The Slieve Bloom Mountains are ideal for those who seek the tranquility of an unspoilt landscape. Located at the crossroads of Ireland they are easily accessible from anywhere in Ireland.
Linking across the borders of Offaly and Laois the Slieve Bloom Mountain range is the source of the many rivers that flow through its glens. These include the Camcor, Delour River, Silver River and the River Barrow. The visitor to the Slieve Blooms will be rewarded by a glimpse of a wild and wonderful landscape which has become a rare commodity in modern times. The mountains are home to sika deer, wild goats, foxes, badgers and is one of the few remaining areas in Ireland where grouse is still a common bird in the summer months.
Much of the higher reaches of the Slieve Blooms are a National Nature reserve of some 2,100 hectares of protected blanket bog which allows the visitor to get up close to nature. The highest point Ard Erin only 527m can be reached from the Gap of Glendine.
Legends of the Slieve Blooms
Kinnitty nestles at the foot of Knocknamann on the western slopes of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Knocknamann is the site where the Festival of Bealtaine was held in pre- Christian times. The Slieve Blooms are steeped in history and folklore, from megalithic times though Ireland’s golden era of Saints and Scholars to more modern history of settlement and conflict of the Ely O’Carroll. According to legend the Slieve Bloom Mountains was home to Fionn Mac Cumhaill where as a child he lived with his mother for the first 7 years of his life. The name Bloom is said to commemorate an ancient Connaught hero Bladhma, who took refuge in the mountains.
Slieve Bloom Outdoor Adventures
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are brimful of outstanding trails that bring you through breathtaking scenery, hidden valleys some 450 million years old, deserted homesteads and open countryside.
Feast on breathtaking views, feel the fresh air on you cheeks, listen to the twittering of the birds and enjoy the freedom of a tranquil location on a wonderful hike, exhilarating mountain bike ride or thrilling horseback adventure. The Slieve Blooms is an extremely peaceful area will amaze with all it has to offer.
Slieve Bloom Looped Walking Trails
There is a vast network of looped walking trails from each of the villages of the Slieve Blooms that will delight and excite every level of walker whether you want a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hill walk. All are designed to explore the beauty and nature of this unspoilt landscape. Meander along walking trails through deep ravines and glens dissected by gentle flowing streams or stroll along the banks of rivers at Kinnitty Cadamstown and Glenbarrow. There is so much to choose from.
Long distance walks The Slieve Bloom Way. The Offaly Way from Cadamstown Special Offers
Day Treks from Glenbarrow to Clonaslee, Clonaslee to Cadamstown, Cadamstown to Kinnitty.
Loop Walks at Glenbarrow near Rosenallis, Clonaslee, Cadamstown, Kinnitty
Eco Trails at Glenbarrow, Cadamstown, Knockbarron, Glenafelly and Gorteennameale.
Wild Life, Wheelchair accessible and Heritage Walks at Lough Boora Parklands just 10k from the Slieve Blooms.
Eco Walks
The Eco walks at the Silver River Cadamstown, Knockbarron wood near Kinnitty and Glenbarrow are opportunities to explore a landscape that is 400 million years old. If you venture further into the upper regions of the mountains you will find a broad plateau above 450m that is dominated by a blanket bog landscape. You can meander along walking routes dissected by streams that flow through deep ravines and glens. The Slieve Bloom Mountain range is the source of the many rivers that flow through its glens. These include the Camcor River, Delour River, Silver River and the River Barrow.
I am a keen walker and at Ardmore Country House I can provide you with walking maps and advise on the best routes to take whether it be the long distance Slieve Bloom Way or some of the shorter loop walks. Check out or offers page for Walking Breaks in the Slieve Blooms.
Customer Reviews
We are delighted to be ranked in the top 10% of hotels worldwide on Trip Advisor and receive the Traveller’s Choice Award 2020
- CorkFergal
Arrived here completely wet, but it was nice and well-organised. Nice breakfast, also very pleasant and decent lady. The building itself is quite well-maintained, with a beautiful virginia creeper all... read more 
8/03/2020kelleyschuler This place is magic! Chris is amazing, knowledgeable and fun. We were only here for one night and wish we had stayed for more. It was clean,... read more
10/23/2019Ms_Jamie_Sz First of all, Chris our hostess was awesome!
She steered us in the right direction for sights we would be interested in and not too far away. The breakfasts are... read more
10/03/2019 - Liam F I stayed here overnight for an adventure race in the village. I had a warm Irish welcome on arrival with a cup of tea and a wee cake. ... read more
8/20/2019michellearty From the start Chris was very welcoming and helpful. She made us tea and rang a local restaurant for us as it was near closing time. There was a sitting... read more
6/12/2021RODBurystEdmunds Just returned to the UK after 4 great nights at Ardmore Court House. The house is beautifully decorated with great rooms and an amazing garden. Chris is a fabulous host... read more
8/11/2019 - Irelandin2019 We were so pleased that we selected Ardmore Country House for our three-night stay. Chris was super helpful during our stay and we found her very friendly, easy-going and a... read more
11/01/20191018heathero This was our fourth and final B & B and by far the best! Chris is the definition of a hostess. She welcomes you into her home and offers you... read more
10/26/2019valentinmetz Our trip in Kinnitty was very fantastic. Chris welcomed us during two weeks. The room was really clean and beautiful. It’s a great opportunity to try mountain bike available in... read more
8/05/2019 - 1018heathero This was our fourth and final B & B and by far the best! Chris is the definition of a hostess. She welcomes you into her home and offers you... read more
10/25/2019Emer M We stayed here for two nights and wished we could have stayed longer. Chris was a fantastic host, offering us tea and homemade scones on arrival. She went above... read more
6/07/2021retiredfa68 Myself and 2 friends stayed 6 days in this lovely home. We were impressed the moment we arrived. Our room was roomy, even with 3 beds, lovely antiques, beds and... read more
9/29/2019 - Dan E We stayed but one night and wished we had had longer. Christina is the ultimate as a warm and welcoming hostess. From welcoming us upon our arrival with tea and... read more
10/27/2019siobhans919 We stayed with Chris at this beautiful guest house . From the moment we arrived we were pleasantly greeted by the hostess who was more than welcoming.
Chris is... read more
6/02/2021kelleyschuler This place is magic! Chris is amazing, knowledgeable and fun. We were only here for one night and wish we had stayed for more. It was clean,... read more
10/23/2019
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