Friday, 3rd October

There’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 autumn darkness, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of County Carlow.

Walking at night-time is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and try something out of the ordinary. Putting on your boots after sunset can make for a great adventure and no better place than on the Blackstairs Mountains which takes on a whole new atmosphere in darkness.

Led by experienced guides from Tullow Mountaineering Club who regularly conduct night walks, 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 as is suitable walking gear. The Night Hike is weather dependent, with the route decided on the night, adding an element of adventure to this special experience.

The Night Hike is weather dependent and the route is decided on the night. A torch along with suitable clothing and replacement clothing is essential for walking in the dark as is water, food including snacks and walking sticks. There will be strict implementation of this rule and unfortunately those who are dressed inappropriately will be refused permission to participate.

Walk includes:

• Experienced members from Tullow Mountaineering Club.
• Bus transport to/from the start/finish of each walk.
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee after your walk in O’ Shea’s Pub, Borris following return to Borris.

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

Saturday, 4th October 2025

For those seeking a rewarding and invigorating challenge, the Scullogue Gap hike is an ideal choice. This A hike offers the perfect combination of breath-taking scenery and exercise, taking in several of the highest peaks in the Blackstairs Mountains. Starting from the picturesque Scullogue Gap, this route leads you through some of the most stunning landscapes in County Carlow.

The hike includes ascents of Mount Leinster, the highest peak in the Blackstairs range at 795 metres, offering panoramic views that stretch across eight counties including Carlow, Wexford and Kilkenny and on a fine day you can even glimpse the coast of Wales. You’ll also conquer Black Rock Mountain, known for its rugged beauty and dramatic terrain, as well as the Cloroge’s, a series of peaks that provide a fantastic vantage point for taking in the unspoiled countryside below.

This route takes the walker through the dramatic scenery of the Scullogue Gap, a natural mountain pass steeped in history. It was here during the 1798 Rising that local insurgents and Crown forces clashed in a fierce and bloody battle, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape. Along the route on Shannon’s Lane, walkers will also learn of the tragic fate of the Shannon family home, bombed during World War II,  which killed four members of the family along with striking examples of ancient rock art and slabs dating to the Neolithic period.

Walk includes:

• Experienced members from Tullow Mountaineering Club
• Bus transport to/from the start/finish of each walk
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee after your walk in Rathanna Hall,  Rathanna, Borris, Co. Carlow R95 HH68

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

Saturday, 4th October 2025

This demanding Grade A walk is a true mountain experience, traversing some of the most iconic peaks in the Blackstairs range. Starting with Tomduff Hill, walkers are immediately immersed in open upland terrain with sweeping views across Carlow and Wexford. From here the route climbs to Slievebawn, a quieter summit that rewards effort with panoramic vistas and a sense of wild solitude.

The trail then pushes onto the imposing slopes of Mount Leinster, the highest peak in the range at 795m, where spectacular views stretch to the Wicklow Mountains, the Irish Sea and, on a clear day, as far as the Comeraghs, the Galtees and even the coast of Wales. Continuing along the rugged ridge, walkers take in Blackrock Mountain, a striking peak marked by dramatic rocky outcrops and commanding views over the valley below.

The descent then leads to Ballycrystal. Along the way, participants will pick up navigation and orienteering tips, learning how to read the land and use map and compass skills effectively in mountain terrain.

The walk will be led by a professional Mountaineering Ireland course director and qualified mountain leader, ensuring both safety and expert guidance throughout. Normal hill walking gear is essential.

Walk includes:

• Experienced mountain guide from Mountain Adventures 74
• Bus transport to/from the start/finish of the walk in Rathanna
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee after your walk

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

Saturday, 4th October 2025

Join renowned environmentalist and RTÉ personality Éanna Ní Lamhna for a walk that’s as enlightening as it is enjoyable. With her trademark wit and wisdom, Éanna guides you through the diverse habitats of the Blackstairs Mountains, sharing fascinating insights into the natural world. This walk offers a unique opportunity to explore everything from conifer plantations and upland bogs to hedgerows and scrub, each a distinct wildlife habitat. 

