- River Nore (Durrow): The River Nore flows through the charming town of Durrow in southern Laois, where local swimmers enjoy spots near the town’s bridge or grassy banks for a refreshing dip. The river is part of a scenic corridor popular for kayaking and walking. A peaceful riverside with lush greenery, willows, and views of Durrow’s historic bridge and castle ruins, offering a tranquil, rural setting. Calm, shallow waters (10–15°C) near the banks suit beginners, with deeper sections for confident swimmers. The riverbed can be rocky, so swim shoes are recommended. Currents are generally gentle but can strengthen after rain. No lifeguards, changing rooms, or toilets at the river. Parking is available in Durrow town, with nearby amenities like The Copper Kettle café for post-swim refreshments. Water quality is rated moderate (EPA, 2024), not specifically tested for swimming. Avoid swimming after heavy rain due to runoff risks. Swim with a companion and use a tow float for visibility.
- River Barrow (Portarlington): The River Barrow, flowing along Laois’s eastern border, offers swimming opportunities near Portarlington, where grassy banks and slower currents create accessible spots for locals. The river is also popular for fishing and boating. A serene riverside with verdant banks, occasional herons, and views of Laois’s flat countryside, providing a quiet, natural escape. Gentle flow and shallow areas (10–15°C) are suitable for cautious swimmers, with deeper pools for more experienced ones. Entry is via grassy banks, but the riverbed may be uneven, requiring swim shoes. No lifeguards or dedicated amenities. Parking is available in Portarlington, with cafés like The Railway Bar nearby for warming up post-swim. Water quality is moderate to poor (EPA, 2013–2018), not tested for bathing. Check for currents, especially after rain, and swim with a companion. A tow float is recommended. Laois’s wild swimming spots are not designated bathing areas, so water quality isn’t monitored for swimming. Never swim alone, check for currents (particularly in the Nore and Barrow), and avoid swimming after heavy rain due to runoff risks. Cold water (10–15°C) poses hypothermia risks, so wetsuits, swim shoes, and warm post-swim clothing are essential. Follow Water Safety Ireland guidelines.
As a landlocked county, Laois lacks the coastal or large lake options of counties like Dublin or Fermanagh. The River Nore and River Barrow are the most viable spots, but swimming is less developed here, and information is scarce compared to neighboring Kilkenny or Carlow. Bring a tow float for visibility, especially in rivers with potential boat or fishing activity.
Towns like Durrow and Portarlington offer basic amenities for post-swim comfort. Laois’s wild swimming community is small, with no major organized events like those in Fermanagh (e.g., Lough Erne Swim). Check wildswim.ie or local X groups for community swims or safety tips. Nearby Kilkenny’s River Nore spots (e.g., Thomastown) may offer more established swimming culture. Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect Laois’s rivers and wildlife, such as otters and kingfishers. Avoid littering and disturbing natural habitats.
County Laois:
Ireland’s county Laois offers a serene blend of historic sites and natural landscapes, with the Rock of Dunamase providing panoramic views from its ancient castle ruins. Emo Court’s elegant Georgian mansion and gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide hiking trails through rolling hills. Laois is Ireland’s ninth smallest county by size (1,719 square km) and tenth smallest by population (91,877). Population peaked at 153,930 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 44,595 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Laois is Ireland’s 27th most visited tourist county with around 52,000 international visitors per year.
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Wild swimming
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