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- Irish Independent
New three-day Wicklow hiking festival coming in September
Wicklow People
Today at 02:00
This September Wicklow will take centre stage in a brand new outdoor event designed to inspire, challenge, and bring people together through the shared love of hiking.
Hiking buddies from all corners of Ireland will be travelling to the Garden of Ireland for this weekend hiking festival, which organisers hope will become an annual event.
The 'Wicklow Weekender', taking place from Friday, September 5, to Sunday, September 7, is the brainchild of Brian Keogh, a passionate hiker from Dublin with deep Wicklow roots.
A dedicated member of the popular group Hiking Buddies Ireland, Brian wanted to create an unforgettable weekend that would celebrate both the natural beauty of Co Wicklow and the community spirit of hiking.
To make that vision a reality, Brian has assembled a team of six passionate hike leaders from Hiking Buddies Ireland to guide 11 hikes over the three-day weekend. The hikes range in difficulty-from easy strolls to challenging climbs, taking in the highest mountain in Wicklow, Lugnaquilla.
The hike leaders for the weekend include Brian Keogh, Ann Kavanagh, Emer Prendiville, Ann McCabe, Michelle Cahill and Janet Deegan.
'We have always loved these mountains so we wanted others to experience them in a way that's safe, exciting, and welcoming to everyone- no matter your level of experience. Participants must be members of Hiking Buddies Ireland to take part-but joining is simple, even life changing. Hiking Buddies Ireland is not just a group- it's a family,' said Janet
'Founded four years ago by Mairtin Mac Siomoin from Donegal but based in Tipperary, Hiking Buddies was born out of Mairtin's own struggle to find hiking companions. Today, the group has grown to over 16,000 members across Ireland. Together we have tackled trails across the UK, Europe, and even Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro.
'More than just a hiking group, has become a powerful support network, helping people combat isolation, manage health challenges, and building lasting friendships. We've helped each other through Covid and through tough times. We talk about everything and nothing, but we never come down the mountains wishing we'd stayed at home,' added Janet.
Hikes taking place on Friday, September 5, include Djouce in Enniskerry, Church Mt in Hollywood, the orange route in Glendalough and Bray Head for sunset.
Hikes lined up for Saturday, September 5, include Scarr, Derrybawn in Glendalough, Tonlagee and Lough Ouler, the Sugarloaf and Lowbawn. Hikes to Maulin in Enniskerry, Lugnaquilla and Seahan in Tallaght take place on Sunday, September 7.
You must first join Hiking Buddies Ireland on Facebook before you can participate in any of the weekend hikes.
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