Carlow walking festThe Carlow Autumn Walking Festival takes place next weekend, October 7th-9th. All levels of walking are catered for, with 20 walks to choose from over Saturday and Sunday.

Each walk will feature experienced local guides, maps of the route, transport (if required) and refreshments at the end.

The cost, including registration, is €10-€20 per person per walk, or €30 for a two-day pass. See carlowtourism.com or call 059-9130411.

Introductory hike

An Óige Hillwalkers Club invites active hillwalkers to a hike in Wicklow tomorrow. The route is the 16.5km Glendalough circuit. Transport is available by private bus (€12) from Burgh Quay, Dublin, at 10am with a second pick-up point at the bus stop before Loughlinstown roundabout. Participants should be properly equipped. See hillwalkersclub.com.

Autumn Gathering

Mountaineering Ireland’s Autumn Gathering takes place on October 14th-16th. Based in Leenane, Co Galway, the weekend begins on the Friday evening, with registration and guest speaker Michael Gibbons.

Saturday’s events will include workshops, a variety of walks and rock climbing. The gathering ends on Sunday with more workshops and talks. See mountaineering.ie or call 01-6251115.

Birdwatching

The People’s College birdwatching course begins again on Wednesday, October 12th. The course, presented by professional bird guide and broadcaster Eric Dempsey, covers all aspects of bird life and includes classroom sessions and field trips. The cost is €70. Call 01-8735879 or see peoplescollege.ie.

Nire valley fest

The Nire Valley Autumn Walking Festival in Co Waterford will be launched next Friday. There are eight guided walks to choose from on the Saturday and Sunday. Routes have been selected to cater for families or experienced hillwalkers. The registration fee is €10 per person, per walk. Dinner is available on Saturday night at €16 per person. See nirevalley.com or call 052-6136134.