Maynooth Hillwalking Club was established in 1998 to cater for the hillwalking interests of people in north Kildare and the surrounding areas.
Our Club is affiliated to Mountaineering Ireland and provides members with an opportunity to meet and participate in hillwalks mostly in the Dublin-Wicklow Mountains with occasional trips to the Mournes, Slieve Blooms, Comeraghs and Galtees.
We also organise weekend trips to the other mountain ranges around Ireland and Club trips abroad have included various mountain ranges in Austria,Italy, Germany, France, Poland and Slovakia.
Most Club hikes take place on Sundays with additional hikes organised on Wednesdays throughout the year.
Our Hikes
The Club organises a Quarterly Walks Programme with hikes graded Easy, Moderate and Hard to ensure all members can join walks that suit their ability.
We also provide Introductory Walks to give visitors and potential new members an opportunity to commence their hiking journey and learn more about our Club.
Visitors - A visitor can do two Introductory walks before making a decision on membership.
Membership
We welcome people of all hiking skill levels with a range of trails to explore. Membership is currently open to anyone aged 21 and over.
Club member benefits include:
- Mountaineering Ireland membership
- Discounts in outdoor shops and related retailers
- Mountaineering Ireland insurance
- Access to training schemes and skills workshops
- Irish Mountain Log magazine and monthly e-newsletter
Preparation for Hillwalking
To ensure you have an enjoyable day on the hills the following are recommended:
- Sturdy footwear with good soles and ankle support
- Sufficient clothing to keep warm as temperatures are lower
on higher ground
- Rain jacket and rain trousers
- Hats (for cold or sun), gloves
- Insect repellant,and sun cream
- Food for the day, Hot drink and water
No Jeans or Runners
Hiking Responsibly
Hillwalking individual responsibility means that every person is accountable for their own safety, physical fitness, proper equipment, and environmental impact while out in the mountains.
Our Walk Grades
Easy - On low level walks on paths and trails with good underfoot conditions. Can include short gradual ascents. e.g. Distance 10km, Ascent 250m, Time 3 hours
Moderate - Can be a combination of trails and open mountain, parts will be difficult underfoot, Some short steep or long gradual climbs and suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. e.g. Distance 15km, Ascent 500m, Time 4 to 5 hours
Hard - Usually on open mountain terrain with no clear paths, underfoot can be rough and uneven, routes can include steep climbs and are suitable for walkers used to rough ground and have a high level of fitness. e.g. Distance 18km, Ascent 800m, Time 6+ hours
Club Committee: 2026 To 2027
Chairperson - Bernie Canning
Treasurer - Catherine Reilly
Walks Coordinator - Anne Sheehan Training Officer - Kenny McGarvey
Secretary - Maura Durkin
Member - Frances Kearney
Mountain Skills Training
Club members participate in the following training each year:
- Map and Compass instruction
- Mountain Skills 1 and 2
- First Aid-Remote Emergency Care
- Leader Training days
Contact Us