A popular walking trail in Laois has been closed for essential maintenance works.

The Ridge of Capard boardwalk in the Slieve Bloom mountains is temporarily closed to the public.

The two kilometre long boardwalk has deteriorated due to wear and tear and exposure to the elements.

Managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the boardwalk has seen the rate of deterioration 'speed up' recently, according to Laois County Council.

Pictured: The Ridge of Capard boardwalk. Credit: Laois Tourism

"To ensure the continued safety of visitors and to protect the surrounding sensitive habitats, with regret, we must close to undertake the works," Laois County Council said.

"We appreciate that this closure may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely thank you for your understanding and cooperation while these improvements are carried out.

Visitors are asked to respect all signage and barriers in place.

"We will endeavour to complete the works as efficiently as possible and will provide updates regarding reopening in due course," the Council said.

At almost 500 metres above the surrounding countryside, the boardwalk offers Laois locals stunning views into the counties surrounding Laois. On a clear day, walkers on the route can even see the Wicklow mountains visible to the east.

Coillte has reported that the Glenbarrow walkways received over 51,700 visits in 2024.

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The Slieve Bloom Nature Reserve is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. At over 2,300 hectares, it is Ireland’s largest state-owned nature reserve. It was established in 1985 to ensure the conservation of the mountain blanket bog ecosystem. 

In 2025, the Outdoor Recreation Fund granted €152,350 to the Destination Slieve Bloom Signage Strategy to improve the visitor experience and put interpretive signs around the Slieve Bloom Mountains.