The Slieve Bloom Mountains are mountains spanning across County Laois and County Offaly.
Understand
The mountains rise from the central plain of Ireland to a height of 527 metres. While not very high, they are extensive by local standards. The highest points are Arderin (527 m) at the southwestern end of the range and Baunreaghcong (511 m) at the end of the Ridge of Capard.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are predominantly in County Laois although the border with Offaly runs through them. Access to the mountains and the most popular attractions is easiest by following the M7 past Portlaoise to the town of Mountrath which is located at the foot of the mountains. From here it is very easy to follow the mountain road over "the Cut" to Clonaslee a small village nestled in the mountains.Glenbarrow waterfalls are located just a few miles from Clonaslee and there are a many scenic walks to and from the falls. There is a significant population of red grouse in the hills.Glen Monicknew picnic and viewing areas are located on the road from Mountrath to Clonaslee and again there are walks which can be undertaken in the area.The mountains are in the centre of Ireland, south of the Bog of Allen, Banagher and Tullamore, County Offaly, east of the River Shannon and west of Portlaoise,the principal town of County Laois. The western edge of the Slieve Bloom mountains is in the north of County Tipperary, near Roscrea.The Slieve Bloom, along with the Massif Central in France, are the oldest mountains in Europe; they were once also the highest at 3,700m. Weathering has reduced them to 527m. On a clear day, one can see the high points of the four ancient provinces of Ireland.
Get in
The Mountains can be reached from the towns of Clonaslee,Kinnitty,Mountrath and Rosenallis.
Get around
By car, by foot or by bicycle/motorbike.
See
The following are the 10 highest peaks on the Mountain ...
- 1 Arderin. 527 m (1,729 ft)
- 2 Stillbrook Hill. 514 m (1,686 ft)
- 3 Baunreaghcong. 511 m (1,677 ft)
- 4 Wolftrap Mountain. 487 m (1,598 ft)
- 5 Barcam. 484 m (1,588 ft)
- 6 Ridge of Capard. 483 m (1,585 ft)
- 7 Carroll's Hill. 482 m (1,581 ft)
- 8 Farbreague. 430 m (1,411 ft)
- 9 Castleconor. 407 m (1,335 ft)
- 10 Garraunbaun. 406 m (1,332 ft)
Do
- Hill Walking. Walk across the many trails
- Bog Walking.
Trailheads
- 1 Glenbarrow. Walks include a 4km walk along the River Barrow taking in the Glenbarrow Waterfall and the 10km Old Mill Loop
- 2 Kinnitty. WAlks include a 4km loop through Kinnitty forest passing Kinnitty Castle and the 8km Glinsk Castle loop
- 3 Cadamstown. Walks include the 7km Silver River nature trail, the 8km Paul's Lane Loop and the 14km Giants Grave loop
- 4 Clonaslee. Walks include the 8km Brittas Loop and the 6km Ricket's Rock Loop
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Kinnitty Castle, Kinnitty, ☏ 353 57 9137318, ✉[email protected]. Castle dating from the 13th century at the Slieve Bloom trailhead at Kinnitty
- 2 Ardmore Country House, The Walk, Kinnitty, ☏ 353 57 9137009, ✉[email protected].