Durrow Leafy Loops - Dunmore Woods Loop

Finally got a chance to do this trail last Saturday week. We started in Donoughmore Woods and had a really fabulous hike around this trail with a few added extras as the gentleman leading us had local knowledge. It was really lovely and we were lucky to escape the heavy showers etc on the day. it's a fab part of the world.

The only disappointment we had was that the grass beside the river Nore at one stage was so high that it is was nearly impossible to make out the track. This is quite dangerous as the vegetation on the river bank blends in and if you weren't paying attention you could find yourself in the river. Not sure why this can't be upkept - it would not take a lot to keep it cut. There was also an area that is obviously used as an outdoor drinking area and the empty bottles, cans, rubbish and even an old tent were left around there. It is a realy pity as it is one of the nicest longer trails in the midlands that suits most abilities as there isn't a huge ascent at any stage. We rounded off our 19KM trek with a lovely meal in the Abbeyleix Manor on the way home. Deserves a 5 but not until the riverbanks are better maintained.

What a wonderful trail. Did this in Autumn which put a lovely filter on the whole afternoon. Walking on a soft bed of fallen leaves while taking in the many shades of green, brown, red and yellow. Started the walk at 2pm on a Sunday in November, so i only had time for the shorter of the 2 walks, coming in at just over 9 miles.

I enjoyed the variety, starting with a riverside trek (narrow in places), before leaving the river for a wood and rejoining the river later on. Some road, i'd say 1 potential tricky spot near the end before the final ascent where the trail splits. Most cars had lights on by that point which probably helped, but that wouldnt be a great road to try and cross in daylight on a windy day, as you'd not hear traffic before you saw it coming towards you at 60mph!

Despite that tiny hairy moment, it's still one of my new favourite trails. I will be back in the spring to attempt the longer version. Free parking in Durrow is handy, as is the Copper Kettle to get some hot food at the end!

Walked this loop recently while on a short break in the area. Super walk along lovely riverbanks and through nice woodlands. Very well marked . Suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness level. We will return to do the longer Leafy Loop which will be a bit more challenging .

Walked the route on Monday 8th May in perfect weather and woodlands full of bluebells. Started NW of the town at the car park which leads into the Dunmore Demesne. We had tea and sandwiches in Bowes cafe which were excellent and then headed towards the Castle rejoining the loop back to the car park. Total time was 4.5hours including our lunch stop and the lack of any noticeable ascent made it perfect for my 71 year old father.



Waymarking was generally good apart from the crossing of the N77 at S4182 7641 which could be improved.

Lovely relaxing walk,Very valuable asset to the area

Thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful walk on Saturday, passing through farmland, woodland and riverside . Thanks to Susan Lalor who sent us on our way and met our group again after the walk . A visit to Bowes' Cafe before and after the walk added to the enjoyment !

We did part of the Loop from Durrow Castle Hotel, up the river and veered left, crossing the main road and back around into Durrow. The walk was 2 1/2 hours mostly along forest tracks. We did this walk in "reverse" to how it should be done and the only criticism is that the signage should work for either direction and our route was difficult to figure out. Other than that, this is a super walk.

On Saturday 23 July 2016 a group of 25 members of the Kilmacud Hillwalkers walked the Dunmore Loop Trail. Having travelled to Durrow from Dublin we enjoyed wonderful coffee and scones in Bowes Cafe before setting out on our walk. From the outset, we were impressed with the clarity of the waymarks. As we proceeded we were intrigued by the variety of the unfolding countryside. A magnificent variation of riverside trails, native woodlands and open countryside. We had our lunch break on the banks of the river Nore near to the site of Dunmore House. The Dunmore Woods were particularly fascinating. Onwards then past the ruins of Knockatrina House with a brief stop at the Durrow Brickworks Monument. After the walk we adjourned to the Ashbrook Arms for an evening meal before returning home. The walk was greatly enjoyed by everybody without exception and we resolved to make it an annual event. I would recommend the Dunmore Loop to other walking groups as a great walk and a great day out

We'd a wonderful family walk in Dunmore Woods. Flat, easy walking with beautiful countryside and forest trails. Special thanks to Ann Lanigan from Laois Partnership and to the Gala shop in Durrow for help with maps and advice. A great day out.

A couple of weeks ago myself and a friend walked this particular trail and loved it so much that we did it again today. The nice part about this particular trail is the different types of trails it takes you on. Be it a minor road riverbank or forest it is a great walk for relaxing and letting the world go by. I would highly recommend this walk if you're looking for something not too strenuous. The scenery is great.