As you traverse this scenic route, Éanna will introduce you to the birdlife of the area including chaffinches, ravens, robins and goldfinches, each with their distinct calls and songs. Her deep knowledge and passion for Ireland’s natural heritage will bring these landscapes to life, making this walk a real journey of discovery. 

Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor walkers alike, this walk promises to open your eyes to the plants and animals of the Blackstairs as well as it’s wonderful hillwalking terrain. 

Walk includes: 

• Experienced members from Tullow Mountaineering Club

• Bus transport to/from the start/finish of your walk in Rathanna

• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee after your walk in Rathanna Hall, Rathanna, Borris, Co. Carlow R95 HH68

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

Saturday, 4th October 2025

This walk offers an excellent introduction to the stunning landscape of the Blackstairs Mountains, featuring some of its most prominent peaks, including Blackstair Mountain (733 meters) and the historic site of Caher Roe’s Den (564 meters).

Caher Roe’s Den has a great legend – Caher Roe was a notorious highwayman, often compared to Robin Hood, who is said to have hidden his stolen treasure in a cave on this part of the mountain. According to local lore, some of his loot remains hidden there to this day!

This walk is an ideal choice for those looking to explore both the scenery and the stories of the Blackstairs.

Walk includes:

• Experienced members from Tullow Mountaineering Club
• Transport to/from start/finish of walk
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee following conclusion of the walk

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

Saturday, 4th October 2025

This memorable route sets out from the Nine Stones, one of Carlow’s best-known landmarks, before dropping towards the cattle grid on the Mountain Road. From here the trail loops around Tomduff, a quiet hillside that offers a sense of remoteness, before climbing to the cairn on Slievebawn, long associated with ancient ritual and tradition.

The walk then leads through the Corrabut Gap, a dramatic cut through the Blackstairs that has served for centuries as a passage between valleys. Your next ascent is Kilbrannish Hill, crowned by its distinctive summit cairns. On clear days, walkers are rewarded with striking panoramas of the Barrow Valley below and the rolling ridges of the Blackstairs stretching north and south.

The final section follows the South Leinster Way, winding down through forest tracks and open farmland to the village of Kildavin, where the walk concludes. Blending upland hiking with peaceful valley walking, this is a rewarding and varied route that showcases the best of Carlow’s landscapes.

Walk includes:

• Experienced members from Tullow Mountaineering Club
• Bus transport to the start of this walk. Finish on foot back to Kildavin Village
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee in Conway’s Bar and Restaurant, Kildavin following conclusion of the walk

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

This walk takes you from the historic village of St Mullins, a location rich in heritage and natural beauty, along the tranquil towpath in the direction of the charming town of Graiguenamanagh before turning after approx. 75 minutes to return to the quayside in St Mullins.

The walk will be led by Jim Butler, retired lock keeper, whose family lived and worked in the lock house at Graiguenamanagh for generations. Few know the Barrow as intimately as Jim, and through his stories the river comes alive as more than a scenic backdrop. He offers a vivid insight into the Barrow’s role as a commercial lifeline — in former centuries the river was the main transport artery for this part of Ireland, just as the M50 serves Dublin today. Barges laden with goods once travelled its waters, with horses hauling them along the towpath where you now walk. The 250-year-old lock gates that you pass stand as powerful reminders of this era, when the Barrow was central to the economic and social life in the region.

Today The Barrow Way is home to a variety of wildlife, including vibrant bird species and colorful wildflowers that line the riverbanks. Keep your eyes peeled for herons silently fishing by the water's edge, or kingfishers flashing their brilliant blue feathers as they dart across the river. With every step, you'll be immersed in the rich biodiversity of the area, with opportunities to pause and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.

