The Laois Walks Festival is into its third week and already hundreds of you have taken to routes all over the county.
Durrow, Gattabawn, Fisherstown, Errill and Timahoe were just some of the locations that the Festival visited last week.
And we have a selection of pictures from the walks below.
The Laois Walks Festival adheres 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.
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@
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
SATURDAY, JULY 21
Ridge of Cappard, Rosenallis
Enjoy a walk through Ireland’s state-owned nature reserve as you watch for the Hen Harrier, a rare bird of prey.
Meet: Ridge of Cappard carpark
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Grade A
Length: 3-4 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 22
Mountrath, Monicknew Mountains Walk
Experience the natural views and the beauty of the Slieve Bloom mountains as you ramble along its woodlands paths.
Meet: Mountrath Cattle Mart for 2.15pm
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Grade A
Length: 3-4hours
MONDAY, JULY 23
Ballacolla Family Walk
Starting from the village of Ballacolla, take in the rolling countryside of South Laois along quiet country roads and green lanes.
Meet: Hayes’ Shop, Ballacolla
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 2.5hours
TUESDAY, JULY 24
The Derries, Ballybrittas
This walk through woodland by the lake following gentle forest tracks starting opposite Derries Church.
Meet: Forestry entrance at Derries Wood
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 9 km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 2 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
Cullahill
Stunning panoramic views across several counties, taking
you along old country lanes, forest tracks and open countryside.
Meet: Community Centre
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Grade A
Length: 2-3 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 26
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: 10 km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 2 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 28
Ballykilcavan
Beautiful walk through one of Irelands oldest preserved Heritage woodlands, farm fields, oak avenues, a hidden part of undiscovered Laois.
Meet: Farm Entrance
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 2.5hours
Here are a selection of pictures from around the walks that took place last week:
SEE ALSO – The full list of what’s on in July in the Laois Walks Festival
