Slieve Bloom Mountains
Follow a mountain stream into a deep glen, trek through a lush forest, or explore the blanket bog that covers a mountain summit. Anyone who loves the outdoors will enjoy a visit to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, whether on foot, bicycle, horseback or in the comfort of the family car.
The mountains offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see the highest points of each of Ireland’s four provinces. Couple this with the renowned hospitality of the people and the 'craic agus ceol' to be found in the pubs, your Slieve Bloom experience will be unforgettable.
The Slieve Blooms are rich in wildlife. More than 65 bird species have been sighted there, and it is not unusual to glimpse fallow deer or wild goats, not to mention foxes, badgers, hares and stoats.
Three roads cross the mountain top, including the road from Mountrath, County Laois to Kinnity, County Offaly; the Glendine Gap, and the “Cut” above Clonaslee. Other drives are signposted.
There are picnic areas abound along the way. Particularly recommended are Mockinew, which has a nature trail, and Glenbarrow, source of the River Barrow, which features the spectacular Glenbarrow Waterfall.
Walking
For walkers, the newly realigned Slieve Bloom Way offers a circular trail through rolling hills and deep valleys. Smaller looped walks are now developed also which allow the day visitors shorter 3-8 hour walks. The annual Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is popular among local people and visitors alike. And there are regular organised walks if you fancy company on your trek.
The home of traditional arts
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are also the home of storytelling, music, dance and song. The Slieve Blooms Story Telling Festival is a popular annual event. In May and August, the Half Door Set Dancing Club Festival offers a variety of music sessions, dance classes, ceilis and tours.
Travelling the old way
What better way to see the tranquil lanes around the Slieve Blooms than behind your gently plodding horse as you take to the roads in traditional Romany style. Find out more about horse drawn caravan hire
These mountains are one of the oldest ranges in Ireland and rise gently in a heathery wave from the limestone plains that characterise the centre of Ireland. Heather and blanket bog dominate the summit plateau which is incised with many and varied glens, the source of the main attractions to a walker. An older name to these hills is the Sliabh Bladhma, the meaning of which has been lost over time.
Slieve Bloom Sunday Walks
The Slieve Bloom Rural Development Society and the Slieve Bloom Walking Club organise a Programme of Walks on most Sundays from May to September, with local guides to enable you to get the most enjoyment and to benefit from their local knowledge of the terrain and of the Flora and Fauna encountered along the way.
WALKERS PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Registration takes place prior to the start of each walk: 5 euro per person per walk (or yearly membership of 20 euro single, 25 euro family)
Dogs are not allowed
Walkers participate at their own risk
Strong waterproof footwear and protective outdoor clothing is advisable, as is a change of clothes. No denim, as it offers little protection from the weather
Respect your Guide - follow his/her advices and instructions
Grade A & B walks are only for walkers with previous long distance walking experience and you must be properly equipped and have sufficient food and drink to sustain yourself
Programme is subject to change
Further details:-
SLIEVE BLOOM RURAL DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY
Community Centre, Kinnity, Co Offaly, Ireland.
Phone: 0509 37299 Fax: 0509-37351
Contact: Gerry Hanlon Tel: (057) 8624167
e-mail: info@slievebloom.ie
Slieve Bloom Walking Festival, May Bank Holiday 2008 Walking Festival
Follow a mountain stream into a deep glen, trek through a lush forest, or explore the blanket bog that covers a mountain summit. Anyone who loves the outdoors will enjoy a visit to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, whether on foot, bicycle, horseback or in the comfort of the family car.
The mountains offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see the highest points of each of Ireland’s four provinces. Couple this with the renowned hospitality of the people and the 'craic agus ceol' to be found in the pubs, your Slieve Bloom experience will be unforgettable.
What not to miss
The Slieve Blooms are rich in wildlife. More than 65 bird species have been sighted there, and it is not unusual to glimpse fallow deer or wild goats, not to mention foxes, badgers, hares and stoats.
Three roads cross the mountain top, including the road from Mountrath, County Laois to Kinnity, County Offaly; the Glendine Gap, and the “Cut” above Clonaslee. Other drives are signposted.
There are picnic areas abound along the way. Particularly recommended are Mockinew, which has a nature trail, and Glenbarrow, source of the River Barrow, which features the spectacular Glenbarrow Waterfall.
Walking
For walkers, the newly realigned Slieve Bloom Way offers a circular trail through rolling hills and deep valleys. Smaller looped walks are now developed also which allow the day visitors shorter 3-8 hour walks. The annual Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is popular among local people and visitors alike. And there are regular organised walks if you fancy company on your trek.
The home of traditional arts
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are also the home of storytelling, music, dance and song. The Slieve Blooms Story Telling Festival is a popular annual event. In May and August, the Half Door Set Dancing Club Festival offers a variety of music sessions, dance classes, ceilis and tours.
Travelling the old way
What better way to see the tranquil lanes around the Slieve Blooms than behind your gently plodding horse as you take to the roads in traditional Romany style. Find out more about horse drawn caravan hire
These mountains are one of the oldest ranges in Ireland and rise gently in a heathery wave from the limestone plains that characterise the centre of Ireland. Heather and blanket bog dominate the summit plateau which is incised with many and varied glens, the source of the main attractions to a walker. An older name to these hills is the Sliabh Bladhma, the meaning of which has been lost over time.
Slieve Bloom Sunday Walks
The Slieve Bloom Rural Development Society and the Slieve Bloom Walking Club organise a Programme of Walks on most Sundays from May to September, with local guides to enable you to get the most enjoyment and to benefit from their local knowledge of the terrain and of the Flora and Fauna encountered along the way.
WALKERS PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Registration takes place prior to the start of each walk: 5 euro per person per walk (or yearly membership of 20 euro single, 25 euro family)
Dogs are not allowed
Walkers participate at their own risk
Strong waterproof footwear and protective outdoor clothing is advisable, as is a change of clothes. No denim, as it offers little protection from the weather
Respect your Guide - follow his/her advices and instructions
Grade A & B walks are only for walkers with previous long distance walking experience and you must be properly equipped and have sufficient food and drink to sustain yourself
Programme is subject to change
Further details:-
SLIEVE BLOOM RURAL DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY
Community Centre, Kinnity, Co Offaly, Ireland.
Phone: 0509 37299 Fax: 0509-37351
Contact: Gerry Hanlon Tel: (057) 8624167
e-mail: info@slievebloom.ie
Slieve Bloom Walking Festival, May Bank Holiday 2008 Walking Festival