Walk includes:

• Experienced guide
• Soup and sandwiches, tea and coffee will be served in the Mullicháin Café following conclusion of the walk

Join mindfulness expert Mary Clare Harte for a restorative mindfulness walk through the serene Clogrennane Wood, where you’ll be surrounded by the magnificent views of Carlow and the River Barrow.

This walk offers more than just a peaceful stroll; it’s an opportunity to learn practical tips for cultivating a positive mental attitude while immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

Step away from the demands of everyday life and discover how walking and mindfulness in peaceful settings can enhance your overall well-being. 

Walk includes: 

• Experienced wellness guide 
• Bus transport to/from the start/finish of each walk 
• Soup and sandwiches will be served in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow 

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the beauty and history of the River Barrow and walk sections of the Barrow Way long distance walking route, then, Saturday, April 26th is the perfect opportunity. With two scenic walks planned, you can immerse 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 (Walk 5). Whether you choose one or both, it’s a fantastic way to explore these picturesque stretches of the Barrow.

The walk from Bagenalstown to Leighlinbridge follows the original towpath beside the River Barrow. It is 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.

In Bagenalstown, walkers can admire its elegant 18th-century design transformed by Walter Bagenal. He had visions of mirroring the city of Versailles in northern France and left behind impressive landmarks such as the courthouse—now a public library—and the neo-classical railway station. On leaving Bagenalstown, fine industrial buildings including Rudkin’s Mills and the former Minch Norton mills, line the waterfront, echoing the town’s prosperous past. Today, these structures stand as reminders of a time when the river was a hive of commercial activity and barges carried goods such as grain and flour. Meander past the outdoor swimming pool where herons, kingfishers and otters can sometimes be spotted.

Arriving in Leighlinbridge, walkers step into another historic crossing point guarded by the remains of the Black Castle. The village’s ancient bridge, dating back to 1320, is the oldest on the River Barrow. The river’s importance as a vital milling and trading hub can also be appreciated in the village’s fine industrial architecture. On return to Bagenalstown walkers will have the opportunity to enjoy a trip aboard An Bád Keppel, the community river boat.

Walk includes:

• Experienced local guides
• Hearty soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee
• Activator poles are available to enhance the walking experience

 Funded by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme.

Sunday, 5th October 2025

Begin your adventure at the Nine Stones, one of Carlow’s most iconic landmarks, before ascending the slopes of Mount Leinster, the highest peak in the Blackstairs range. Heading south along the ridge, you’ll pass the towering RTÉ television mast, a familiar sight across the region, and continue towards the broad summit of Knockroe. From the top, walkers can see across Carlow’s rolling hills to the east and south, including the Barrow Valley and surrounding farmland, as well as glimpses of Wexford on clear days. The name “Knockroe” comes from the Irish Cnoc Rua, meaning “red hill,” which may reference the reddish heather and gorse that often covers the slopes in autumn. Local folklore often notes Knockroe as a meeting point for shepherds.

From here the route descends into the Scullogue Gap, a natural mountain pass steeped in history and folklore, long used as a sheltered route between valleys and a key spot during the rebellion of 1798. The trail then rises once more onto Blackstairs Mountain, where rugged outcrops and open ridges create a dramatic backdrop and offer expansive views across Carlow’s patchwork countryside and into neighbouring Wexford.

The walk concludes in the tranquil hamlet of Knockmulgurry, a place that embodies the rural charm of the Blackstairs foothills, which brings to a close what promises to be a varied and memorable day on the mountains.

Walk includes:

• Experienced members from Blackstairs Ramblers Club
• Bus transport to/from the start/finish of the walk
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee following conclusion of the walk in Rathanna Hall

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

Sunday, 5th October 2025

This mountain walk is designed to give participants a practical insight into the skills required for safe and confident hill walking, helping you get the most from future adventures. While not a formal course, the walk will cover map reading, navigation and route-finding tips, providing hands-on experience in varied terrain.

