National park · Ireland
Slieve Bloom MountainsSliabh Bladhma
Go for a half-day loop from Glenbarrow or Kinnitty (free, no gate, no ticket); walk the 70 km (43 mi) Slieve Bloom Way only if you have 3 days and a car shuttle; avoid the range on bank-holiday weekends and after heavy rain, when the bog paths turn to mud.Go for a half-day loop from Glenbarrow or Kinnitty (free, no gate, no ticket); walk the 43 mi (70 km) Slieve Bloom Way only if you have 3 days and a car shuttle; avoid the range on bank-holiday weekends and after heavy rain, when the bog paths turn to mud.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
250 km² (97 sq mi)97 sq mi (250 km²)
approximate
Established
1980
Best months
May–Jun, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
At a glance
- Country
- Ireland
- Area
- 250 km² (97 sq mi)97 sq mi (250 km²)
- No single legal boundary: the upland area of the range, roughly 250 km², including the Glenbarrow and Kinnitty nature-reserve sections (check).
- Established
- 1980
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Portlaoise
The Slieve Blooms are a low ridge of old red sandstone and blanket bog on the Laois–Offaly border, rising to 527 m at Arderin. There is no national park, no entrance gate and no fee: the land is a mix of Coillte forest, open heath nature reserve and public lanes, with waymarked loops from four trailheads. Hikes, not mountain climbs, but the range stands alone above the midland plain, so the views from the tops are wide and the weather on them is worse than the forecast for Portlaoise suggests.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteGlenbarrow and Kinnitty uplands are designated nature reserves (check).
Size and age
250 km² (97 sq mi)97 sq mi (250 km²) · national park since 1980
No single legal boundary: the upland area of the range, roughly 250 km², including the Glenbarrow and Kinnitty nature-reserve sections (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Portlaoise.
Why go
- Free access: no gate, no ticket, no booking, open all year.
- Four trailheads (Glenbarrow, Kinnitty, Clonaslee, Cadamstown) with colour-coded loops from 4.5 km (2.8 mi) up.Four trailheads (Glenbarrow, Kinnitty, Clonaslee, Cadamstown) with colour-coded loops from 2.8 mi (4.5 km) up.
- The 70 km (43 mi) Slieve Bloom Way crosses the whole range, usually walked over three days.The 43 mi (70 km) Slieve Bloom Way crosses the whole range, usually walked over three days.
- Glenbarrow Waterfall and the River Barrow walk are a 4.5 km (2.8 mi) outing from the car park.Glenbarrow Waterfall and the River Barrow walk are a 2.8 mi (4.5 km) outing from the car park.
- Mountain-bike trails at Kinnitty and Baunreagh, separate from the walking loops.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanWet, boggy, short daylight; paths churned
- FebWettest ground; cloud often below the tops
- MarDrier spells; still soft underfoot
- AprLonger days; heather starting
- MayDry paths, long light evenings
- JunWarmest, driest; busiest at weekends
- JulFine but showers; midges on still evenings
- AugHeather in bloom; bank-holiday crowds
- SepDry, quiet, clear views
- OctAutumn colour; early dusk
- NovWet and grey; short days
- DecBog and forest tracks sodden; little daylight
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red grouse and upland birds on the open heathMar–Jun · Heather and blanket bog on the tops; keep to paths. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Heather in bloomAug–Sep · The purple cover on the upper slopes. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Deer and foxes in the forestAll year · Most often seen at dusk on forest tracks. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Midges on still, damp eveningsJun–Aug · Worst near the forest and bog; repellent helps. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Dublin
M7 to Exit 15 (Emo) then R422 for Mountmellick and Kinnitty, or Exit 18 then R445 for Mountrath and the south slopes.
1.5 h
Open the page →
From Portlaoise
R445 to Mountrath, then local roads to Glenbarrow; or Route 823 bus towards Birr, stopping at Clonaslee, Cadamstown and Kinnitty.
30–45 min by car
Open the page →
From Birr
Route 823 bus north-west to Kinnitty, then walk or taxi to the trailhead.
30 min
Open the page →
From Kinnitty village
Signed forest roads to the Kinnitty trailhead and castle walks.
