Full listing: Get the walking boots ready for an amazing Laois Walks Festival
It’s time to get your boots and start walking all over Laois, with a plethora of guided walks on offer this June for the annual Laois Walks Festival.
The festival runs from Friday, June 19 until Sunday, June 28 across the county.
There are 15 walks to choose from, in varying levels for people of all fitnesses. Adults €5 and children go free.
It even has its own launch party, taking place in the shadow of Timahoe Round Tower, in Timahoe Heritage Centre, this Friday June 5 at 7.30pm to 9.30pm. With treats, refreshments, and music to enjoy on the evening, it is the perfect start to encourage everyone to get out, connect, and experience the benefits of nature and movement.
June 20: For the first walk of the festival meet on Friday June 20 at Grantstown Lake carpark for a choice of leisurely guided walks of 4km, 6.5km or 8.5km in woods, quiet country roads and footpaths, and view the Crannog on the lake and Grantstown Castle. This walk is on relatively flat terrain but is challenging for buggies and wheelchairs. Guides will have interesting facts on the history of the area.
June 20: Carrigmeal Woods, Saturday, June 20 from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Choose from two fantastic walks starting at the same time; a 2km family-friendly nature walk with children’s activities, or a 6km scenic woodland walk for more active walkers.
June 21: Derryounce Trail. This Grade C 5km walk is from Portarlington to Derryounce Bog Lake and back on a trail through woodland. It is easy, flat and suitable for all. Children welcome. Refreshments afterwards at the car parking area. Meet at 6.30pm, starts at 7pm.
June 21: The Little Derry in Errill is a small island of untouched woodland, surrounded by bog, in the townland of Monamonra (Moin na Monrach). Located approx. 2.0 km from the public road between Errill village and Lisduff. The Little Derry is 500m from the Tipperary border and bounded by Castle Fleming Heath. Meet at Dowling’s Errill at 10.30pm, starts 11am.
June 22: Emo Court Pole & Stroll. A fun 2-hour workshop led by Frank Fahey (Fizzical) exploring the benefits of using walking poles – particularly Activator Poles and Nordic Poles. Demonstration of the two different techniques and opportunity to ‘test-drive’ both. Poles supplied but numbers limited. The lakeside walk at Emo Court offers a peaceful, flat loop through mature woodland and open parkland. Grade C 5km, meet at Emo Court lower carpark at 10.30am, walk from 11am to 1pm.
June 22: Take on a tougher Grade A 7.6km mountain walk in Cullohill. A challenging road hike starting at Cullohill Castle, looping around Cullohill Mountain with breathtaking views. Refreshments at Cullohill castle afterwards. Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Meet 6.30pm, walk from 7pm.
June 23: Dunmore Woods. An invigorating Grade B 10km evening walk through forest paths and woodland trails along the River Erkina, followed by refreshments. Strong walking footwear recommended. Refreshments afterwards. Meet at Castle Durrow, 6.30pm.
June 24: Coopers Walk, Spink. Another Grade A 10km challenging walk traversing the hills of the 16th Century Coopers Hill Estate with spectacular views of Laois, Carlow, Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary. Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Refreshments afterwards. Meet at St Lasarian’s Church, Spink at 6.30pm. Walk from 7pm.
June 25: Visit the ecological wonder of Abbeyleix Bog for a choice of Grade C 3k and 8k walks through the bog and the scenic Killamuck Loop, featuring forest trails, bog paths, and local wildlife insights. Mix of forest paths, quiet lanes, bog paths and ‘bog bridge’. A local wildlife expert will give short talks on the history and ecology of the bog. Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Meet at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel at 6.30pm. Walk from 7pm to 9.30.
June 26: Explore The Great Heath, walking a 5km route around the perimeter. Starting and finishing at The Heath Church, follow the 19th century horse racing track. The terrain is largely flat, and open, with views to the Wicklow mountains and the Rock of Dunamase. A small part of the walk is uneven, so suitable footwear is advised. Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. The walk will include short talks on local history and archaeology. Meet at The Heath church 6.30pm, walk from 7pm to 8pm.
June 27: Visit Heywood for a Saturday morning walk through quiet lanes, forest paths and the grounds of Heywood demesne. A gentle and scenic loop through the iconic Heywood Gardens and the charming village of Ballinakill. Refreshments afterwards at Ballinakill Parochial Hall. Grade C 2km or 6km routes. Meet at the hall at 10.30am. Walk from 11am to 12.30pm.
June 27: Next up on Saturday evening is Brittas Lake Loop Walk. Enjoy a delightful circular walk through mature deciduous woodland on forest tracks alongside the gentle River Clodiagh and Brittas Lake, with plenty of wildlife and wildflowers and interesting historic ruins. The route is mostly flat, though some sections can be uneven underfoot. Meet at Clonaslee trailhead at 6.30pm, walk from 7pm to 9pm. Grade B 6km.
June 28: If you have followed the week, you’ve worked up to the toughest walk, a Grade A 12km in the hilly Oughaval Woods outside Stradbally. Famous for its Mass rock which dates to penal times and also the Book of Leinster. The trails offer views over surrounding countryside. Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Toilet facilities and picnic benches in the car park area. Refreshments afterwards. Meet at Timahoe Community Hall at 2.30pm. Walk from 3pm to 5.30pm.
See more including links to booking ahead, on the Laois Walks Festival page on www.laoistourism.ie