Slieve Bloom Walking Festival celebrates 30 years with series of walks in Offaly and Laois

THE Slieve Bloom Walking Festival, one of Ireland’s oldest walking festivals, is thirty years running this year.

Over the years the dedicated walk leaders have taken walkers into the magical unspoilt landscape that is the Slieve Blooms.

This festival is not just a walking festival for the serious walker but a special social event for people to meet, chat and enjoy the outdoors. But don’t take our word for it, come and see for yourself.

Walkers who come along and join for the festival weekend are offered free membership for weekend walks that take place all year round. Many of the walkers who enjoy it so much come back weekend after weekend.

It’s a real opportunity to get out and get active, make friends and have fun.

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This year there is a choice of seven great walks ranging from easy woodland to more challenging treks in remote wilderness areas of the Slieve Blooms.

The festival gets under way with three walks departing from Clonaslee Community Centre on Saturday May 2. There is a Grade A 10km walk to Knockastumpa for experienced walkers, a Grade B 8km moderate walk through Brittas Lake and Woodlands, and also an easygoing Grade C 6km walk among the bluebells in Capard Woodlands starting at 11.00am. Registration for A and B walks is at 10:15am and 10.30am for C Walk.

On Sunday May 3 the walks start from Kinnitty Community Centre. There is a Grade A 10km walk along Paul’s Lane and Spink Mountain, a Grade B 8km moderate walk in Kinnitty Woodlands and also a Grade C walk in the beautiful Knockbarron Woodlands. Registration at 10:15am for A and B walks and 12.45for C walk.

Bank Holiday Monday features a Grade A 12km walk on Conlawn Hill which departs from The Deadman’s Inn Ballyfin at 11:00am.

The fee is €8 per walk (accompanied children are free). If you wish to join the Slieve Bloom Walking Club and avail of guided walks every Sunday of the year then annual membership is €20 (single) or €30 (family).

For more details please visit slievebloom.ie or facebook.com/slievebloomoutdoors

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