The Slieve Bloom Way

Route description

The Slieve Bloom Way is a circular walking route of 70km. The total climb is 1275m. Estimated time to complete the walk is 3 days or it can be broken down into shorter walks of 4-5 hours long from trailhead to trailhead. The Slieve Bloom Way can be accessed from the trailhead at Kinnitty.  Ardmore Country House Kinnitty a walkers welcome bed and breakfast is the nearest accommodation to the Slieve Bloom Way walking trail.

The route is Waymarked with Black or Brown posts bearing YELLOW arrows and Trekking Man. The route takes the walker on a pleasurable trip through many remarkable glens, outcrops, heathery hills, wonderous waterfalls and lofty summits and the quaint rural villages of Kinnitty Cadamstown and Clonaslee.

Be observant as on occasion you will meet  directional arrows of other colours which are for shorter looped walks which start and and return to one of the trailheads.

The wild and mysterious Slieve Bloom Mountains stretch across the borders of Offaly and Laois. Explore remote hidden valleys and rocks ranging in age from 300 to 450 million years old. Much of the higher reaches of the mountain are designated as a special area of conservation to be preserved as a unique amenity for generations to come. Modest in height the highest point is Arderin (translated as Height of Ireland) at 527 metres. The Slieve Blooms is a very peaceful area and allows the walker to get close to nature with nothing to disturb you but an occasional Hen Harrier or Buzzard

Terrain

The Slieve Bloom Way follows a mix of forest tracks, riverbanks, old roadways, grassy trails, boardwalk and minor roads. There are a few rough and rugged areas, but these rarely rise to high altitude and do not demand great stamina. This Way marked trail is moderate to hard in difficulty and suitable to medium levels of fitness or higher.

Although Sport Ireland web-site tells you the trail starts and finishes at Glenbarrow it can be accessed from  any of the six key trailheads throughout the Slieve Blooms, Kinnitty, Cadamstowm, Clonaslee, Glenbarrow, Capard, Monicknew. The car park at Glenbarrow can get very crowded especially at weekends and can be difficult to get in or out of. Free car par

Directions to Slieve Bloom Way Trailheads

Parking is available at Ardmore Country House Kinnitty for guests walking the Slieve Bloom Way.

Glenbarrow Trail Head Slieve Bloom Way

To get to  Glenbarrow Start from Rosenallis village on the R422, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. Take the minor road, signposted Glenbarrow, and follow the trailhead signposting. Total distance from Rosenallis is approximately 5km.Brittas woods Entrance at Clonaslee Forest  

Clonaslee Trail Head Slieve Bloom

The trailhead is located on the R422, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. The trailhead is signposted from Clonaslee village and is located approximately 0.2km from the village on the road to Brittas Lake.Cadamstown is village is located on the R421, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. The trailhead is located at the car park near Dempsey’s pub in the village.

Kinnitty Forest Slieve Bloom Way trail head

Kinnitty Village is locatedon the R421, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. The trailhead is signposted from the village and is located approximately 2.8km from the village on the R440 towards Mountrath.

Monciknew Forest Car Park The trailhead is signposted from Clonaslee and is located approximately 12 km from the village.

There are car parking facilities at each of these trailheads.

Ardmore Country House is a walkers welcome B&B located in Kinnitty. Guests can avail of free parking for the duration of the walk. The facilities for walkers are great here and include a drying room for your gear. Chris the owner is a keen walker herself and as well as providing you with information on the walks can also provide you with a taxi number to take you to and from the trail head, and a wholesome packed lunch. Dinner can be arranged at the Dungeon Bar in Kinnitty Castle Hotel.