Slieve Bloom Mountains
Mountains Low mountain range in Leinster, popular for walking
Rolling, low mountains on the Laois-Offaly boundary offer forestry tracks, blanket bog and waymarked trails. Hikers and mountain bikers come for day walks, looped routes and quiet views over pastureland rather than high alpine drama.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are a low, rounded upland range in central Ireland straddling County Laois and County Offaly. The range’s highest point reaches 527 metres.
The area is used for walking, mountain biking and traction through plantations and open heath and bog; trails and forest tracks provide routes of varying length. Scenic viewpoints from the higher ridges offer wide views across the surrounding lowlands and agricultural plain.
Geologically the hills are ancient and have been worn down over long periods; they have long been used for grazing and forestry rather than intensive agriculture. Management today combines commercial forestry with recreational access and conservation of upland habitats.
The range sits in Ireland’s central lowlands, between County Laois and County Offaly, and is reached from nearby county towns and regional roads in the island’s midlands.
- Walking and trails: Offers a network of marked trails and forest tracks suitable for day hikes and shorter circular walks through mixed conifer and bog habitats.
- Elevation: Highest point stands at 527 metres, making the range a modest upland area rather than a high mountain chain.
What to See #
- Arderin (summit): The highest summit in the range, rising to 527 metres and forming the principal viewpoint for the area.
How to Get to Slieve Bloom Mountains #
The Slieve Bloom Mountains straddle counties Laois and Offaly; the usual access points are the small villages of Kinnitty (Offaly), Rosenallis and Mountrath (Laois). From regional towns such as Tullamore or Portlaoise drive on local/regional roads into these villages and park at waymarked trailhead car parks (Glenbarrow, Glen of Aherlow access points are signed from the local road network).
There is limited public transport to the hill villages (local bus services to Mountrath/Kinnitty from larger towns); most visitors arrive by car and reach the main trails within a short walk from village car parks or roadside parking areas.
Tips for Visiting Slieve Bloom Mountains #
- Visit early morning (first light) to catch clearer views across the peatlands and to avoid the busiest times on the popular Glenbarrow trails near Kinnitty.
- Use the Glenbarrow/Kinnitty trailhead on the Offaly side for the best access to waymarked walks and the Glenbarrow waterfall sections; it's the most serviced access point if you need local information.
- Make the short climb to Arderin (the main summit) for the broad 360° upland views that many day-trippers skip - the summit gives a different, more open perspective than the wooded valley trails.
Best Time to Visit Slieve Bloom Mountains #
Best visited late spring to early summer for milder, relatively drier conditions and good walking.
Weather & Climate near Slieve Bloom Mountains #
Slieve Bloom Mountains's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1462 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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