For the first time since 2019, the Laois Walks Festival is set to make a return to the calendar this weekend.
The annual walking festival ran for 18 consecutive years before it was last staged in 2019.
The Covid-19 pandemic postponed the 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions but organisers have decided to revive it.
The festival now has a new month and a new format as it is taking place in June rather than July.
It has also been scaled back as there will be no midweek walks and all taking place on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays instead.
Saturday and Sunday walks are at 11.30am while Mondays are 7.30pm – except for the June Bank Holiday walk which will start at 2.30pm.
The first walk begins this Saturday, June 3, in Cullohill (eircode R32T9T2) and continues to Durrow (R32F228) on Sunday and Spink (R32A3HA) on Bank Holiday Monday.
Portarlington, Emo and Ballybrittas are the locations for the second weekend while Monicknew, Ridge of Capard and Clonaslee are up on weekend three.
The festival concludes from June 24 to 26 with trips to Stradbally, Timahoe and Fisherstown.
A spokesperson said: “Laois Walks Festival 2023 will be the 19th instalment of the event and provides an opportunity to explore some of Laois’s walks, stunning views and countryside in the company of local guides during the month of June.
“This year’s calendar features walks to suit the enthusiastic well-equipped walker who relishes challenging walks to the gentle rambler who is out to enjoy a pleasant guided walk.
“All walks will be 8km or greater and graded A or B with a strict no dogs and suitable walking footwear is required.”
SEE ALSO – Check out all of our 2023 Cumann na mBunscol coverage here
