Ireland Way Hike

(For experienced hikers only)

July 15, 2020 • Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland, UK

Hike from County Cork in the south of Ireland to the coastline of County Derry in Northern Ireland…

Visit St. Ruadhan’s Abby, originally founded in 450 AD, with ruins dating from 1000 AD…

Wander the ruins of 16th century Ballinafad Castle at the foot of the Curlew Mountains…

Meander through bogs, over mountains, across meadows, and through ancient Celtic forests…

These are just a few of the attractions on the 620 mile, 45-day (approximately) Ireland Way hike.

Make new friends and enjoy the sites of Ireland on this south-to-north traverse Ireland and Northern Ireland.

NOTE: Because of the major time commitment and complex logistics of this hike, we have established an application and approval process to participate in this hike. This hike is for experienced hikers who can self-fund the cost of their travel to/from Ireland and the expenses that will be incurred during the hike. The application will ask about your hiking experience, international experience, health, and ability to fund your hike. Your must answer all questions. There is a $30 application fee; $25 will be refunded if you are not accepted. There will be a phone interview process to ensure applicants have the necessary experience and have thought through the logistics and financial requirements of a multi-week, international hike.

Fun-raising and Fund-raising Hike

Besides being a fun hike, this is also a fundraising hike. All the money raised will support mental health research and wilderness trail conservation.

It’s fast and easy! When you apply, you will be able to personalize a sponsorship page and share it through email and your favorite social media such as Facebook or Instagram. How does it work?  

Every little bit helps, and there is no minimum to raise – we just ask that you help us spread the word.

Get a Free Hiking Shirt

Our quick-dry shirts look and feel great, on or off the trail.

Every registered hiker who raises at least $100US by June 15, 2020 will receive a HIKE for Mental Health shirt – in a limited edition specifically customized for the Ireland Way – as a token of our appreciation.

Available in men’s or women’s sizes SMALL – XXL.

When you apply, we will ask your size preference. Tom will have your shirt for you at the start of the hike – if you reach $100 by June 15.

So help us raise money and awareness for this great cause.

For a Good Cause

HIKE for Mental Health is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS, and 100% of the hike donations support our mission.

Eighty cents of every dollar funds mental health programs, including break-through scientific research into PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar spectrum disorders, depression and other major mental ilnesses. Through research we can find better ways to alleviate the suffering that affects 1 in 4 American families.

The remaining twenty cents maintains wilderness trails across the U.S. By supporting non-profit, volunteer groups that care for our trails, we help preserve wilderness experiences for generations to come. Where the money goes.

Hike Details

Location:	Ireland and Northern Ireland
Date:	July 15, 2020.
Time:	Exact times and locations with directions provided to approved hikers only. Tom will contact all applicants with specific details.
Distance:	620 miles.
Difficulty level:	Varies from extremely stennuous to easy. The sheer length and day-after-day hiking, however, requires mental and physical stamina.
Suitable for beginners?	No.
Application fee	$30 US, non-refundable.
Sponsorship amount:	The hike goal is $5,000. There is no minimum required to join the hike, but if every hiker raised $350, we would get very close to our goal.
Free shirt:	Hikers who raise $100 or more will receive a free HIKE for Mental Health quick-dry hiking shirt, especially designed for the Ireland Way!
Hike director:	The Ireland Way hike will be led by none other than HIKE for Mental Health co-founder Tom Kennedy. The last time Tom went to Ireland he broke his leg falling off a horse, so please keep him away from any livestock! “I’m excited to fulfill a dream of leading our first European hike for mental health in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and the home of my ancestors.”

Trail Map

Special thanks to Caroline Allen for the use of this map and the photos on this page.

It is also strongly recommended to hike participants to get her guidebook, A Guide to Hiking the Ireland Way.

Every HIKE for Mental Health is an opportunity to:

• get away from the hustle and bustle of work-a-day life and enjoy the beauty of Nature
• renew old friendships and make new ones
• have a great time hiking with a good group of people
• stand up against the stigma of mental illness
• discover your new favorite get-away
• raise money for a great cause

Come on out and join us!

Questions

If you have any questions or ideas, please contact us.

We are glad to talk with you about your hike and how you can help HIKE for Mental Health.

We hope you will make HIKE for Mental Health a part of your hike.

Go to Schedule of Hikes