Compiled by
FRANCES BRADLEY
Deer rut
Tourism Pure Walking Holidays is offering two days of guided walking in Mayo’s Nephin Beg mountain range during this year’s deer rut from September 30th to October 2nd. Participants will spend Friday night out in the mountains, so a bivvy bag, sleeping bag, torch, warm clothes, etc, will be needed.
Saturday follows with a walk through forest, bog and hills, and ends in the comfort of a local B&B. The weekend finishes with a light stroll on Sunday. The cost, from €199pps, includes collection at Westport train station, one night’s B&B, two dinners and two packed lunches. See tourismpurewalking.com or phone 094-9027797.
Cúrsa Gaeilge
Talk ( as Gaeilge), walk and eat on the Dingle peninsula from September 30th to October 2nd. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne is offering formal Irish classes and lectures in the mornings followed by guided afternoon hikes in the dramatic landscape of west Kerry. The course costs €130. See oidhreacht.ie or call 066-9156100.
Burren walking
The Burren Peaks Walking Festival takes place next weekend, September 23rd to 25th. Organised by the Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club, the weekend promises a real taste of the Burren with five guided walks each day – graded easy, moderate and difficult. The cost is €20 per walk or €30 for two walks (Saturday and Sunday). Weekend accommodation packages are available from €35pps per night. See burrenpeakswalkingfestival.com or call 087-7779714.
National Trails Day
National Trails Day (NTD) takes place around Ireland on October 3rd. The day aims to draw attention to that most natural and pleasing of amenities – the great outdoors. There will be a wonderful variety of trails to choose from including canoe trails, bike trails, hill walks, horse riding, wildlife walks and archaeological walks. To find an event that best suits you visit nationaltrailsday.ie and search by county, theme or suitability.