Walk This Way! Inishowen Walking Festival Set to Put Best Foot Forward
“We want to encourage local people to take advantage of what is on their own doorstep”
INISHOWEN’S stunning landscape will take centre stage this September as the Inishowen Walking Festival 2026 welcomes walkers of all ages and abilities to explore the region's spectacular scenery, rich heritage, and vibrant communities.
Taking place from 12th to 20th September, the festival is delivered by Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP) in collaboration with members of the Inishowen Social Enterprise Network (ISEN) and Go Visit Inishowen.
With 15 guided walks taking place across the peninsula, the festival offers an exciting programme designed to highlight the very best of Inishowen.
Whether participants are experienced hillwalkers, families seeking outdoor adventures, or visitors discovering Inishowen for the first time, there is something for everyone.
Meg O'Doherty, Eco and Wellbeing Officer with IDP’s HARC team, said the Festival is a wonderful example of how outdoor recreation can bring people together while supporting health, wellbeing and community connection.
“Through our Healthy Active Rural Communities [HARC] programme, we are delighted to support opportunities that encourage people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors, discover new places and experience the unique natural beauty of Inishowen,” explained Meg.
“This festival reflects the strength of local partnership working and showcases the important role that communities play in creating welcoming and accessible experiences for both residents and visitors."
Highlights include the Fox's Rock and Bulba Way Hike at Fort Dunree, the scenic Inishowen Head Loop near Greencastle, the challenging Raghtin Mór Hike in Urris, and a guided Wildlife Walk on Inch Island.
Participants can also enjoy the historic Drover's Trail, a fascinating Buncrana Heritage Walk, a Siúl agus Caint as Gaeilge (Walk and Talk in Irish) experience, and an accessible Eco-Therapy Walk in Swan Park.
The festival also celebrates the contribution of local social enterprises, community organisations and tourism partners, including Artlink, Clonmany Community Centre, Active Inishowen, iCARE, Exchange Inishowen, Sliabh Sneacht Centre, Connecting Communities, SOLAS, and Go Visit Inishowen.
Niall McCaughan, Manager of Go Visit Inishowen, said the Inishowen Walking Festival is a great opportunity to experience the peninsula on foot and discover some of the landscapes, heritage and local stories that make Inishowen such a special destination.
“There has been strong interest in walking in Inishowen, and the popularity of the new Go Visit Inishowen Walking Trail Guide this year has shown us just how keen people are to get out and explore the peninsula,” said Niall.
“As a member of a local hill-walking group myself, I know how rewarding it can be to discover new routes and places on foot. With 15 walks taking place across Inishowen, this year's festival offers a great variety of experiences, and we are delighted to support IDP in encouraging both visitors and local people to get out and explore."
Active Inishowen Project Coordinator Kevin McLaughlin said the project is delighted to be involved in the Inishowen Walking Festival for a second year.
“One of the key aims of Active Inishowen, a partnership between IDP and Donegal Sports Partnership, is to continue developing a strong walking culture across the peninsula, particularly among the people who live here,” said Kevin.
“We want to encourage local people to take advantage of what is on their own doorstep, to explore different parts of Inishowen and to become more familiar with the fantastic network of walking trails, developed largely by Inishowen Trails.”
“The Walking Festival gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase those trails and hopefully encourage them to keep walking long after the festival is over.”
Bookings are now open, and early registration is encouraged as places on individual walks may be limited. All walks are guided and free to attend.
For the full festival programme and booking details, visit: www.inishowen.ie/support/inishowen-walking-festival/