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Slieve Bloom Mountains
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The Slieve Bloom Mountains span the borders of Counties Laois and Offaly in central Ireland and are regarded as some of the oldest mountains in Europe. Formed approximately 400 million years ago from Silurian rock and Devonian sandstone, they predate the Alps significantly. The landscape is characterized by expansive blanket bogs, deep valleys, and dense coniferous forests, which provide a critical habitat for the rare Hen Harrier. The region is renowned for its unspoiled nature and has numerous trails, such as the Slieve Bloom Way, which leads hikers through scenic glens like Glenbarrow. Historically, the mountains served as a natural barrier and a stronghold for local clans during English conquests. Today, they serve as a hub for ecotourism and outdoor activities, with a strong focus on preserving the delicate peatland and forest ecosystems.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Carroll's Hill · Barcam · Knocknaman
- Nearby: Birr (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 92 | 73 | 72 | 65 | 73 | 84 | 92 | 100 | 81 | 100 | 103 | 100 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are easily accessible via a network of scenic roads connecting Laois and Offaly. Several well-marked trailheads are established throughout the area, making it straightforward to begin your journey into the gentle hills.
Best season
The extensive forests and gentle moorlands are accessible year-round, though autumn is particularly beautiful when the woodland foliage turns. Spring and summer provide the driest conditions for tackling the longer ridge walks and enjoying the moorland blooming.
Terrain & paths
You will traverse a blend of wide forestry tracks, paved quiet roads, and softer paths over the open moorland. The mountains are noted for their rolling, rounded nature, presenting fewer steep or craggy challenges compared to other Irish ranges.
What to bring
Comfortable hiking boots are great for most of the designated trails, though waterproof footwear is better for venturing directly onto the moor. Dress in layers to adapt to the shelter of the forest and the exposure of the open plateaus.
Parking
Numerous official car parks are provided at the main entrances to the forest parks and popular trailheads across the range. These facilities are generally well-maintained, but they can fill up quickly during local holidays and sunny weekends.
Safety
While inherently safer than steeper peaks, the dense forests and featureless plateaus can still cause confusion without a clear map. The main risk involves slipping on wet boardwalks or getting unexpectedly chilled when leaving the tree line.
Time needed
Visitors can choose anything from gentle one-hour forest loops suitable for families to extensive long-distance trails traversing the whole range. A typical loop walk taking in a waterfall and some upland views generally requires about two to three hours.
Geography
Facts
- Arderin is the highest point in the Slieve Bloom Mountains at 527 meters.
- The mountains are primarily composed of Devonian Old Red Sandstone.
- The rivers Barrow and Nore both have their sources in these mountains.
- The blanket bog in Slieve Bloom is one of the most intact in Ireland.
- In 1985, a significant portion of the range was designated as a Nature Forest Reserve.
- The Hen Harrier uses the area as one of its most important breeding grounds in Ireland.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Slieve Bloom Mountains (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are the Slieve Bloom Mountains good for hiking?
Yes, there are many marked trails ranging from gentle forest walks to hill treks.
Are there mountain bike trails?
Yes, there is a new network of world-class mountain bike trails in Kinnitty and Baunreagh.
How high are the mountains?
The highest point is Arderin at 527 metres, located on the Laois-Offaly border.
Where is the best place to park?
Popular parking spots are at Glenbarrow Waterfall and Kinnitty village.
Are there guided walks available?
Yes, local walking groups often organize guided tours, especially on weekends.
Slieve Bloom Mountains: where is it located?
Slieve Bloom Mountains is located in Ireland.
Slieve Bloom Mountains: what is there to see?
Highlights include Carroll's Hill, Barcam, Knocknaman.
Slieve Bloom Mountains: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Slieve Bloom Mountains: why is it worth visiting?
The Slieve Bloom Mountains span the borders of Counties Laois and Offaly in central Ireland and are regarded as some of the oldest mountains in Europe.
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