HIGHEST point of Ireland’s county OFFALY

The highest point in County Offaly is Arderin (Irish: Ard Éireann, meaning “Ireland’s Height”), standing at 527 meters (1,729 feet). Located in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, which straddle the Offaly-Laois border, Arderin is a modest but scenic peak shared as the highest point for both counties. Set within the tranquil and underrated Slieve Bloom range, it offers a rewarding hike with rich natural and cultural appeal.

Geological and Cultural Significance: Arderin is part of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, an ancient range of sandstone and shale formed over 400 million years ago, predating many of Europe’s major mountain systems. The range is characterized by blanket bogs, heather-covered slopes, and deep glens, with Arderin’s summit marked by a small cairn. The name Ard Éireann reflects its historical prominence as a central high point. The Slieve Blooms are steeped in folklore, linked to Fionn MacCumhaill and the Fianna, and feature archaeological sites like ring forts and megalithic tombs. The area’s quiet, rural setting adds to its charm as one of Ireland’s less-visited ranges.
Scenic Beauty: From the summit, hikers enjoy panoramic views over Offaly’s flat bogs and farmlands, the Laois plains, and, on clear days, distant ranges like the Wicklow Mountains or Galtees. The Slieve Blooms’ lush valleys, waterfalls, and forested glens provide a serene backdrop, making Arderin a peaceful escape.

Approaching Arderin

Access Points: Arderin is most commonly approached from the Glenbarrow area in Laois, as it offers the best trailhead, but Offaly hikers can access it via Clonaslee or Kinnitty. The primary starting point is the Glenbarrow Car Park (Grid Ref: N 356 081), off the R422 near Rosenallis, Laois, about 10km from Clonaslee in Offaly. An alternative approach is from The Cut, a high pass on the R440 near Mountrath, or from Kinnitty in Offaly via the Glendine Gap (Grid Ref: S 233 008). Public transport is limited, with the nearest bus routes (e.g., Local Link to Portlaoise or Birr) requiring a drive or taxi to the trailhead. A car is essential.

Trail Options:

Glenbarrow Route: The most popular route is an 8–10km round-trip hike (2.5–4 hours) starting at Glenbarrow Car Park. Hikers follow the Slieve Bloom Way, a 70km looped trail, or shorter forest tracks to the Ridge of Capard, then ascend Arderin’s open moorland slopes. The trail passes the scenic Glenbarrow Waterfalls and crosses boggy terrain to the summit cairn. This moderately challenging route, with some steep and wet sections, is well-marked and suitable for intermediate hikers.
Kinnitty/Glendine Gap Route: A longer 10–12km round-trip hike (4–5 hours) starts near Kinnitty, following forest tracks or the Slieve Bloom Way through Glendine Gap to Arderin’s northern slopes. This route is less defined, crossing boggy moorland, and requires good navigation but offers a quieter approach from Offaly’s side. It’s moderately strenuous due to the distance and terrain.
The Cut Route: A shorter 5–7km round-trip hike (2–3 hours) starts at The Cut, following a gravel track and faint paths up the southern slopes. This steeper route is less marked, requiring navigation across heather and bog, and is best for experienced hikers.
Extended Routes: Hikers can combine Arderin with peaks like Wolftrap Mountain (487m) or Baunreaghcong (509m) along the Slieve Bloom Way, creating a 12–15km loop. These routes demand strong navigation, especially in fog, but offer a full exploration of the range.
Navigation and Preparation: The Glenbarrow route is waymarked via the Slieve Bloom Way, but the summit approach can be boggy and indistinct in poor weather. The Kinnitty and Cut routes are less defined, requiring a map (Ordnance Survey Ireland, Discovery Series Sheet 54), compass, or GPS. Waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, and rain gear are essential due to wet bog and frequent rain. Bring water, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as there are no facilities on the trail. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed to protect livestock and wildlife. Check weather forecasts, as the summit is exposed to wind and fog, and respect private land where trails cross.

