KEYSTONE TRAILS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL HIKING TRIP
Trekking on the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland
August 9-20th, 2026
Explore the northern reaches of the Republic of Ireland as well as the Causeway Coast section of Northern Ireland on this KTA international hiking trip fundraiser. The International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland begins in the west in West Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and stretches for 279 miles into Northern Ireland, finishing in Larne in County Antrim. We will explore several sections of trail in the Republic of Ireland near Donegal before transitioning to Northern Ireland to hike several days on the Causeway Coast section of trail, which includes the Giant's Causeway.
The trip includes roundtrip airfare from Dulles (IAD), ten night's lodging, all ground transportation, guided daily hikes, and some meals. Transport to and from Dulles is also provided in a large passenger van from Harrisburg. Luggage transport is included so that participants will never need to carry more than a daypack while hiking. Accommodations are in modern hotels/inns.
Registration by lottery opens February 1st, 2026
The trip includes roundtrip airfare from Dulles (IAD), ten night's lodging, all ground transportation, guided daily hikes, and some meals. Transport to and from Dulles is also provided in a large passenger van from Harrisburg. Luggage transport is included so that participants will never need to carry more than a daypack while hiking. Accommodations are in modern hotels/inns.
Registration by lottery opens February 1st, 2026
Participants must be competent hikers in good physical condition. The hikes range in difficulty from easy to moderately challenging. The hike to the peak of Snowdon will be the most challenging, with approximately 3,000 ft of elevation gain over 4.5 miles. If this seems too challenging, there is an option to reach the peak via a roundtrip train ride or a one-way train ride to the top and a hike back down. All other hikes will be significantly more mild and the Anglesey Coastal Path is relatively flat.
The trip organizer and guide is Julie Queen. Julie is the Appalachian Trail Museum Manager and this will be her fifth trip to Wales. She enjoys backpacking/hiking, kayaking, biking, snowboarding, xc skiing, and international and domestic travel. Julie is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Master Educator. Julie will be assisted by Casey Schneck, Keystone Trails Association Manager of Operations and Merchandising.
This is a fundraising hiking trip with all net proceeds benefiting Keystone Trails Association. You are not required to be a KTA member to register
The trip organizer and guide is Julie Queen. Julie is the Appalachian Trail Museum Manager and this will be her fifth trip to Wales. She enjoys backpacking/hiking, kayaking, biking, snowboarding, xc skiing, and international and domestic travel. Julie is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Master Educator. Julie will be assisted by Casey Schneck, Keystone Trails Association Manager of Operations and Merchandising.
This is a fundraising hiking trip with all net proceeds benefiting Keystone Trails Association. You are not required to be a KTA member to register
How to Apply:
This trip is limited to 12 participants who will be preliminarily selected by a lottery. The trip is double occupancy only. To submit your name for the initial drawing, please complete the interest form at www.kta-hike.org/irelandinterest by March 2nd.
On September 2, we will randomly select 12 forms from the interest submissions. Your roommate (if listed) is automatically included if you are selected. Selected single applicants without a roommate will be matched with another selected single applicant of the same gender, assuming one is available. If not, your spot will be forfeited, and another form drawn.
The selected applicants will be asked to submit full applications and deposits of $1,000/pp (by check only) by Wednesday, April 1st. Those not selected will be notified that they have been added to a waiting list.
Failure to submit applications and/or deposits by the deadline, or a review of an application that finds that a person lacks hiking experience or may be a poor fit for the trip will forfeit that individual’s spot. Any deposit made will be refunded and a substitute name will be drawn from the waiting list.
This trip is limited to 12 participants who will be preliminarily selected by a lottery. The trip is double occupancy only. To submit your name for the initial drawing, please complete the interest form at www.kta-hike.org/irelandinterest by March 2nd.
On September 2, we will randomly select 12 forms from the interest submissions. Your roommate (if listed) is automatically included if you are selected. Selected single applicants without a roommate will be matched with another selected single applicant of the same gender, assuming one is available. If not, your spot will be forfeited, and another form drawn.
The selected applicants will be asked to submit full applications and deposits of $1,000/pp (by check only) by Wednesday, April 1st. Those not selected will be notified that they have been added to a waiting list.
Failure to submit applications and/or deposits by the deadline, or a review of an application that finds that a person lacks hiking experience or may be a poor fit for the trip will forfeit that individual’s spot. Any deposit made will be refunded and a substitute name will be drawn from the waiting list.
Cost: $4,999.00 per person double occupancy only. Cost includes:
Cost includes:
Cost does not include:
Cost includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Dulles IAD to Bermuda.
- Accommodation for ten nights at modern hotels/inns.
- Some meals as outlined in itinerary (coming soon).
- Guide services by KTA.
- All ground transport, including limousine service between Harrisburg and IAD, and luggage transport.
- One year membership in Keystone Trails Association.
Cost does not include:
- Travel insurance/trip cancellation insurance.
- Personal gear (gear list will be sent to you after you register).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
