Slieve Bloom MountainsSlieve Bloom Mountains at a Glance
About Slieve Bloom Mountains
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 7° | -1° | 154 mm | overcast | 95% | 6.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | -1° | 119 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 121 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 3° | 93 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 6° | 101 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 90 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 93 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 17° | 13° | 118 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 11° | 122 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 11° | 5° | 151 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 144 mm | overcast | 95% | 5.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 156 mm | overcast | 96% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
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.