Hiking Experience:

The Glenbarrow route offers a varied, scenic hike, starting with forest trails and the picturesque Glenbarrow Waterfalls before climbing to open moorland. The ascent is gradual but includes boggy, steep sections, with the Slieve Bloom Way’s signage aiding navigation. The summit cairn is a clear marker.
The Kinnitty/Glendine Gap route is wilder, with forested paths giving way to open bog and heather. It’s quieter but demands more navigation skill due to faint paths.
The Cut route is shorter and steeper, offering a quicker ascent but requiring care on boggy, unmarked terrain. The summit is a broad, boggy plateau, providing a sense of solitude despite its modest height.
Views and Photography: On clear days, Arderin’s summit offers sweeping views over Offaly’s bogs, including the Bog of Allen, and Laois’s farmlands, with distant mountains like the Wicklows or Galtees visible. The Slieve Blooms’ rolling hills and glens are photogenic, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light enhances the heather’s colors. The Glenbarrow Waterfalls add a striking feature for photography en route.
Wildlife and Nature: The Slieve Blooms are a biodiversity haven, with blanket bogs supporting heather, sphagnum moss, and sundews. Wildlife includes red deer, foxes, and birds like skylarks, hen harriers, and buzzards. The forested glens and streams, like those at Glenbarrow, host ferns and mosses, creating a lush environment. Grazing sheep reflect the area’s pastoral use.
Cultural and Historical Context: The Slieve Blooms are linked to Fianna mythology, with tales of Fionn MacCumhaill hunting in the hills. Nearby, Clonmacnoise (30km away), a 6th-century monastic site, is a UNESCO tentative list site, while Birr Castle in Offaly offers historical gardens and a science museum. The region’s quiet villages, like Kinnitty, preserve traditional Irish culture, with pubs hosting music sessions.
Amenities: Glenbarrow Car Park has basic facilities (parking, information boards) but no toilets or food services. Kinnitty and The Cut lack facilities, so hikers must be self-sufficient. Clonaslee (10km) or Kinnitty (12km) offer small pubs (e.g., Kinnitty’s Slieve Bloom Bar) and shops, while Birr (20km) or Portlaoise (25km) provide cafés, restaurants, and accommodation.
Seasonal Considerations: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer vibrant heather and mild weather (8–15°C / 46–59°F), ideal for hiking. Summer (June–August) is warmest (15–20°C / 59–68°F) but wetter, with boggy trails. Winter (November–March) brings mud and occasional frost, requiring caution. Offaly’s 1,200–1,400 annual sunshine hours allow for clear views, but rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Guided Tours: The Slieve Bloom Walking Club or operators via offaly.ie offer guided hikes, providing insights into the mountains’ ecology, geology, and folklore. These are ideal for navigating less-defined routes or learning about the area’s heritage.
Safety: Theromp The Glenbarrow route is low-risk, but boggy terrain and fog can disorient hikers, especially on the Kinnitty or Cut routes. Inform someone of your plans, avoid hiking alone in poor weather, and check for trail updates, as heavy rain can make paths impassable. Mobile signal is patchy, so offline maps are recommended.
Accessibility: The Glenbarrow route is suitable for intermediate hikers due to its moderate length and terrain. The Kinnitty and Cut routes require more experience. The summit is not wheelchair-accessible due to boggy, uneven ground.

Arderin offers a serene, rewarding hike in County Offaly, showcasing the Slieve Bloom Mountains’ quiet beauty and ecological richness. Its accessible trails, stunning views, and historical context make it a hidden gem for hikers seeking solitude. Nearby attractions like Clonmacnoise and Birr enhance a visit, making Arderin a perfect introduction to Offaly’s rural and cultural heritage. For more details, visit offaly.ie or consult Kieron Gibbons’ Ireland’s County High Points – A Walking Guide.

Highest point in county

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway] – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

County Offaly:

Ireland’s county Offaly is a county of historic depth and natural beauty, with the Clonmacnoise monastic site featuring ancient high crosses and a riverside setting along the Shannon. Tullamore’s historic distillery provides insights into Irish whiskey production, while the Bog of Allen Nature Centre explores the county’s unique peatlands. Other attractions include the Slieve Bloom Mountains’ hiking trails. Offaly is Ireland’s 18th largest county by size (1,998 square km) and ninth smallest by population (83,150). Population peaked at 146,857 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 51,533 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Offaly is Ireland’s 30th most visited (and third least visited) tourist county with around 37,000 international visitors per year.

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