The Laois Walks Festival is proving hugely popular once again and it continues at full pace this week with another great programme of walks around the county.
From Wolfhill to Gattabawn, Spink to the Slieve Blooms, there is a range of options for walkers of all abilities.
Tuesday, for example, sees a family walk around the beautiful Grantstown Lake near Ballacolla while on Wednesday, it’s up to hills around Spink and a challenging walk around the Cooper Estate. The views will be worth it, however!
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 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
TUESDAY, JULY 16
Grantstown Family Walk
Quiet roads, laneways, Grantstown lake and countryside views
Meet: Gates of the lake
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
Spink
A challenging walk traversing the hills of the 16th century Cooper Estate with spectacular views of Laois, Carlow, Waterford, Kildare and Tipperary.
Meet: Knock Church, Spink
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 2.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 18
Gattabawn
Stroll along the Gattabawn Loop which uses old farm lanes, open countryside and forest paths.
Meet: Mackey’s Pub, Gattabawn
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 2.5 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 20
Monicknew Mountain Walk, Mountrath
Experience the natural views and beauty of the Slieve Bloom mountains as you ramble along its woodland paths.
Meet: Monicknew recreational carpark
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 3 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 21
Capponnellan Woods, Durrow
Woodland walk through part of the Castle Durrow estate once owned by Lord Ashbrooke.
Meet: Capponellan Woods carpark
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 3 hours
MONDAY, JULY 22
Luggacurren
This walk includes quiet winding country roads with great countryside views.
Meet: Community Centre
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 2.5 hours
SEE ALSO – Your full list of what’s on throughout July on the Laois Walks Festival
