This internationally recognised walking festival offers walkers, of all levels of fitness, stunning routes in the Mourne Mountains and surrounding countryside. These routes vary between 10k and 40k at both high and low level. The next annual Mourne International Walking Festival will take place from Friday 22 – Sunday 24 June 2018 in Warrenpoint, County Down, Northern Ireland.

On each of the 3 days of the festival there are a variety of self-guided lowland walks with all routes fully waymarked. On the Saturday and Sunday there is generally a mountain hike requiring a high level of fitness and experience of walking within a mountain environment. There is usually a slightly less strenuous alternative which also takes place on the Saturday.

The festival not only offers excellent walking but also a chance to socialise and make new friends after the walk. A hot supper will be provided after the walk on the Saturday evening.

The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion offers some of the best walking in Ireland and are set within stunning scenery. The designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty not only showcase a huge diversity of flora and fauna but a wealth of heritage, myths and legends.

Friday 22 June –

Walk 1 – 18.1km Guided Ramble (moderate)

Spelga along Mourne Way to Kilbroney.

SATURDAY 23 JUNE

Walk 1 – 10km Road/Track Walk

Festival Centre, Warrenpoint, Donaghaguy Lake, Burren, Ballydesland, Clonallon Glebe, Warrenpoint, Festival Centre.

Walk 2 – 20km Road/Track Walk

Festival Centre, Donaghaguy Lake, Burren, Tamnaharry (Ulster Way), Clontifleece, Aghavilly, Ballydesland, Clonallon Glebe, Warrenpoint, Festival Centre.

Walk 3 – 9km Slieve Gullion Walk

Killeavy Old Church, Ballard, North Cairn, South Cairn, Slieve Gullion Forest Park.

Walk 4 – 20km Mountain Ramble (moderate)

Carricklittle Car park, Binnian Lough, Ben Crom Dam, Doan, Loughshannagh, Ott Track.

Walk 5 – 20km Mountain Hike (strenuous)

Carricklittle, Slieve Binnian, Ben Crom, Doan, Slieve Loughshannagh, Ott Mountain.

SUNDAY 24 JUNE

Walk 1 – 10km Road/Track Walk

Festival Centre, Warrenpoint, Clonallon Glebe, St Brigid’s Cottages, Ulster Way, Drumsesk Road, Warrenpoint, Festival Centre.

Walk 2 – 20km Road/Track Walk

Festival Centre, Warrenpoint, Clonallon Glebe, St Brigid’s Cottages, Ulster Way, Ghann River Valley, Knockbarragh, Drumreagh Road, Ulster Way, Drumsesk Road, Warrenpoint, Festival Centre.

Walk 3 – 8.2km Mountain Ramble (moderate)

Ballintur, Knockshee, Slieve Martin, Rostrevor.

Walk 4 – 18.2km Mountain Hike (strenuous)

Glenloughan Rd, Rocky, Red Bog, Finlieve, Shanlieve, Tievedockarragh, Yellow Water, Rostrevor.

The festival not only offers excellent walking but also a chance to socialise and make new friends after the walk.

The highlight of the weekend is the ‘Blister Ball’ on the Saturday night from 7pm in Warrenpoint. Enjoy an evening of ceili and set dancing to traditional music and a hot buffet supper.

Entry to the ‘Knees Up Shindig’ is £12/€15 (under 16s £6/€10). Dress Code: Casual. Please note: a limited number of tickets are available. Pre-booking is advisable.

If you need any advice on getting to Northern Ireland or on booking accommodation, please contact the Festival Office on T: +44(0)28 4175 2256.

What to Bring

Suitable walking gear

Contact and Booking

Festival Office +44(0) 28 4372 2222