They expect to welcome over 2000 walkers over the course of the month at 27 locations around the county.
And if you want to get to know Laois then there’s probably no better way of doing it than taking part in the Laois Walks Festival.
It got underway last Sunday in the picturesque Derryounce Lakes and bog land in Portarlington with walks in Emo and Ballinakill this week.
But don’t worry if you’ve missed those – there is plenty more over the next four weeks.
The Laois Walks Festival takes in almost every part of the county.
From the Grand Canal in Fisherstown to Moonamondra Bog in Errill, from Fossey Mountain in Timahoe to Rickets Rocks in Clonaslee and practically every beauty spot in between, it takes in bog, road, canal, mountain and woodland.
The walks range in length from 5km to 14km and are graded by difficulty.
Grade A – like the Ridge of Capard in Rosenallis – is strenuous; Grade C – like Dunmore Wood in Durrow is – is deemed moderate.
Now in its 17th year, walks take place every day (except Fridays) throughout the month with designated meeting points, starting times and are led by walk leaders.
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 €2 or you can buy a festival ticket for €25 which covers every walk over the course of the month.
“Walking is the easiest way to get moving, get active and get happy,” says the brochure promoting the event, “and Get Ireland Walking is here to help you get started: we’ve got tips and advice for anybody who wants to start walking to feel better, and we have all the information you need to start a walking group – so you can get fit with friends.”
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 by emailing info@
The organisers would like to thank the members of the Laois Walks Committee, Community Groups, the Local Development Associations, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the landowners.
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
The full schedule of walks is:
THURSDAY, JULY 5
7.30pm – Abbeyleix, Killamuck Bog Family Walk; 8km; Grade B; 2 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 7
2.30pm – Rock of Dunamaise/Dysart Wood, Portlaoise; 10km; Grade B; 3 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 8
2.30pm – Oakvale Woods, Stradbally; 10km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
MONDAY, JULY 9
7.30pm – Mountmellick Family Walk; 7km; Grade C; 1.5 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 10
7.30pm – Spink; 10km; Grade A; 2.5 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 11
7.30pm – Grantstown; 10km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 12
7.30pm – Rossmore, Killeshin; 10km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 14
2.30pm – Capponellan Woods, Durrow; 10km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 15
2.30pm – Garrabawn; 12km; Grade A; 3 hours
MONDAY, JULY 16
7.30pm – Dunmore Wood, Durrow Family Walk; 6km; Grade C; 1.5 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 17
7.30pm – Grand Canal, Vicarstown; 12km; Grade A; 2.5 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18
7.30pm – Errill; 9km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 19
7.30pm – Fossey Mountain, Timahoe; 14km; Grade A; 3.5 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 21
2.30pm – Ridge of Capard, Rosenallis; 12mk; 3.5 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 22
2.30pm – Mountrath, Monicknew Mountain Walk; 10km; Grade A; 3-4 hours
MONDAY, JULY 23
7.30pm – Ballacolla Family Walk; 8km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 24
7.30pm – The Derries, Ballybrittas; 9km; Grade B; 2.5 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
7.30pm – Cullahill; 10km; Grade A; 2-3 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 27
7.30pm – Wolfhill; Grade B; 10km; 2 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 28
2.30pm – Ballykilcavan, Stradbally; Grade B; 8km; 2.5 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 29
2.30pm – Rickets Rocks, Clonaslee; Grade A; 10km; 2 hours
MONDAY, JULY 30
7.30pm – Portlaoise Togher Wood Family Walk; Grade C; 7km; 1.5 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 31
7.30pm – Durrow Leafy Loop Walk; Grade A; 12km; 3-4 hours
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