Coillte reveals the top three favourite Laois forests for recreation

A new survey has confirmed the top three favourite Coillte forests in Laois as voted by the public.

The three are all in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

First up is The Slieve Blooms Mountain Bike trail, a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads that are designed for use by mountain bikes on a waymarked circular route.

There are three routes to choose from, one of which is blue grade, suitable for beginners and novices while the other two are more challenging red and black grade options. The trails take riders through beautiful forests and open land with fantastic views over Baunreagh Valley and beyond.  

Next up is a woods located in Clonaslee Village.  Brittas is a forest that follows the path of the River Clodiagh through mature stands of Douglas fir. The presence of old buildings and ruins in the area are of considerable cultural significance. The lake’s seclusion and tranquillity make it an ideal location for relaxing picnics.

Brittas forest has one way-marked walking trail and the Slieve Bloom Way can also be accessed from this looped trail. Starting in the car park at the entrance to Brittas Forest in Clonaslee village, the trail is an 8km gentle loop through the forest. 

The forest is part of the Clonaslee St Stephen's Day charity walk in aid of Laois Hospice. Read a full list of such events this Christmas here. 

Finally, with stunning waterfalls and a steep-sided valley, Glenbarrow is one of the most scenic locations across the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

The area is a popular spot for visitors and provides a choice of long and short looped trails, one trail being accessible for buggies. The main trail at Glenbarrow leads past the waterfalls, past old homesteads in Cones and out onto the stunning open mountain Nature Reserve on the Ridge of Capard.  

The trailhead also now has a carpark that has been tripled in size by Laois County Council, while a local café beside the carpark has just added much needed toilet facilities for customers.

Coillte has responsibility for many more popular Laois forests besides the Slieve Blooms, including those at Emo Court, Durrow, Oughaval in Stradbally, Garryhinch and Carrick Woods in Portarlington and Lacka in Mountrath.

The vote is part of a Red C Research survey for the semi-state forestry company.

It also revealed that the vast majority of the public (81%) say Ireland needs to grow more trees to combat climate change, and 86% of survey respondents say forests are important for physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Furthermore 82% believe forests are important for nature and biodiversity, which is central to Coillte’s strategic vision.  

Some 74% agree that having a mix of trees, such as conifers that grow quickly and capture carbon at a high rate, along with broadleaves that provide a long-term store of carbon, is important for climate action.  In terms of tackling climate change 66% are in favour of using Irish wood as an alternative building material to high-carbon materials such as concrete and steel.  

Paul Jordan is Regional Manager for Coillte.

“At Coillte we recognise the importance of nature and forests in supporting our overall wellbeing and it’s encouraging to see that the majority of the Irish public agrees, as revealed in our recent survey. Laois is home to some great Coillte forests including the Slieve Blooms Mountain Bike Trail, Brittas and Glenbarrow and we are reminding people to where possible to take some time this festive season to get out and reconnect with nature.”

Coillte’s forestry strategic vision includes actions aiming to capture approx. 28m tonnes of CO2 from the environment by 2050.   It aims to enable the creation of 100,000 hectares of new forests by 2050, half of which will be native woodlands, thereby enabling the sinking of 18m tonnes of CO2 by 2050.  

Coillte promises to manage its existing forest estate to capture an additional 10m tonnes of CO2 by 2050. 

It plans to produce 25 million m3 of certified Irish timber, to support the construction of 300,000 new homes in Ireland by 2030. It will also promote the use and benefits of wood products to increase the level of timber homes from 20% to 80% by 2050.   

Coillte also intends to enhance and restore biodiversity by increasing the area of the forest estate being managed primarily for nature from 20% to 30% by 2025 and to 50% in the long term.

it plans to use the investment of €100 million to create world class visitor destinations to support growth in tourism and recreation by 2030, and to double the number of recreation areas nationally to 500, to benefit local communities and peoples’ wellbeing.  

Established in 1989, Coillte is responsible for the management of 440,000 hectares of Ireland’s forests, which represents 7% of the country.  Coillte has an open forest policy and welcomes all visitors to its forests according to the principles of Leave No Trace.