The 17th annual Joyce Country Challenge will take place this Saturday, July 18, 2026, offering walkers of all abilities the chance to experience one of Ireland’s most spectacular yet lesser-known hillwalking destinations.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Joyce Country mountains, the event showcases the stunning Maumtrasna plateau and the iconic Devil’s Mother mountain on a circuit around Lough Nafooey. Participants will enjoy panoramic views across the Maamturk Mountains, Mweelrea, Killary Harbour, the Sheeffry Hills and the Western Lakes, making the challenge one of the highlights of the summer walking calendar.
This year’s event features four routes designed to cater for walkers of varying experience levels.
The flagship Challenge Walk (Route A ) is aimed at experienced, fit and self-sufficient hillwalkers. Covering 30km with 1,750 metres of ascent, the demanding route is expected to take between eight and 10 hours. Starting in Finny, walkers will traverse Maumtrasna, the Devil’s Mother, Ail Dubh, Bunacunneen and Ben Beg before returning to Finny via the southern ridge. Organisers have advised participants that the location of the first checkpoint has changed this year. The Challenge Walk is a self-navigation event and will not be led.
Route B, an intermediate guided walk, covers approximately 20km with 750 metres of ascent. Leaving Finny, participants will climb Ben Beg and Bunacunneen before returning along the scenic shoreline path beside Lough Nafooey. The walk is expected to take around seven hours and includes a refreshments stop at Ail Dubh.
For those new to hillwalking, Route C offers an introduction to the activity with a three to four-hour guided walk over the 372-metre hill behind Finny Hall before continuing to Kilbride.
A new addition for 2026 is Route D, a family-friendly 5km road walk through the scenic countryside overlooking Lough Mask and Lough Nafooey. Led by an experienced local guide, the route is suitable for families and casual walkers, with organisers recommending comfortable running shoes.
Start times have also been confirmed. The Challenge Walk will begin between 6.30am and 7.30am. Registration for Route B is from 7am to 8am, with an 8am start. Route C registration runs from 8am to 10am before a 10am departure, while Route D registration is from 10am to 12 noon, with the walk starting at 12 noon.
Entries will be accepted on the day, although organisers are encouraging participants to pre-register by Wednesday, July 15, by emailing their completed entry form and paying online. Cash payments only will be accepted on the day, as no card facilities will be available.
