30 Years of Walking Together: Ireland's Longest-Running Community-Led Walking Festival Returns to Ballyhoura Alongside the Joyce Brothers Music Festival

Three landmark anniversaries. Four days of walking, music, heritage, food and community across Ballyhoura Country. 

The Ballyhoura region will come alive this October as Ireland's longest-running community-led walking festival celebrates its 30th anniversary, bringing together walkers, musicians, artists, food producers, local businesses and communities for what promises to be the biggest and most ambitious programme in the festival's history. 

Taking place from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th October 2026, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival returns alongside the acclaimed Joyce Brothers Music Festival, creating a unique celebration of outdoor adventure, traditional arts, heritage, food, music and community spirit across Ballyhoura Country. 

The celebrations also coincide with two other major milestones for the region: 

• 30 years of the Ballyhoura Walking Festival

• 40 years of Ballyhoura Fáilte and community tourism

• 20 years of the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails 

Together, these anniversaries celebrate decades of communities working together to shape Ballyhoura Country into one of Ireland's leading destinations for outdoor recreation, heritage, culture and authentic rural experiences. 

Speaking ahead of the festival, Amanda Slattery, Ballyhoura Development, said: 

"This is a very special year for Ballyhoura Country. At Ballyhoura Development, we're delighted to showcase many of our projects and programmes through the theme of walking, including the Creative Places Kilfinane showcase, highlighting how it can connect people with creativity, heritage, nature and community." 

A Festival Rooted in Community 

Rooted in community since its beginnings, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival has always been about more than walking. It is a celebration of place, bringing together the people, landscapes and traditions that define Ballyhoura Country. While the festival provides the backdrop, visitors are invited to discover the wider destination through a diverse programme of more than 40 guided walks and experiences, from mountain adventures and heritage trails to local food, creativity, traditional music and cultural events. 

What started as a small community initiative has grown into a nationally recognised festival, yet it continues to be driven by the people who know Ballyhoura best. Local walking club, volunteer leaders, guides, historians, environmental experts, tourism businesses, artists, musicians and community organisations all play a part in creating an authentic festival experience that reflects the character of the region. 

Margaret Atalla, Chairperson of Ballyhoura Fáilte, said: 

"This year's programme reflects everything that makes Ballyhoura Country special. In this special year, we wanted to broaden our partnerships and create experiences that showcase the very best of Ballyhoura. Through our Sustainability & Regenerative Tourism Network, we are linking local food producers with accommodation providers and visitor experiences to create something truly memorable as we celebrate 40 years of community tourism in the region."

"The Ballyhoura Walking Festival has always been about sharing the places we love with others. Members of the Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club are proud to lead visitors across our mountains, forests and hidden trails, sharing not only the routes but also the stories, wildlife and heritage that make this landscape so unique."

This year's programme extends well beyond the trails. 

Running throughout the weekend, the Creative Places Kilfinane Showcase highlights local creativity through exhibitions, workshops and community-led artistic experiences. Visitors can also join the Photography Walk in Mitchelstown, explore the Kilmallock Community Connections Walk delivered in partnership with Limerick Sports Partnership, or experience the Autumn Migration Walk at Griston Bog, developed with Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment. 

Food also forms an important part of the celebrations. Through collaborations with local producers and Ballyhoura's growing tourism network, visitors can enjoy experiences including Meet the Maker, and opportunities to discover the people behind Ballyhoura Country's renowned food, hospitality and visitor experiences. 

Together, these partnerships showcase the diversity of experiences available across Ballyhoura Country while demonstrating how communities continue to work together to create a vibrant and welcoming destination. 

Music at the Heart of the Weekend 

Running alongside the Walking Festival once again is the Joyce Brothers Music Festival, adding another dimension to one of Ireland's most distinctive festival weekends. 

Inspired by the musical legacy of P.W. Joyce and Robert Dwyer Joyce of nearby Glenosheen, this year's programme combines outstanding performances, traditional music sessions, workshops and cultural experiences, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the region. 

The festival opens on Thursday evening with an intimate performance by acclaimed harpist Laoise Kelly, widely regarded as one of Ireland's finest traditional musicians and a pioneering force in contemporary Irish harping. 

On Friday, audiences can enjoy the lively sounds of The Clancy Boys, whose energetic interpretations of traditional Irish ballads have earned them a reputation for capturing the spirit, humour and storytelling of Ireland's musical tradition. 

Saturday's programme features the premiere of From A House in Glenosheen, a new traditional arts production created by Des Dillon, weaving together puppetry, music, song and dance to celebrate the remarkable Joyce Collection. Throughout the weekend, visitors can also enjoy traditional music and dance workshops, a vibrant session trail across Kilfinane, and on Sunday, a guided walk to the Joyce Homestead, accompanied by traditional tunes, providing a fitting finale to the festival. 

Ciara Flanagan, Ballyhoura Comhaltas / Joyce Brothers Music Festival, said: 

"The Joyce Brothers Music Festival is delighted to once again join forces with the Ballyhoura Walking Festival to create one of Ireland's most unique festival weekends. The workshops, concerts, performances and music sessions are all shaping up to showcase some of the very best traditional musicians coming to Kilfinane this October." 

Plan Your Visit 

The 30th Ballyhoura Walking Festival and Joyce Brothers Music Festival take place from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th October 2026 across Ballyhoura Country. 

With more than 40 walks, heritage experiences, food events, creative showcases, music performances and community celebrations taking place over four days, visitors are encouraged to book early and make a weekend of discovering one of Ireland's most authentic outdoor destinations. 

The full programme and booking details will be available at: www.visitballyhoura.com 

For the latest programme announcements, booking updates and festival news, follow Ballyhoura Development, Ballyhoura Fáilte, Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club and Ballyhoura Comhaltas across their social media channels.