The journey begins along the forestry trails at Deerpark, winding through woodland paths before ascending to Greenoge. From there, the route descends into the Corrabut Gap, a dramatic mountain pass with rugged slopes and a sense of remoteness. The trail continues through Kilbrannish South Forest, crosses the Black Banks, and concludes at the famed Nine Stones viewing point.

This walk offers a rich variety of landscapes — from forested trails and open ridges to mountain passes and historic landmarks — making it an ideal introduction to navigating the Irish mountains. Participants will learn practical navigation and orienteering tips along the way, enhancing their confidence and skill in upland terrain.

The walk is led by a professional Mountaineering Ireland course director and qualified mountain leader, and normal hill walking gear is required.

This mountain walk is designed to give participants a practical insight into the skills required for safe and confident hill walking, helping you get the most from future adventures. While not a formal course, the walk will cover map reading, navigation, and route-finding tips, providing hands-on experience in varied terrain.

Walk includes:

• Professional Mountaineering Ireland course director and qualified mountain leader. 
• Bus transport to/from the start/finish of the walk in Rathanna Hall.
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee after your walk.

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

Sunday, 5th October 2025

This scenic walk begins at Drummond, at the southern end of the Blackstairs range, and heads northwards along the rugged ridges, taking in the distinctive landscape of the southern Blackstairs. The route passes through the dramatic Carrigalachan Gap, a natural mountain pass that in times gone by was a meeting point for people from Wexford and Carlow. From here, walkers descend through open slopes and woodland paths to Knockmulgurry, near the village of Ballymurphy.

This route combines ridge walking, gentle ascents and sheltered passes, making it a rewarding experience for walkers looking to explore the southern reaches of the Blackstairs.

Walk includes:

• Experienced members from Tullow Mountaineering Club
• Bus transport to/from the start/finish of each walk
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee after your walk

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

Sunday, 5th October 2025

Starting in the tranquil Ballycrystal Valley, this walk ascends through forest trails and along an old mountain track, originally built during the Emergency to facilitate the extraction of turf. The route climbs to Blackrock Mountain, where walkers are treated to sweeping views of the Slaney River Valley stretching eastwards to the Wicklow Mountains.

From Blackrock, the trail follows the ridge to Mount Leinster, the highest point of the Blackstairs Mountains. Here, panoramic vistas extend across Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford, and on clear days, even further afield.

The descent continues southwards to Knockroe, reaching its summit via another historic mountain track. From the top, you can take in views over the Barrow Valley and the southern reaches of the Blackstairs. Along the way, walkers will encounter the Dolmen known as the Giant’s Table, a fascinating ancient landmark nestled on the slopes of Knockroe.

The walk concludes as you follow Shannon’s Lane, winding down to the Scullogue Gap.

Walk includes:

• Experienced members from Tullow Mountaineering Club
• Bus transport to/from start/finish of walk
• Soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee after the walk

Supported by Carlow County Council under the Festival and Events Scheme

The fine stone bridges over the River Barrow are a feature of the Barrow Navigation like the one here at Maganey Bridge. Shortly after the start of the walk at Maganey Grange Castle comes into view on the west bank. A little further on, on the west bank opposite the confluence with the River Lerr, is Shrule Castle - an Elizabethan castle which was taken over by Robert Hartpole, who was Constable of Carlow Castle and Governor of nearby County Laois. South of Shrule, on the same side of the river, is Knockbeg. This wasformerly the residence of the Best and Carruthers families and was purchased as a Diocesan college in 1847. It is now a boarding school. Walkers will also pass the former Irish sugar factory, established in 1926 which made good use of the river navigation, constructing a small harbour for the loading and unloading of boats. In the intervening years the factory has now been demolished.

As you arrive into Carlow Town, you’ll be greeted by a town with vibrant urban displays, tree-lined streets and rain and community gardens that reflect Carlow’s passion for the environment and outdoors.

Walk includes:

• Experienced local guide
• Hearty soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee