After a one year absence, the Laois Walks Festival is set to return for its 20th staging

After a one year absence, the Laois Walks Festival is set to return with events throughout July.

The annual walking festival ran for 18 consecutive years before it was up to 2019.

The Covid-19 pandemic postponed the 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions but organisers decided to revive it in 2023.

The festival took place in June rather than July that year but is now back to its original slot – running from July 4 to 27.

With 22 walks to choose from over the four weekends in July, the Laois Walking Festival will take in the enchanting surrounds of Laois.

The festival was launched on Friday last at Newtown Mill, Ballacolla. Chairperson Anne Marie McMahon officiated and was joined by Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming, local TDs, and representatives of the 14 communities from across the county of Laois who will be hosting the walks.

Tickets begin at €10 for a walk, €20 to partake in one weekend session of four walks, and €50 securing your ticket for all 22 walks so you can pick and choose which ones take your fancy.

Registration for walks can be done up to half an hour before a walk commences, and tickets are available through Eventbrite to avoid disappointment.

On Saturday, July 5, there will be a special hike held in conjunction with the Folly Festival, which commences at Cullohill Castle – 600 years since the commencement of its construction in 1425.

Walkers will make their way along country roads around a cluster of low hills above the village of Cullohill, over Cullohill mountain, as well as the Slieve Bloom, Comeragh, Galtee, Blackstairs, Wicklow, Keeper Hill and Slieve na mBan mountains, before returning to Cullohill Castle to the Folly Festival where you can enjoy the artisan food markets including samples from ‘A Taste of Laois’, music and cookery demonstrations.

Walks for the festival are organised by 14 different communities and walking groups in Laois, and graded in A (strenuous), B (difficult) and C (moderate, which are suitable for families) – so there’s something for everyone on the schedule.

Of course, it is an Irish summer so bring rain gear, suitable walking shoes and sufficient snacks and water to sustain you through the walk.

The festival walks are group activities, so organisers ask you to please stay with walk leaders.

Walk routes may vary slightly to those listed due to weather conditions or walker numbers.

And it’s very important to follow the country code of leaving no trace; no dogs allowed on the walks; walk in single file on the right-hand side on open country roads; and respect private property, farmland, wildlife and the rural environment.

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