Slieve Bloom Mountains

Rising unexpectedly from the Midland bogs, the Slieve Bloom Mountains are Ireland's oldest hills - 500 million years of geology hidden in the heart of the country. This circular route crosses the range through quiet valleys and scenic passes.

Why This Route?

The Slieve Blooms are Ireland's secret mountains:

• Ancient geology - Oldest hills in Ireland
• Total peace - Few visitors, empty trails
• Scenic passes - Dramatic mountain roads
• Waterfalls - Hidden cascades in wooded glens
• Walking paradise - 70km Slieve Bloom Way

Where to Stay

At just 85 kilometres, this circular drive through Ireland's oldest mountains fits comfortably into a single day from one central base. The route loops between Mountmellick, Kinnitty, and Mountrath, so you never stray far from the Laois lowlands -- Portlaoise or the towns along the foot of the range will have you back on the mountain roads in minutes each morning.

Athlone

While the Slieve Blooms sit in Laois and Offaly, Athlone on the Shannon is the nearest town with a solid spread of hotels and restaurants. It is roughly 45 minutes north of the mountains, making it a practical option if you plan to combine the Slieve Bloom drive with Midlands exploration. From Athlone you can reach Kinnitty or the Glenbarrow trailhead in well under an hour.

The Mountains

The Slieve Blooms rose 500 million years ago - older than the Alps, Pyrenees, or Irish Wicklow Mountains. Erosion has rounded them to a gentle 527m at the highest point (Arderin), but the landscape feels genuinely wild.

The Route

Starting from Portlaoise

The Laois county town has good facilities and motorway access.

Mountmellick

A Quaker-founded town known for embroidery (Mountmellick Work). The heritage trail explains the industrial past.

Clonaslee

A gateway village on the Offaly side:

• Traditional character
• Access to walking trails
• Good pub stop

Cut Pass (Glen of Clodiagh)

A scenic drive through the heart of the mountains:

• Pine forests
• Open moorland
• Viewpoints over the Midlands

Kinnitty

The Offaly gateway village:

• Kinnitty Castle Hotel (now a hotel, worth a look)
• Walks and trails
• Traditional pubs

Cadamstown

A tiny hamlet in the mountains. The "Ridge of Capard" walk starts here.

Glenbarrow

The highlight for many - a wooded glen with:

• Spectacular waterfall
• Easy walking trail
• Quiet picnic spot

Monicknew

Access point for Arderin, the highest point.

Mountrath

Return to Laois via this market town.

Walking Options

Slieve Bloom Way

• Total length: 70km loop
• Time: 3-4 days (or sections)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Full mountain circuit

Glenbarrow Waterfall

• Distance: 4km loop
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Waterfall, forest, river

Ridge of Capard

• Distance: 10km
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Ridge walk, views

Arderin Summit

• Distance: 6km return
• Time: 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Highest point, panorama

Wildlife & Nature

Blanket Bog

The summit areas preserve blanket bog with:

• Sphagnum mosses
• Sundew (carnivorous)
• Bog cotton
• Heathers

Forest Wildlife

• Red squirrels
• Long-eared owls
• Crossbills
• Pine martens (rare sightings)

Practical Tips

1. Roads are quiet - But also narrow in places
2. Mobile signal patchy - Download maps
3. Weather differs - Mountains have their own microclimate
4. Few facilities - Bring food and water
5. Glenbarrow - Can be muddy; wear boots

Before You Drive This Route

At 85km the Slieve Bloom Mountains looks like a 2.5 hours drive on paper. Allow 1 day and you will actually see it. The Irish driving rules and road signs guide covers speed limits, signage and the penalty points system, which is worth ten minutes before you set off. For what a trip like this costs in 2026, from fuel to beds, see the budget guide. Most visitors hire at the airport; our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers deposits, excess and what to check before you drive off the lot. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Laois page, and the Birr & Offaly Bogland pairs naturally with this one.