Slieve Bloom Way
A circular waymarked trail through the Slieve Bloom Mountains, an isolated range of low, ancient hills in Ireland's midlands.
Route overview
The Slieve Bloom Way is one of Ireland's National Waymarked Ways, a circular route through the Slieve Bloom Mountains, a range of quiet, rounded hills straddling the border of counties Laois and Offaly in Ireland's midlands. The trail is maintained under the National Waymarked Ways scheme coordinated by Sport Ireland. Unlike Ireland's better-known coastal or mountain trails, the Slieve Bloom Way passes through blanket bog, forestry plantation and open moorland in one of the country's more overlooked upland areas, offering a quieter alternative for hikers seeking solitude. The route is well waymarked with the standard Irish yellow walking man symbol, and several access points allow it to be walked in shorter sections.
Trail facts
- Country
- Ireland
- Region
- County Laois / County Offaly
- Distance
- c. 70 km
- Typical duration
- 3–4 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- c. 2,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- April–October
- Trail type
- Official waymarked way
Safety context
Open moorland and blanket bog sections can be boggy and disorienting in poor visibility; a map and compass are recommended alongside waymarkers.
Underestimating how disorienting open bog terrain can be in mist is a noted local caution.
Highlights
Slieve Bloom Mountains blanket bog and moorland Quiet, less-visited Irish upland trail Forest and mountain scenery in Ireland's midlands Multiple access points for shorter walks
Why find a buddy
The quiet, occasionally disorienting bog terrain benefits from a companion for navigation and company.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.