Award-winning community group in Tipperary announces exciting six-stage event

Knockmealdown Active is preparing for another busy year following a successful 2026 AGM, with the award-winning Tipperary community group now turning its attention to Saint Declan’s Way 2026.

The AGM gave members an opportunity to reflect on a strong period for the organisation, including Knockmealdown Active’s success in the 2024 IPB Pride of Place Awards, the continuing growth of their Annual Pilgrim Walk along Saint Declan’s Way, and the milestone of the Knock Me Down Adventure Race reaching its tenth year in 2026.

It was also a chance to acknowledge the strength of the committee, the support of volunteers, and the sense of community that continues to drive Knockmealdown Active forward.

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Chairperson Joe Byrne said: “I want to thank the committee and the local community groups for the effort and commitment they have shown over the last several years in helping to make Knockmealdown Active the success it is today. Volunteers are key to running successful events, and we are looking forward to 2026 and to welcoming some new faces along the way.”

Over the past number of years, Knockmealdown Active has built a strong reputation for connecting communities and drawing people into the area through a growing programme of outdoor events, including Saint Declan’s Way, Bay Lough Kayaking and the Knock Me Down Adventure Race (Challenge 35km / Mór 62km) which returns for 2026 on August 22.

Through its events, Knockmealdown Active continues to celebrate the landscape and heritage of the region, while bringing visitors from the four corners of Ireland into South Tipperary and West Waterford.

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At the centre of the spring calendar is Saint Declan’s Way, the annual guided walk along one of Ireland’s oldest pilgrimage routes.

Linking Cashel in County Tipperary with Ardmore in County Waterford, the walk offers participants a chance to step away from the rush of everyday life, spend time outdoors, and experience a journey through countryside, heritage and community.

This year’s event will take place across six stages, beginning on Saturday, April 18, with Stage 1 from Cashel to Cahir, followed by Stage 2 from Cahir to Goatenbridge on Sunday, April 19.

The walk continues on Saturday, May 9, from Goatenbridge to Mount Melleray Abbey, and on Sunday, May 10, from Mount Melleray Abbey to Lismore.

The final weekend takes place on Saturday, May 23, from Lismore to Aglish, before concluding on Sunday, May 24, with the final stage from Aglish to Ardmore. Walkers can choose to take part in individual stages or complete the full six-stage journey.

Along the way, participants follow a route that takes in some of the best-known landmarks and scenery in the region, from the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle to the Knockmealdown Mountains, Mount Melleray Abbey, Dromana House, Dromana Bridge, Lismore Castle and the final stretch towards Ardmore Beach.

One of the standout additions to the route last year was Saint Declan’s Well at Toor, a place of deep local and pilgrimage significance.

Its inclusion added an extra layer to the experience for many walkers, linking the modern event even more strongly to the ancient spiritual tradition of Saint Declan’s Way and to the sacred landscape that has shaped the route for centuries.

Saint Declan’s Way 2026 is priced at €45 per stage or €250 for all six stages. Each booking includes morning bus transfer from the registration point to the day’s starting location, experienced walking guides, walking and cycling stewards, support vehicle and first aid cover, water stops, refreshments, and a Saint Declan’s Way Passport and completion certificate.

Selected stages also include special access and experiences, including private farmland access, a walk through the gardens at Dromana House, and a visit to St Carthage’s Cathedral in Lismore.

Knockmealdown Active is also continuing to build its online presence through its social media channels and is working behind the scenes on an exciting new projects as well as a new website.