The hugely popular Laois Walks Festival gets underway this week with a selection of attractive walks around the county.
From the renowned Rock of Dunamaise to Dunmore Wood in Durrow, Emo Court, Abbeyleix Bog, Fossey Mountain in Timahoe and Rickets Rocks in Clonaslee there is something in almost every corner of Laois.
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 €3 or you can buy a festival ticket for €30 which covers every walk over the course of the month.
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 group leader Dominic Hartnett on 087 3130504.
You can also email 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
MONDAY, JULY 1
Abbeyleix, Killamuck Bog
This Failte Ireland approved loop features old bog tracks and peaceful wooded lanes
Meet: Abbeyleix Manor Hotel car park
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 2 hours
TUESDAY, JULY 2
Dunmore Wood, Durrow
Along woodland paths returning by the banks of the River Nore
Meet: Dunmore Wood car park
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 2 hours
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Fossey Mountain, Timahoe
This demanding walk goes up Fossey Mountain and back into the historic village of Laois
Meet: The Goose Green, Timahoe
Time: 7.30pm
Distance:
Difficulty: Grade A
Length: 3 hours
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Emo Court Demesne
A circuit of Emo Court Demesne (second largest walled park in Europe) passing forest plantations, fields and Emo Court gardens itself
Meet: Community Centre, GAA car park
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 2 hours
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Rock of Dunamaise/Dysart Wood
Take in the wonderful views from the Rock of Dunamaise and stroll along the woodland paths of Dysart Wood.
Meet: 2.30pm
Time: Dysart Wood car park
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 2.5 hours
SUNDAY, JULY 7
The Ballagh, Durrow
Country lanes and roads, with views of Mount Leinster and Blackstairs Mountains. Walk along part of the old Bianconi Coach Road.
Meet: St Fintan’s Church car park
Time: 2.30pm
Distance: 12km
Difficulty: Grade A
Length: 3 hours
MONDAY, JULY 8
Ricketts Rocks, Clonaslee
A mix of minor roads, sandy roadways and forestry tracks up into the Slieve Blooms passing Rickets Rocks waterfall
Meet: The Heritage Centre
Time: 7.30pm
Distance: 12km
Difficulty: Grade B
Length: 3 hours
SEE ALSO – Your full list of what’s on throughout July on the Laois Walks Festival
