Slieve Bloom Way

• Glenbarrow Trailhead, Co. Laois & Offaly
• Download Map (PDF)
• Listed in Waymarked Walks

• Distance: 70.5 km/3 days
• Services: Kinnitty, Clonaslee Cadamstown,
• Trail Grade: Strenuous
• To suit: Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground and with a high level of fitness.
• Terrain: Sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough.
• Min. gear: Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required. Also recommended to bring fluid, snacks and mobile.
• Trail maintenance: Contact: hikeit@slievebloom.ie
• Dogs allowed: No

Although their highest point, called Arderin or ‘the height of Ireland’, is at 527 m, the isolated range of the Slieve Bloom Mountains have a presence that belies their height. They stand alone in Ireland’s Central Plain, which means they can be seen for many miles around and the views from their heights are very extensive.

The Slieve Bloom Way is a 70.5 km circuit of the range with a total climb of 1275m. Estimated time to complete trail 3 days. Waymarking consists of frequent marker posts with a motif of a walking figure and a directional arrow in bright yellow.

It crosses high, heathery ridges and dips down into many deep and beautiful glens through which streams flow, hidden landscapes as full of character as they are of stories and legends. The range is heavily forested with modern conifers which lends much of the route good terrain on forestry roads but means long sections have little outlook. Generally terrain consists of forestry tracks, tarmac roads, mostly quiet, and paths beside streams and over open moorland, some of which can be wet and muddy.

Apart from in Kinnitty, there is no accommodation available on the actual route, but there are towns and villages of considerable character strung around the range, some quite close to the route, that provide overnight accommodation – most of whom will pick up/drop off at trail heads by prior arrangement. The total aggregate ascent over the route is 1275m, but there are no significant climbs.

The Slieve Bloom Way is best accessed at one of five key trailheads, which provide information map boards and car parking. These are located reasonably close to other services and facilities, such as shops, accommodation, restaurants and public transport.