10 min by car
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Glenbarrow | River Barrow valley, waterfall, Old Mill Loop and the Cones. | Open; free car park at the trailhead. |
| Kinnitty and Glenregan | Forest loops past Kinnitty Castle, Glinsk Castle loop and the Glenregan Loop. | Open; forest roads and waymarked loops. |
| Clonaslee and Glendine | Ricket's Rock Loop and the Glendineoregan Loop on the southern side. | Open; village car parks and lanes. |
| Cadamstown and the Silver River | Silver River Eco trail, Paul's Lane Loop and the Giant's Grave loop. | Open; village and forest trailheads. |
| Arderin and Glendine Gap | The highest ground, 527 m, reached by a narrow public lane through the gap. | Open lane; park without blocking gates. |
Sketch map
- 1Glenbarrow trailhead · Gate≈53.123, -7.451Map ↗
- 2Glenbarrow Waterfall · Viewpoint≈53.121, -7.455Map ↗
- 3Kinnitty village · Town≈53.075, -7.700Map ↗
- 4Kinnitty trailhead · Trail≈53.083, -7.680Map ↗
- 5Clonaslee · Town≈53.148, -7.550Map ↗
- 6Cadamstown · Village≈53.130, -7.620Map ↗
- 7Arderin summit · Summit≈53.041, -7.654Map ↗
- 8Glendine Gap · Trail≈53.046, -7.658Map ↗
- 9Baunreaghcong · Summit≈53.083, -7.513Map ↗
- 10Ridge of Capard · Summit≈53.090, -7.490Map ↗
Take the points offline
10 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions from the trailhead villages to the summits, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the mountains and all trailheads | Free | person | No entrance fee and no gate; car parks at the trailheads are free (check). |
| Slieve Bloom Way maps and guidebook | EUR 8–15 (≈ US$10–18) | item | 2026 estimate; buy locally or print the official route notes before you go. |
| Guided walk or navigation course | EUR 20–60 (≈ US$25–70) | person | 2026 estimate; occasional local and Mountaineering Ireland-led events (check). |
| Bus, Portlaoise to Kinnitty or Clonaslee | EUR 3–8 (≈ US$4–10) | person | 2026 estimate; Route 823, about five services a day (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Walking access no permit
Wild camping no permit
Mountain biking no permit
Group or commercial event permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- €8–15≈ US$10–18
- €20–60≈ US$25–70
- €3–8≈ US$4–10
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Slieve Bloom — official visitor information for the Slieve Bloom area before you go.
Park rules
- Fires
- No fires anywhere on the mountains, including wild-camping spots; the ground is peat and heather.
- Litter
- Leave no trace: carry everything out, including food waste.
- Dogs
- Keep dogs on a lead near livestock and on the open heath in the nesting season (check).
- Gates and livestock
- Close every gate behind you; sheep graze the commonage and the lanes.
- Bikes
- Use the marked bike trails only; do not ride the waymarked walking loops.
- Parking
- Use the trailhead car parks; do not block forest or farm entrances on the Glendine Gap lane.
Where to stay
Near the park
Kinnitty village
Guesthouses, a hostel-style option and pubs; closest base to the northern loops.
Near the park
Clonaslee
Small village with B&Bs and a shop, on the southern side.
Near the park
Mountrath
Town on the R445 with more rooms and food, about 20 min from Glenbarrow.
Near the park
Portlaoise
Rail and bus hub with the widest choice of hotels, 30–45 min from the trailheads.
In the park
Wild camping above Kinnitty and Glenbarrow
Tolerated on the upper ground; no facilities, no fires, pack out everything.
Safety
Bog and wet ground medium
Weather changing fast on the tops medium
Getting lost on forest tracks medium
No mobile signal low
Livestock and farm traffic low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Glenbarrow car park and the first stretch of the River Barrow walk are on firm track with a gentle gradient.
- The Kinnitty forest loop uses wide forest road and is the best option for a shorter, less rough walk.
- The open heath, Arderin and the Slieve Bloom Way are rough, boggy and not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on waymarked routes: the heath and blanket bog are fragile and slow to recover.
- Take all rubbish home; there are no bins on the trails.
- Use the Route 823 bus to Clonaslee, Cadamstown or Kinnitty where it fits your plan, rather than driving each day.
- Buy food and fuel in the trailhead villages so the uplands pay their way.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Slieve Bloom Mountains?
Nothing. There is no entrance gate, no ticket and no parking charge at the trailheads. The only costs are getting there, food and any map or guidebook you buy (2026 estimate: €8–15).
What are the best hikes in Slieve Bloom Mountains?
For a short outing, the 4.5 km River Barrow walk to Glenbarrow Waterfall, the 4.5 km Kinnitty forest loop past the castle, or the 7 km Silver River Eco trail at Cadamstown. For a full day, the 10.5 km Old Mill Loop at Glenbarrow or the 11 km Glenregan Loop above Kinnitty. The 70 km Slieve Bloom Way is the three-day crossing.
When is the best time to visit Slieve Bloom Mountains?
May, June and September: dry paths, long daylight and clear views. July and August are fine but busier at weekends. November to February is wet, boggy and dark early, and the higher loops are not much fun.
Do I need a car to visit Slieve Bloom Mountains?
For Glenbarrow and the higher loops, yes. Route 823 runs about five times a day between Portlaoise and Birr and stops at Clonaslee, Cadamstown and Kinnitty, which gets you to the village trailheads without a car (check).
Can I wild camp in the Slieve Blooms?
It is tolerated on the upper ground above Kinnitty (Glenregan) and above Glenbarrow (The Cones). There are no facilities, fires are not allowed, and you must leave no trace. Ask Coillte if you are unsure (check).
Is Slieve Bloom Mountains a national park?
No. It is a mix of Coillte forest, open heath and blanket bog with nature-reserve sections, promoted under the Slieve Bloom tourism umbrella. That is why there is no gate, no fee and no opening hours.
How hard is the Slieve Bloom Way?
It is 70 km end to end, usually walked over three days, on forest track, bog and quiet lanes. It is waymarked yellow but the ground is rough and wet in places, and you need a car shuttle or a lift at the end.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go