Volunteers lead thriving walking community in Limerick

WALKING Buddies, a local volunteer-led walking group is collaborating with Regatta Great Outdoors in 2026 to deliver a series of larger community walks open to the public. 

The first event in April reached full capacity very quickly, demonstrating the strong local interest in accessible community activities like this. Additional public walks are now planned for June, August and October.

These walks are free of charge and designed to encourage people of all abilities to get active, meet others and enjoy the benefits of walking in a supportive group environment. Local fitness and wellbeing partners are also contributing short demonstrations and guidance during the walks.

Walking Buddies Limerick has been bringing people together across Limerick for the past number of years through free weekly walks and social connection. 

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It was founded and is led by Eimear Scully, with the support of a small number of volunteer walk leaders who generously give their time each week to help run the group. Walking Buddies welcomes men and women of all ages and fitness levels from across the city and surrounding areas.

Eimear and Mary Flynn completed the Slí na Sláinte Walking Leader Training Course, with the Irish Heart Foundation. Fitness coach Stephen Lappin also offers the group physical activity guidelines and how they relate to walking, a walking program for different fitness levels and advice on issues such as posture, technique, stretching, intensity, clothing, and safety issues.

Every Thursday at 7.30pm, the walking group meet outside Collins Bar, Dooradoyle, for a relaxed 5–6km walk, creating a welcoming social space for both regular members and newcomers. The group has been in operation for over 15 years.

Walking Buddies Limerick originally began as a small local initiative and has grown through support from local organisations, including Collins Bar Dooradoyle, Limerick Sports Partnership and local and social media networks.

The group continues to grow steadily and has become an important support network for many participants, promoting both physical well-being and social connection in the community. In addition to the weekly walks, they also organise longer weekend hikes throughout the year.