Inishowen Walking Festival 2026

12–20 September 2026

The Inishowen Walking Festival 2026 takes place from 12–20 September, bringing a programme of guided walks and outdoor experiences to locations across the Inishowen Peninsula.

Discover Inishowen on foot through coastal and mountain walks, local heritage, wildlife, nature, wellbeing and community experiences. With walks ranging from gentle and accessible outings to more challenging hikes, there are opportunities for a wide range of ages, interests and abilities.

All walks are free, but advance booking is required. Places may be limited.

Saturday 12th September

Fox’s Rock & Bulba Way Hike
10:00am–1:30pm | Hosted by Artlink

Join a guided hike along the spectacular Fox’s Rock and Bulba Way, taking in coastal views, dramatic cliffs, local heritage and panoramic views across the Inishowen landscape.

Suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness and a love of the outdoors.

Free – booking required.

Butler’s Glen Loop
12:00pm–4:00pm | Hosted by Clonmany Community Centre

Explore the beautiful Butler’s Glen Loop on a leisurely guided walk through native woodland, alongside streams and towards the waterfall at the heart of the glen.

Suitable for walkers of moderate fitness levels and anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors.

Free – booking required.

Sunday 13th September

Walk & Talk in Irish – Siúl agus Caint as Gaeilge
1:00pm–3:30pm | Hosted by Artlink and facilitated by Glór Inis Eoghain

Enjoy a relaxed walk while hearing, using and practising the Irish language in a friendly outdoor setting. Whether you are fluent in Irish, learning the language or simply interested in listening and joining in, all levels are welcome.

Free – booking required.

Monday 14th September

Inishowen Head Loop Walk – Shroove
5:00pm–7:30pm | Hosted by Active Inishowen

Explore the spectacular Inishowen Head Loop at Shroove, with views across Lough Foyle, dramatic sea cliffs and rugged coastline. Discover more about the area’s natural and cultural heritage while enjoying the route at a relaxed pace.

Suitable for adults and confident walkers.

Free – booking required.

Solas Community Walk
10:30am–2:00pm | Hosted by Solas

Join Solas for a community walking day, starting at the Solas house in Buncrana before heading out by minibus for a walk in Inishowen. Lunch provided.

Over 18s. Free – booking required. Contact Solas directly to book.

To book: Call or text Steven on 087 195 4938, Brendan on 087 364 8613 or Michaela (Mondays & Tuesdays) on 087 037 2549.

Tuesday 15th September

Sunset Hike in Urris
3:00pm–8:30pm | Hosted by IDP HARC Team

Experience the Urris landscape on a challenging evening hike, with spectacular views across the mountains, coastline and sea as the sun sets.

Difficult/Strenuous. For confident adult walkers (18+). 3-season walking boots and appropriate clothing/equipment required.

Free – booking required.

Please check the official festival information for full meeting point, equipment and walk details.

Wednesday 16th September

Cnoc an Uininn Thru Hike
10:00am–1:00pm

Take on a challenging guided hike across rugged upland terrain, with panoramic views of the Inishowen Peninsula, Lough Swilly and the surrounding countryside.

Suitable for regular walkers with a good level of fitness. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an extended period.

Sturdy walking boots, waterproof clothing, warm layers, water and snacks are required.

Free – advance booking essential. Places are limited.

Thursday 17th September

Sensory Walk at Swan Park, Buncrana
11:00am–1:00pm | Hosted by iCARE

Slow down and connect with nature on this gentle sensory walk through Swan Park, Buncrana. Participants will be encouraged to notice the sights, sounds, scents and textures of the natural surroundings.

Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Free – booking required.

Connected Communities Walk
6:00pm–8:00pm | Hosted by Exchange Inishowen and IDP Connected Communities

Join a relaxed community walk celebrating the diversity of local communities. Hear stories, share experiences and enjoy the outdoors while connecting with others.

Open to all ages and abilities. Free – booking required.

Friday 18th September

Drover’s Trail Walk
10:00am–12:00pm | Hosted by Sliabh Sneacht Centre

Explore the historic Drover’s Trail on a guided countryside walk and discover local stories, traditions and the heritage of the people who shaped the landscape.

Suitable for a range of abilities.

Free – booking required.

Saturday 19th September

Heritage Walk Buncrana
10:00am–1:30pm | Hosted by Artlink

Discover Buncrana’s rich heritage on a guided walk exploring local stories, history, culture and landscape.

Open to all. Free – booking required. Early booking recommended.

Raghtin Mor Hike
10:00am–4:00pm | Hosted by IDP HARC Team

Join a guided cross-border hike to Raghtin More, one of Inishowen’s iconic peaks. Enjoy the natural beauty of the peninsula and connect with fellow walkers through a shared outdoor experience.

Suitable for regular hill walkers and anyone looking for a new adventure.

Free – booking essential.

Eco-Therapy Walk in Swan Park
7:00pm–8:30pm | Hosted by The Exchange

Take a step away from the bustle of daily life with a gentle eco-therapy walk through Swan Park, Buncrana. Reconnect with nature, meet others and enjoy the calming surroundings of the park.

Everyone welcome. Free – booking required.

Newtowncunningham Heritage Walk
1:00pm–4:00pm | Organised by Project Orange

Explore the history, heritage and changing landscape of Newtowncunningham and the surrounding area on a guided 10km walk. Discover local churches, the site of the 1922 ambush, Blanket Nook Wildlife Sanctuary, Burt Castle, the ancient graveyard at Grange and the historic embankments that transformed the landscape.

Easy – suitable for all. Free – booking required.

Sunday 20th September

Malin Head Walk
Time TBC | Malin Head

Explore the breathtaking scenery of Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point, on a guided walk taking in dramatic coastal views, rugged landscapes and the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Suitable for a range of abilities.

Free – booking required.

Time and meeting details to be confirmed.

Wildlife Walk on Inch Island
Time TBC | Hosted by IDP HARC Team

Discover the natural heritage of Inch Island on a guided wildlife walk. Explore the island’s diverse habitats, learn about local biodiversity and look out for birdlife and other wildlife along the way.

Perfect for nature lovers, families and anyone interested in the outdoors.

Suitable for all ages. Free – booking required.

Time and meeting details to be confirmed.

The Inishowen Walking Festival is delivered by Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) in collaboration with Inishowen Social Enterprise Network (ISEN) and Go Visit Inishowen, and is funded by HARC and the PEACEPLUS Programme.

Booking

View the full programme and book your place

All walks are free, but advance booking is required.

https://inishowen.ie/support/inishowen-walking-festival/