Slieve Bloom Way
Please note this trail can be started and finished at the Monicknew, Kinnitty, Cadamstown and Clonaslee trailheads as well as Glenbarrow. There is car parking available at all of these, however the car park at Glenbarrow is heavily used and it can be difficult to find a space here.
Although their highest point, called Arderin or 'the height of Ireland', is at 527 m, the isolated range of the Slieve Bloom Mountains have a presence that belies their height. They stand alone in Ireland's Central Plain, which means they can be seen for many miles around and the views from their heights are very extensive. The Slieve Bloom Way, a 70 km circuit of the range, crosses high, heathery ridges and dips down into many deep and beautiful glens through which streams flow, hidden landscapes as full of character as they are of stories and legends. The range is heavily forested with modern conifers which lends much of the route good terrain on forestry roads but means long sections have little outlook. Generally terrain consists of forestry tracks, tarmac roads, mostly quiet, and paths beside streams and over open moorland, some of which can be wet and muddy. Apart from in Kinnity, there is no accommodation available on the actual route, but there are towns and villages of considerable character strung around the range, some quite close to the route, that provide overnight accommodation. The total aggregate ascent over the route is 1275m, but there are no significant climbs. For more information follow external link to Shannon Region Trails
External Links
Trail Management
Web: www.slievebloom.ie
Facilities
Car parking
At Start/Finish - car park at Glenbarrow
The upgrade work at Clarnahinch / Ballyhuppahane is now completed and the Slieve Bloom Way returned to its original route here. All diversion signage has been removed.
5 kms or 14% of the Way follows local roads. Some soft ground may be encountered on parts of this route.
***Dogs not permitted on any section which crosses private farmland.***
Map Guides
Map Guide for Slieve Bloom Way & Offaly Way - Laois Offaly Walking Partnership / Slieve Bloom Way Map - EastWest Mapping
OSI Maps
Public Transportation
At Start: None.At End: None
Franz from France
Grounds are really varied and road / path / ascent / descent are well-balanced. I've seen deers everydays. Now, I know what is a loand of bog ! Thanks to all the Laois Offaly Walking Partnership and specially Ann for her help and for the good work they've done !
(Sorry for my English... I'm just a French guy)
Heather from Dublin
If I was to do it again I would do it over two and a half days we walked too long on the first day and were so happy to see Donnchas car waiting for us. He was fantastic and I would highly recommend him. Ciaran from Slieve Bloom Bar was waiting for us with a beautiful stew and looked after us so well on Saturday nite. We had a lovely brekkie on Sunday and he made us lovely sandwiches for our walk. We could have not asked for a better trip. Thanks a mill to all involved especially Ann Lanigan who was a great help with organising the trip and next time you all come up to Dublin I hope we will be as welcoming. x