After being blessed with glorious weather for its first week, the Laois Walks Festival continues apace this week with another selection of attractive walks around the county.
The festival criss-crosses the county once again with walks in Cullohill, Killeshin, Clonaslee, Ballacolla, Portarlington, Wolfhill and Rosenallis
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.
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 group leader Dominic Hartnett on 087 3130504.
You can also email info@
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
MONDAY, JULY 8
Ricketts Rocks, Clonaslee
A mix of minor roads, sandy roadways and forestry tracks up into the Slieve Blooms passing Rickets Rocks waterfall
Meet: The Heritage Centre
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 12km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 3 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 9
Ballacolla Family Walk
Starting from the village of Ballacolla, take in the rolling countryside of South Laois along quiet country roads and green lanes.
Meet: Hayes’ Shop, Ballacolla
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.5 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
Rossmore, Killeshin
This walk is a must for the wonderful views of the Barrow Valley, Dublin and the Wicklow mountains.
Meet: Oisin Park
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 2.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 11
Cullohill
Stunning panoramic views across several counties, taking you along old country lanes, forest tracks and open countryside
Meet: Community Centre at 7.15pm
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 2.5 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Ridge of Capard, Rosenallis
Enjoy a walk through Ireland’s state-owned nature reserve as you watch for the Hen Harrier, a rare bird of prey.
Meet: Ridge of Capard carpark
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 12km
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 3.5 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 14
Portarlington Bog Walk
The Derryounce walk is a community-owned walk around the picturesque Derryounce Lakes and Bogland.
Meet: Hawthorn Inn
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 12km
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 3 hours
MONDAY, JULY 15
Wolfhill
The ‘hill of the howling wolves’ on the Slieve Margy Ridge offers spectacular views of Slieve Margy and The Swan area.
Meet: Church carpark
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 2 hours
SEE ALSO – Your full list of what’s on throughout July on the Laois Walks Festival
