- Slieve Bloom Way (Glenbarrow to Clonaslee: A 12-km moderate section of the 70-km Slieve Bloom Way, starting at Glenbarrow. This 3-4 hour trail winds through the Slieve Bloom Mountains, featuring waterfalls, blanket bogs, and views of the Laois countryside. Suitable for fit walkers, with some steep and boggy sections.
- Glenbarrow Waterfall Trail: A 4-km easy loop in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, starting at Glenbarrow car park. This 1-hour trail follows the River Barrow to the scenic Clamp Hole Waterfall, passing woodlands and peatlands. Family-friendly and accessible, it’s ideal for a short, nature-filled walk.
- Emo Court Parklands Walk: A 5-km easy loop through the 75-hectare Emo Court estate near Portarlington. This 1.5-hour trail explores formal gardens, ancient woodlands, and a lake, with views of the neo-classical mansion. Perfect for families or casual walkers, with accessible paths and picnic areas.
- Durrow Leafy Loop: A 7-km moderate circular trail starting in Durrow, combining riverbanks, woodlands, and the Castle Durrow estate. This 2-hour walk offers views of the River Erkina and lush countryside, suitable for moderate fitness levels, with some uneven terrain.
- Rock of Dunamase Trail: A 2-km easy out-and-back trail near Portlaoise, leading to the Rock of Dunamase ruins. This 45-minute walk climbs gently to a 12th-century castle site, offering panoramic views of the Laois plains. Ideal for all ages and history enthusiasts, with minimal elevation.
- Brittas Lake and Woodland Loop: A 4-km easy loop in Brittas Wood, near Clonaslee, within the Slieve Bloom Mountains. This 1-hour trail circles a serene lake, passing coniferous forests and wildflower meadows. Family-friendly and accessible, it’s great for a peaceful nature walk.
- Monicknew Bridge Trail (Slieve Bloom: A 6-km moderate loop starting at Monicknew Bridge in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. This 1.5-2 hour trail follows forest tracks and open hillsides, offering views of heather-clad slopes and distant lowlands. Suitable for moderate fitness, with some steep inclines.
- Timahoe Heritage Trail: A 3-km easy loop around Timahoe village, featuring a 12th-century round tower and castle ruins. This 1-hour flat walk explores historical sites and quiet countryside, ideal for families or those interested in Ireland’s monastic past, with clear paths and signage.
- Heywood Gardens Walk: A 2-km easy stroll through Heywood Gardens, near Ballinakill. This 45-minute trail showcases formal gardens, a lake, and a unique Lutyens-designed sunken garden. Perfect for a leisurely walk, it’s family-friendly with well-maintained paths and historical charm.
- Rathleague Wood Walk: A 5-km easy loop near Portlaoise, through Rathleague Wood. This 1.5-hour trail features mixed woodlands, wildflowers, and occasional glimpses of wildlife like deer. Suitable for all abilities, it’s a quiet escape with gentle paths and nearby access to Portlaoise amenities.
Walking
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
Laois:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
