KEYSTONE TRAILS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL HIKING TRIP
Trekking on the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland
August 9-20, 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 (IAT) 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 before transitioning to Northern Ireland to hike several days on the Causeway Coast section of trail, which includes the Giant's Causeway.
We’ll fly as a group from Washington Dulles (IAD) in the early evening of August 9th and arrive in Belfast the next morning after a brief layover in London Heathrow. We’ll spend our first day exploring Belfast, the capital city and principal port of Northern Ireland.
From Belfast, we’ll travel to Glenties, in County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, where we’ll stay for three nights. From Glenties, we’ll explore sections of the IAT in the Republic of Ireland, returning to Glenties each evening. Hikes during this portion of the trip will range from 7-10 miles.
Once we depart Glenties, we’ll head for the Causeway Coast section of the IAT in Northern Ireland. We’ll spend two nights in the town of Portrush and three nights in Ballycastle. During our stay in Northern Ireland, we’ll be hiking the Causeway Coast, which includes the Giant’s Causeway. Hikes during this portion of the trip will range from 6-9 miles. A rest day is included in the transition day from Glenties to the Causeway Coast.
The trip will wrap up back in Belfast with another half day to explore the city.
Participants must be competent hikers in good physical condition. The hikes range in difficulty from easy to moderately challenging. Hike distances will range from 6-10 miles throughout the trip.
We’ll fly as a group from Washington Dulles (IAD) in the early evening of August 9th and arrive in Belfast the next morning after a brief layover in London Heathrow. We’ll spend our first day exploring Belfast, the capital city and principal port of Northern Ireland.
From Belfast, we’ll travel to Glenties, in County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, where we’ll stay for three nights. From Glenties, we’ll explore sections of the IAT in the Republic of Ireland, returning to Glenties each evening. Hikes during this portion of the trip will range from 7-10 miles.
Once we depart Glenties, we’ll head for the Causeway Coast section of the IAT in Northern Ireland. We’ll spend two nights in the town of Portrush and three nights in Ballycastle. During our stay in Northern Ireland, we’ll be hiking the Causeway Coast, which includes the Giant’s Causeway. Hikes during this portion of the trip will range from 6-9 miles. A rest day is included in the transition day from Glenties to the Causeway Coast.
The trip will wrap up back in Belfast with another half day to explore the city.
Participants must be competent hikers in good physical condition. The hikes range in difficulty from easy to moderately challenging. Hike distances will range from 6-10 miles throughout the trip.
The trip organizer and guide is Julie Queen. Julie is the Appalachian Trail Museum Manager and this will be her second trip to Northern Ireland. She enjoys backpacking/hiking, kayaking, biking, snowboarding, xc skiing, and international and domestic travel. Julie is a lover of board games and craft beer. She is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Master Educator.
This is a fundraising hiking trip with all net proceeds benefitting Keystone Trails Association. You are not required to be a KTA member to register.
This is a fundraising hiking trip with all net proceeds benefitting 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 below.
On March 2nd, 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 people drawn will be asked to submit full applications and deposits (by check only) by April 1st. Those not selected will be notified that they have been added to a waiting list. Final payments will be due by June 10th.
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 below.
On March 2nd, 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 people drawn will be asked to submit full applications and deposits (by check only) by April 1st. Those not selected will be notified that they have been added to a waiting list. Final payments will be due by June 10th.
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 per person double occupancy only.
Cost includes:
Cost includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Belfast, UK on British Airways with a brief layover each way in London Heathrow. Group seating is assigned by the airline. One checked bag and one personal item per person is included.
- Accommodation for all ten nights in modern hotels/inns.
- Transport to and from Dulles provided in a large passenger van from Harrisburg.
- Breakfast daily and lunches on hiking days.
- Guide services by KTA.
- All ground transportation while in the UK/Ireland.
- Luggage transport throughout the trip.
- One year membership in Keystone Trails Association.
- Travel insurance/trip cancellation insurance.
- Personal gear (gear list will be sent to you after you register).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary: lunch on non-hiking days and all dinner meals.
- Parking at Washington Dulles (IAD) if group transportation is not used.
