The Boyne Valley Trails Walking Festival returns in September, giving walkers the chance to experience the beauty, heritage, and culture of the beautiful Boyne Valley region in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Expert guides will offer adventure like no other, exploring the Boyne Valley including the Boyne Camino and other hikes, through to guided history and mythology walks, Nordic Walking, foraging and more, there is something for every interest and ability. Walks will take in spectacular sights of the region, including Moyry Pass, Laytown beach, Clogherhead Cliffs, King William’s Glen and Belnumber Woods amongst others.

The festival is delighted to welcome long distance walker Ellie Berry to Drogheda this year for an inspiring talk about her achievements, as well as offering the opportunity to join a walk hosted by Ellie.

Irish adventurer, writer, and co-creator of Tough Soles, Ellie set a new speed record for climbing all 275 mountains on the Vandeleur-Lynam list, completing the feat in 50 days, 5 hours and 45 minutes, and has walked every way marked trail in Ireland. Her work combines a deep respect for Ireland’s landscape, encouraging others to find their own connection to the outdoors.

For hiking enthusiasts there are beginners and experienced Nordic Walking routes, an impressive way to work all your muscles and build added fitness to your walks. There are sections of the Boyne Camino, which passes through some of the most stunning scenery in the Boyne Valley, where location of the Battle of the Boyne, and along the majestic Boyne River to return to Drogheda.

Local History

Exploring local history is also an important part of the festival, and there will be guided walks and talks to discover more about historic locations like Beaulieu House; as well as characters from the Drogheda Fenians including John Boyle O’Reilly.

Speaking about the Festival, Dusty Flanagan from Boyne Valley Tours said: “The Boyne Valley Trails Festival in September has become one of the highlights of my walking year. The variety of walks continues to grow every year. It’s a privilege to meet friends old and new to show them the beautiful Boyne Valley and beyond. We are lucky to have a landscape of river walks, forest, coastline and our amazing Camino.

"This year our guest talks are especially exciting, and I cannot wait to join Ellie Berry from Tough Soles to walk the Moyry Pass, or Gap of the North as it is also known. Part of the Slige Midluachra, it is one of the five ancient roads from Tara.”

Trevor Connolly, Love Drogheda BID CEO added: “Boyne Valley Trails September Walking Festival has become such an important event on the annual calendar, and we are delighted to welcome walkers from near and far to our historic region. Easily accessible, the region has stunning beaches, beautiful cliffs, and an incredible history to enthral all visitors.”

Steeped in history, and the home of some of Ireland’s most enduring myths and legends, Drogheda is the gateway to the Boyne Valley and a highlight of Ireland’s Ancient East. The September Walking Festival offers a wonderful way to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, whilst getting out into the beautiful waterways and lush green of the Boyne Valley.

Visit www.boynevalleytrails.ie for more details, full event listing and to book tickets or see Boyne Valley Trails on Facebook or @boynevalley_trails on Instagram for more details.

The Boyne Valley Trails September Festival is supported by Love Drogheda BID and Fáilte Ireland.