Join HUGG Walks

Reserve your spot today by registering here: https://tinyurl.com/HUGGWalk

We know that grief can feel isolating, especially after losing someone to suicide.  That’s why we are launching HUGG Walks – a welcoming space where you can get outdoors, move at a comfortable pace and connect with others.

Led by experienced walkers with support from HUGG volunteers, these walks bring together the power of nature, gentle exercise, and shared understanding.  Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, you’re welcome to join us. Feel free to bring along a friend or family members.

Why join a HUGG Walk?

  • Being outside can lift your mood and help clear your mind
  • Walking is a great way to ease stress and take care of yourself
  • You’ll be in good company – just a chance to connect naturally

What to wear

All walkers are advised to wear good comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the conditions. Hill walking shoes or boots are strongly advised for Medium and High Walks. Walks out in nature, especially those in the hills can often be mucky and conditions can change quickly, so it’s advisable to bring a change of clothes, carry a water bottle, something to eat and, if walking in cold weather, a hot drink. A small rucksack will usually fit all you need.

Dog Free Zone

Some of the areas we walk through are wildlife protected areas where sheep and deer roam freely and ground nesting birds can be found. To protect the environment and other walkers, we ask that you please refrain from bringing dogs with you.

HUGG Walks – Locations and Dates

Our walks take place as listed below. Walk leaders will go at an easy pace to facilitate everyone on the walk. The aim is to stroll, giving people the time and space to enjoy the scenery and to allow for conversation while walking through nature, should walkers wish to chat.

Saturday 31st January 2026

Howth Tramline Loop, Dublin –  7km and approx 2.5 hours. Departing time 10.30am

Meeting Point / Location: Harbour Road Car Park

Parking availability: There is usually plenty of parking at this car park.

Notes: This a medium grade looped walk over the Hill of Howth. The walk is known as the Howth Tramline Loop. It begins and ends at the Howth Road Car Park. It’s approximately 7 km and 200 metres of ascent and will take about 2.5 hours to complete. Good walking shoes or runners are advisable.

Saturday 28th February 2026

IMMA Loop through Phoenix Park, Dublin – 7.5km and just under 2 hours approx. Departing 10.30 am promptly

Meeting Point / Location: War Memorial Gardens Car park

Parking availability:  Parking is available at the War Memorial Gardens car park: D08 T20W

Notes: This is an easy looped walk starting in the carpark at the War Memorial Gardens. We proceed along the banks of the Liffey to Chapelizod, before going into the Phoenix Park via the side entrance behind the village. From there we’ll walk, either along grass or gravel paths towards the American Ambassador’s Residence, on to the Papal Cross, before heading back towards Islandbridge, passing along the side of the Gunnery. We’ll finish at the Royal Hospital/IMMA.

Sunday 22nd March

Eskamucky Walk, Glengarrif Nature Reserve, West Cork – 2.8km and 1.5 hours approx. Departing 10.30 am promptly

Meeting Point / Location: Ticknock Forest Car Park

Parking availability: There is usually plenty of parking at Glengarriff Woods Car Park

Notes: Leaving the car park we will follow the track north to the public road and cross a stone bridge over the Canrooska River. Soon after, the path climbs up to a series of panoramic and picturesque forest views before descending again to the forest track by a grove of beautiful Eucalyptus trees. Moderately easy walk on forest track or footpath. Good walking shoes or runners are advisable.

Sunday 29th March

3 Rock and Fairy Castle, Dublin – 6.5km and 2 hours approx. Departing 10.30 am promptly

Meeting Point / Location: Ticknock Forest Car Park

Parking availability: There is free parking at Ticknock Forest Car Park

Notes: The route starts and ends at Ticknock Car Park, alongside the Trails Café. This one has a good climb from where we meet to the summit 3Rock and from there to Fairy Castle. On a clear day the views over the city and out across the bay to the Hill of Howth are wonderful. The walk is all on trails so trail shoes or runners are advisable. The route distance is just over 6.5km with an ascent of 290m.

Sunday 26th April

Upper Vartry Reservoir, Co Wicklow – 6.5km and 1.5 hours approx. Departing 10.30 am promptly

Meeting Point / Location: Vartry Trails Car Park. 

Parking availability: There is usually plenty of parking at this car park.

Notes: This is a looped walk around the Upper Section of the Vartry Reservoir, starting and finishing at the Vartry Trails Car Park. It is a flat or low walk through that runs through a mostly forested area alongside the reservoir.

Reserve your spot today by registering here: https://tinyurl.com/HUGGWalk

For any queries please email walks@HUGG.ie