The Laois Walks Festival has become synonymous with the month of July and it has attracted huge crowds to various locations around the county over the past couple of weeks.
We’re now into the last 10 days of this wonderful festival but there’s still a great range of walks remaining for all – in every corner of the county.
Tonight there is a 10km walk in Luggacurren, tomorrow it’s the scenic Grand Canal between Fisherstown and Vicarstown with Heywood, Ballykilcavan, Durrow, Oakvale Woods in Stradbally and Monamonra Bog in Errill all set to host walks too.
The organisers 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 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
TUESDAY, JULY 23
Grand Canal, Vicarstown
Walk along the Grand Canal down the Barrow Valley passing moored boats and grain stores to the village of Vicarstown.
Meet: Fisherstown Inn
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 13km
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 3 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
Ballinakill, Heywood Family Walk
This walk starts from the historic gardens and skirts the Masslough, passing the Heywood Estate.
Meet: Heywood Demesne entrance carpark
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 25
Ballykilcavan, Stradbally
Beautiful walk through one of Ireland’s oldest preserved heritage, woodlands, farm fields and oak avenues – a hidden part of undiscovered Laois.
Meet: Farm entrance
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 2.5 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 27
Errill Bog Walk
A lovely walk taking in Monamonra Bog with panoramic views of the Devil’s Bit.
Meet: The Green, Errill
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 9.5km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 2.30pm
SUNDAY, JULY 28
Oakvale Woods, Stradbally
Explore the forest on the Cobbler’s Walk, passing a Mass Rock, limekilns and the gate of Cobbler’s Castle Folly.
Meet: Oakvale Wood Carpark
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 2.5 hours
MONDAY, JULY 29
The Derries, Ballybrittas
This walk through woodland by the lake following gentle forest tracks starting opposite the Derries church
Meet: Derries church
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 9km
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 2 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 30
Mountmellick Family Walk
Enjoy a gentle stroll around quiet roads and streets of Mountmellick suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.
Meet: MDA Museum
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 7km
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.5 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
Durrow Leafy Loop Walk
The Leafy Loop brings you through woodland, farmland and river banks with a delightfully rich abundance of flora and fauna.
Meet: The Square, Durrow
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 3 hours
SEE ALSO – Laois Walks Festival is officially launched
