Sperrins Festival
Visit WebsiteSchedule
| Friday 20 March 2026 | 1:30am |
| Saturday 21 March 2026 | 9:00am |
| Sunday 22 March 2026 | 9:00am |
CategoryFestival |
Sperrins Festival (20–22 March 2026) a new three-day celebration of landscape, heritage, and community will take place across Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It aims to strengthen connections between people and place, support sustainable tourism, and provide new opportunities to learn, explore, and celebrate the area’s rich and diverse heritage and culture.
The 2026 festival hub will be based at Gortin Activity Centre, with support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Free transport will be provided to all guided walks and events across Sperrin AONB, helping to make remote sites more accessible while reducing traffic in rural areas. Looking ahead, the festival hub will rotate around the region in future years, to ensure the benefits of the festival are shared across the wider Sperrins area.
The festival features a diverse programme: various levels of guided walks led by leading outdoor activity provider experts Far and Wild. The walks will be complemented by a variety of talks, storytelling, music and crafts and a family fun day suitable for all ages and interests – all delivered at the festival hub across the weekend.
With events designed for a wide range of abilities, participants can explore local history and heritage, wildlife, and community stories through both outdoor and indoor experiences.
For safety and comfort, transport will operate between the festival hub and selected event locations. Most events will proceed in typical spring weather conditions, although severe weather may lead to adjustments or cancellations, with prebooked participants notified in advance. Dogs are not permitted on festival walks.
Fri 20th March:
‘Ancient Languages of Ireland’ is an 8km Moderate Walk from Greencastle Community Centre. It is suitable for all walkers and will visit historic sites such as Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone. Registration is at 1.30pm in Gortin Activity Centre. Walk on minor roads and tracks.
Transport is provided to and from the walk with food and Céilí afterwards at Gortin at 5.30pm.
Sat 21st March:
‘Well You’re Here’ is a 4-5km Easy Walk on plant ecology in Learmount Forest suitable for everyone. The walk will include a forest-mindfulness session and visit to the Stonemason’s Cottage, hosted by local community members. Walk is on forest trails.
‘The Centre of it All’ is a Moderate Walk from Broughderg Community Centre to Davagh Forest, via the Beaghmore Stone alignments. The walk is suitable for people with good general fitness and will examine the significance of the area as the absolute middle of Ulster, and what this has meant down generations. Walk Length 8km on minor roads, open country and forest trails.
‘Giant Steps’ is a 13km Challenging Walk from Sperrins Heritage Centre to Gortin village via Barnes Gap. The walk will look at the effects of changes in climate to land use over generations. Walk is on minor roads, trails and open country. Suitable for walkers will prior walking experience on hillsides and open ground.
Registration of Saturday’s walks are in Gortin Activity Centre at 9am (Challenging Walk) and 10am (Easy & Moderate Walks). Transport is provided to and from walk locations.
Sun 22nd March:
‘The Weeping Glen’ is a 13km Challenging Walk from Dromboughil Community Centre to Moneyneeny, via Banagher Glen. The walk will focus on the human and ecological tales of this rare and special place. Walk is on forest trails and minor roads.
Registration is at 10am in Gortin Activity Centre at 9am. Refreshments are provided after the walk in the Rath Dúbh Centre, Moneyneeny, and transport provided back to Gortin.
Delivered by the Sperrins Partnership, the Sperrins Festival takes place from 20-22 March 2026 and is a celebration of walking, history, environment, culture and heritage within Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For more information about the festival and a programme of events taking place, please keep an eye on social media channels or visit the website Sperrins Partnership Project or email info@sperrinspartnershipproject.com