They expect to welcome over 2000 walkers over the course of the month at 27 locations around the county.
And if you want to get to know Laois then there’s probably no better way of doing it than taking part in the Laois Walks Festival.
Now in its 18th year, the Laois Walks Festival takes in almost every part of the county.
From the Grand Canal in Fisherstown to Moonamondra Bog in Errill, from Fossey Mountain in Timahoe to Rickets Rocks in Clonaslee and practically every beauty spot in between, it takes in bog, road, canal, mountain and woodland.
The walks range in length from 5km to 12km and are graded by difficulty.
Grade A – like the Ridge of Capard in Rosenallis – is strenuous; Grade C – like Grantstown Lake in Ballacolla is – is deemed moderate.
Now in its 17th year, walks take place every day (except Fridays) throughout the month with designated meeting points, starting times and are led by walk leaders.
They adhere to the ‘Countryside Code’ of leaving no trace, walking in single file and respecting private property and the rural environment.
No dogs are allowed. The cost per walk is €3 or you can buy a festival ticket for €30 which covers every walk over the course of the month.
“Walking is the easiest way to get moving, get active and get happy,” says the brochure promoting the event, “and Get Ireland Walking is here to help you get started: we’ve got tips and advice for anybody who wants to start walking to feel better, and we have all the information you need to start a walking group – so you can get fit with friends.”
For further information contact Susan Lawlor, who is the festival co-ordinator, on 087 2574477 or Peter Maher, who is the Rural Recreation Officer in Laois County Council, on 057 8661900 or by emailing info@
The organisers would like to thank the members of the Laois Walks Committee, Community Groups, the Local Development Associations, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the landowners.
Walkers are advised to register 30 minutes prior to the start of each walk and to wear comfortable walking boots/shoes.
They are also encouraged to bring raingear, sufficient food and water for the duration of the walk.
Grade A – Strenuous; Grade B – Difficult; Grade C – Moderate
The full schedule of walks is:
MONDAY, JULY 1
7.30pm – Abbeyleix, Killamuck Bog Family Walk; 8km; Grade B; 2 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 2
7.30pm – Dunmore Wood, Durrow; Dunmore Wood Carpark; 8km; Grade B; 2 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
7.30pm – Fossey Mountain, Timahoe; Meet at the Goose Green, Timahoe; 12km; Grade A; 3.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 4
7.30pm – Emo Court Demesne; Meet at Community Centre in GAA car park; 8km; Grade B; 2 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 6
2.30pm – Rock of Dunamaise/Dysart Wood, Portlaoise; 10km; Grade B; 3 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 7
2.30pm – The Ballagh, Durrow; Meet at St Fintan’s Church Carpark; 10km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
MONDAY, JULY 8
7.30pm – Ricketts Rocks, Clonaslee; Meet at The Heritage Centre, Clonasee; 12km; Grade B; 3 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 9
7.30pm – Ballacolla Family Walk; Meet at Hayes Shop, Ballacolla; 8km; Grade C; 2.5 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
7.30pm – Rossmore, Killeshin; 10km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 11
7.30pm – Cullahill; 10km; Grade A; 2.5 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 13
2.30pm – Ridge of Capard, Rosenallis; 12km; 3.5 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 14
2.30pm – Portarlington Bog Walk; Meet at the Hawthorn Inn; 12km; Grade A; 3 hours
MONDAY, JULY 15
7.30pm – Wolfhill; Meet at church carpark; 10km; Grade B; 2 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 16
7.30pm – Grantstown Lake Ballacolla; 10km; Grade C; 2 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
7.30pm – Spink; Meet at Knock School; 10km; Grade A; 2.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 18
2.30pm – Gattabawn; Meet at Mackey’s Pub, Gattabawn; 10km; Grade A; 3 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 20
2.30pm – Mountrath, Monicknew Mountain Walk; 10km; Grade A; 3-4 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 21
2.30pm – Capponellan Woods, Durrow; 12km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
MONDAY, JULY 22
7.30pm – Luggacurren; Meet at Community Centre; 10km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 23
7.30pm – Grand Canal, Vicarstown; 12km; Grade A; 2.5 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
7.30pm – Ballinakill; Heywood Family Walk; 8km; Grade C; 1.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 25
7.30pm – Ballykilcavan, Stradbally; Grade B; 8km; 2.5 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 27
Errill Bog Walk; 9km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 28
2.30pm – Oakvale Woods, Stradbally; 10km; Grade A; 2.5 hours
MONDAY, JULY 29
7.30pm – The Derries, Ballybrittas; 9km; Grade B; 2 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 30
7.30pm – Mountmellick Family Walk; 7km; Grade C; 1.5 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
7.30pm – Durrow Leafy Loop Walk; Grade A; 12km; 3 hours
SEE ALSO – Laois Walks Festival is officially launched
