The Ballyhoura region is one of Ireland’s most accessible upland landscapes — a natural basecamp for hillwalking, skills development and guided group experiences. From forest trails and rolling uplands to the nearby Galtee and Knockmealdown Mountains, the region offers walking opportunities for all levels of ability.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time, organising a day out with friends, building confidence in the hills, or looking to develop your mountain skills, walking with a qualified local guide adds depth, safety and insight to your experience.

Our guides provide:

• Guided hillwalks and upland hikes across the Ballyhouras and Galtees
• Private group experiences tailored to your pace and ability
• Mountain Skills 1 & 2 training and navigation development
• Women-focused and confidence-building hikes
• Club and community walks
• Corporate and small group experiences

We also work with clubs, community groups and travel organisers who wish to include professionally guided walking experiences within their programmes.

The Ballyhoura guiding network brings together qualified Mountain Leaders, experienced volunteer leaders and training providers, all operating with the appropriate qualifications and insurance to deliver safe, well-managed experiences.

Whether it’s a relaxed forest ramble, a summit day in the Galtees, or a structured skills course, our guides help make Ballyhoura a welcoming and well-supported walking destination.

Maureen O’Brien

Qualified Mountain Leader | Mountaineering Ireland Course Provider

Based in Cork/Mitchelstown, Maureen is a highly experienced Mountain Leader and an approved Mountaineering Ireland course provider. She delivers Mountain Skills training as well as Lowland Leader training and assessments.

A respected figure in the hillwalking community, Maureen regularly leads walks across the Galtees and Knockmealdowns and is passionate about helping walkers develop the skills and confidence to move safely and independently in the Irish mountains.

Available for:
• Private guiding
• Mountain Skills 1 & 2
• Lowland Leader training & assessments
• Group bookings and bespoke courses

Contact:
Email: [email protected]

Declan Clancy

Local Ballyhoura Guide | Kilfinane Native

Born and raised in Kilfinane, Declan has been walking the Ballyhoura Mountains for over 30 years. His deep local knowledge brings the landscape to life — from the peaks of Seefin, Castlegale, Carron, Kilcruaig and Slievereagh, to the peaceful stretches along the Molana River and the woodland trails of Ballyriggan Woods, Clover’s Wood and Oliver’s Folly overlooking Castle Oliver.

Declan’s walks combine local insight, landscape appreciation and a genuine welcome to the hills he calls home. Ideal for those who want to experience the Ballyhouras through the eyes of someone rooted in the area.

Available for:
• Guided Ballyhoura hikes
• Local heritage and landscape walks
• Group bookings

Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 087 711 8560

James Foley

Founder, Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours | Qualified Mountain Leader

James is the founder of Beyond the Glass Adventure Tours and a qualified Mountain Leader. He guides across the Galtee, Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains, delivering professionally run and engaging hiking experiences.

James also provides Mountain Skills 1 and 2 training, supporting walkers to build confidence, navigation ability and independence in upland environments. His approach combines safety, local knowledge and a strong sense of adventure.

Available for:

• Private guiding
• Small group tours
• Mountain Skills training
• Customised walking itineraries

Contact:
Website: www.beyondtheglass.ie
Phone: +353 86 385 0398
Email: [email protected]

Paddy Hegarty

Qualified Mountain Leader | Active Walks Ireland

Paddy has been a qualified Mountain Leader since 2007 and has over 35 years of hiking experience across Ireland and Europe. Now retired from his trade, he dedicates his time to the hills, walking at least twice a week across the Galtees, Knockmealdowns, Comeraghs and Ballyhouras.

He works with Kilfinane school groups through Britton Outdoors and runs his own guiding business, Active Walks Ireland. Paddy also organises walking trips abroad each year.

Available for: Guided hillwalks, group outings, youth groups, private bookings.

Contact:
Phone: +353 87 954 9980
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Elmarie O’Brien

Mountaineering Ireland Ambassador | Mountain Leader in Training

Elmarie is a Mountaineering Ireland ambassador based between Cork and Limerick with a deep passion for long-distance walking and adventure. After completing a thru-hike the length of New Zealand, she continues to build experience across Ireland’s upland landscapes while working towards her Mountain Leader award.

Elmarie brings enthusiasm, resilience and a love of exploration to every walk. She enjoys encouraging others to step outside their comfort zone and discover what they’re capable of in the hills.