Join HUGG Walks

We know that grief can feel isolating, especially after losing someone to suicide. That’s why HUGG is 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 two 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

HUGG 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 5^th July – Doneraile Wildlife Park, Cork, 5.3km and between 1-1.30hrs

Meeting point: Car park 10am

Leaving from the car park we pass by the restored water feature before the path rises steadily with Doneraile Court house on our right, the former residence of the St. Leger family. Our walk will take us around the mature perimeter of the park through woodlands and passing by several herds of deer. The walk is graded as easy and there are two very slight inclines just over halfway through the walk which are on the forest path. Good walking shoes or runners are advisable.

Saturday 12^th July – Upper Vartry Reservoir, Wicklow, 6.5km and approximately 1.5hrs

Meeting point: Vartry Trails car park 10.30am

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 that runs through a mostly forested area alongside the reservoir. . Good walking shoes or runners are advisable.

Sunday 3rd August- Doneraile Wildlife Park, Cork, 5.3km and between 1-1.30hrs

Meeting point: Car park 10am

Sunday 9th August- West Pier, Dun Laoghaire, 8.5km and between 2-2.5hrs

Meeting point: Salthill Beach Car Park 10.30am

This is an out and back flat walk from Salthill Beach Car Park, at the back of the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire, along the coast through Blackrock Park to Booterstown Marsh.

Sunday 24th August- Hill of Howth, Dublin 7km and 2.5hrs

Meeting point: Howth Road Car Park 10.30am

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.

After the walk, stick around for a cup of tea or coffee – no rush, no expectations, just good company.

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

For any queries please email walks@HUGG.ie