced, with the soft sounds of the night and the twinkling lights of the towns and villages far below. As you journey through the darkness, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of County Carlow.
Led by an experienced Mountaineering Ireland guide, this hike offers a unique opportunity to explore the mountains under the cover of night. It’s a popular event not to be missed – a torch is essential. The route will be decided on the night, adding an element of adventure to this special experience.
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B Walk – Walk 9 – Mount Leinster to Kildavin
€25.00The Blackstairs Mountains are a landscape of remarkable ecological and scenic value, designated as a Special Area of Conservation to protect their rich biodiversity. Their moorlands—unique in Carlow and Wexford above 300 metres—are a rare and precious habitat where wet and dry heaths support a tapestry of plant life. This diverse environment is a haven for wildlife, with red grouse, skylarks, pheasants and woodcocks thriving in the heathland.
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C Walk – Walk 10 – Clashganny Lock Viewing Point
€15.00Step into nature and history on this captivating walk along the Clashganny Viewing Point Loop. Departing from the famed viewing spot at Clashganny, the walk travels downhill towards the River Barrow.
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C Walk – Walk 11– Outdoor Mindfulness Walk in Altamont Gardens
€15.00There could hardly be a better location in County Carlow to practise the principles of mindfulness and to begin to understand about its helpful benefits to our daily lives. Altamont Gardens, often referred to as one of Ireland’s top three gardens, is a superb setting to re-connect with nature and experience the restorative power of its trees and well-maintained landscapes.
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C Walk – Walk 4 – Bagenalstown to Leighlinbridge
€15.00This scenic walk from Bagenalstown to Leighlinbridge follows the original towpath beside the River Barrow, Ireland’s second longest river system, which was once a vital trade and transport route and is now a haven for walkers, bio-diversity, birdlife and wildlife.
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C Walk – Walk 5 – Goresbridge – Bagenalstown
€15.00Immerse yourself in the river’s natural charm and rich history. Begin your day with a peaceful morning walk from Bagenalstown to Leighlinbridge, then continue your adventure in the afternoon with a stunning route from Goresbridge to Bagenalstown.
