Leap into lovely Laois for Laois Walking Festival

It’s time to lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the beautiful local countryside with the Laois Walking Festival which is making a welcome return to the summer calender after an extended pandemic-enforced hibernation.

With 22 walks to choose from over the four weekends in July, the organisers say the Laois Walking Festival will take in the enchanting surrounds of Laois while fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie that comes with sharing the road (and your box of blister plasters) together.

Festival walks are organised by 14 different communities and walking groups in Laois. They've been graded in A (strenuous), B (difficult) and C (moderate, which are suitable for families). So, according to the event team, there’s something for everyone on the schedule.

As Irish summers can be unpredictable, participants are asked to bring rain gear, suitable walking shoes and sufficient snacks and water to sustain you through the walk. The festival walks are group activities, so organisers also ask you to stay with walk leaders.

Walk routes may vary slightly to those listed due to weather conditions or walker numbers. And it’s very important to follow the country code of leaving no trace; no dogs allowed on the walks; walk in single file on the right-hand side on open country roads; and respect private property, farmland, wildlife and the rural environment.

The festival was launched at Newtown Mill, Ballacolla. Chairperson Anne Marie McMahon officiated and was joined by Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming, local TDs, and representatives of the Laois communities hosting the walks.

"Whether it’s a ramble through history by Newtown Mill and past ancient mass rocks and monasteries or learning how to ‘pole and stroll’ along forest trails and hilly terrain, the Laois Walking Festival has walks organised that cater for all abilities and ages across the county throughout July," said a statement issued to the Leinster Express Laois Live.

MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: Majella Fennelly, Wolfhill Walk leader; John Scanlan (treasurer); John Scully (secretary); James Deegan, Carrigmeal Woodland; Festival chairperson Anne Marie McMahon; Cathal Berry, Portarlington Walks and Marie Burke, Laois Partnership with young Cullohill walkers Lily (7) and Eva (9) Ryan at Newtown Mill, for the launch of the Laois Walks Festival. Photo: Alf Harvey.

On Saturday, July 5, there will be a special hike held in conjunction with the Folly Festival in Cullohill. It commences at Cullohill Castle - 600 years since the commencement of its construction in 1425. Walkers will make their way along country roads around a cluster of low hills above the village of Cullohill, over Cullohill mountain, as well as the Slieve Bloom, Comeragh, Galtee, Blackstairs, Wicklow, Keeper Hill and Slieve na mBan mountains, before returning to Cullohill Castle to the Folly Festival, where you can enjoy the artisan food markets including samples from ‘A Taste of Laois’, music and cookery demonstrations. MORE BELOW LINE UP.

"The Laois Walks Festival 2025 is a wonderful way to reacquaint yourself with the magnificent environs of the Midlands, from the rare flora and fauna of the forests to the lovely lakes, majestic mountains and ruins steeped in history, all the while meeting new people, getting active and walking your way to a healthier you," say the organisers.

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Tickets begin at €10 for one walk with €20 to participate in one weekend session of four walks. A €50 ticket will secure you a place all 22 walks so you can pick and choose which ones take your fancy.

Registration for walks can be done up to half an hour before a walk commences, and tickets are available through Eventbrite to avoid disappointment.