The best walks and hikes around The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick
4.5
(160)
1,114
hikers
26
hikes
Hiking around The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick offers diverse trails within County Laois, Ireland. The region is characterized by the ancient Slieve Bloom Mountains, which feature a variety of trails, waterfalls, and a significant blanket bog ecosystem. Hikers can explore hills, forests, and scenic river valleys, with routes catering to different fitness levels. This area is recognized for its unspoiled natural beauty and conservation efforts.
Best hiking trails around The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick
- The most…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
4.7
(30)
121
hikers
8.81km
02:32
220m
220m
Hike the moderate 5.5-mile Glenbarrow Eco Walk in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, featuring waterfalls, woodlands, and panoramic views.
4.0
(6)
36
hikers
4.99km
01:25
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
18
hikers
6.32km
01:42
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
18
hikers
1.76km
00:34
80m
80m
Hike Arderin from Glendine Gap, an easy 1.1-mile trail to the highest point in Laois and Offaly, offering panoramic views.
3.5
(2)
14
hikers
3.86km
01:11
140m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
6.73km
01:56
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
9.19km
02:34
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
14.6km
03:48
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(9)
102
hikers
8.90km
02:29
180m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(9)
71
hikers
12.8km
03:38
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick
Slieve Bloom Way — Experience the Slieve Bloom Mountains
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Tips from the Community
There is a 4 km (2.5 mile) woodland trail here, which heads up through the 100-year-old Sitka spruce plantation and loops around the woods. You can also take a short cut for a 1.5 km (1 mile) loop. The short loop is also much flatter with a better surface.
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Castle Durrow is an 18th century country house, built in the pre-Palladian design. This was a family home until the early 1900's when it became a school. In 1998 the school was converted into the hotel you see today.
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The Leafy Loop is a waymarked walking trail around the woods, fields and riverbanks of Durrow. The trail has purple markers to follow but can get a bit overgrown in the summer and a bit wet underfoot in the winter, still very much worth the walk though. You'll pass heritage sites like the ruins of Dunmore House and the grounds of Castle Durrow and follow sections of rivers Erkina and Nore.
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Curragh Wood contains a set of beautiful trails and Brittas Lake. The forest tracks are well maintained and well marked - just follow the blue arrows and footprint symbols.
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Brittas Lake is a secluded lake in the middle of Curragh Wood. It is a popular spot for picnics and walking given it's tranquil setting. There is a car park so it's an ideal spot to start your walk.
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Clear Lake is a small but beautiful body of water that sits at the end of the Gorteenameale Eco Trail and near the Slieve Bloom summit plateau. Almost perfectly round with nothing near it, it's a tranquil spot to pause and take it all in.
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The summit plateau of Slieve Bloom can be a bit boggy, so good footwear is advised. Follow the trail all the way up to Clear Lake for a magical sight.
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Wonderful views back over Cullahill and a well placed bench to view them from. This is on the Heathy Way loop walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick?
There are over 20 hiking trails in the region, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes explore the ancient Slieve Bloom Mountains, scenic river valleys, and forests, catering to various fitness levels.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, the region offers 11 easy trails. A great option is the Glenbarrow loop via Clamp Hole Waterfall, an easy 5.0 km path featuring the picturesque Clamp Hole Waterfall. Another easy route is Arderin from Glendine Gap, a 1.8 km trail offering views towards Arderin, the highest hill in County Laois.
Can I find trails with waterfalls in the area?
Absolutely. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are known for their waterfalls. The Glenbarrow Eco Walk explores a scenic spot with waterfalls. You can also visit the Clamp Hole Waterfall, which is a feature on several loop walks, including the Glenbarrow loop via Clamp Hole Waterfall.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Many trails in the region are designed as circular routes. For example, the Glenbarrow loop via Clamp Hole Waterfall is a popular circular option. Another is the Stone Terraces by the Stream – Clamp Hole Waterfall loop from Capard ED, which offers a longer circular experience.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while hiking?
The region is characterized by the ancient Slieve Bloom Mountains, one of Europe's oldest ranges. You'll encounter diverse landscapes including mountain blanket bogs, dense forests, and scenic river valleys. The area is also a designated Ramsar Wetland Site and a Special Area of Conservation, highlighting its unique natural beauty.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest along the trails?
Yes, you can explore historical sites. The Glenbarrow Homestead Ruins, located within the forest, offer a glimpse into 19th-century life. You can visit them on the Glenbarrow Homestead Ruins – Lost Village loop from Meelick ED trail.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in this district?
The trails in The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 120 reviews. Hikers often praise the unspoiled natural beauty, the variety of trails, and the scenic waterfalls found within the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Are there any trails that offer panoramic views?
Yes, for panoramic views, consider exploring the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The Ridge of Capard offers stunning vistas across the midlands, and while the Arderin from Glendine Gap trail provides views towards Arderin, the highest peak in County Laois and Offaly.
Is there a particularly challenging hike for experienced hikers?
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Bishops Wood – Knocknatrina Wood loop from Durrow Castle is a difficult 19.3 km route that takes over 5 hours to complete, featuring significant elevation gain.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in this region?
The region's trails can be enjoyed throughout the year, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Be aware that paths can be demanding and potentially wet after rain, especially in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on the trails?
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are home to abundant wildlife. The area is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for the hen harrier, making it a great spot for bird-watching, particularly around the Ridge of Capard.
Are there any trails that are less crowded or considered 'hidden gems'?
While popular spots like Glenbarrow can attract visitors, exploring some of the longer or less-trafficked routes, such as the Lost Village – Glenbarrow Homestead Ruins loop from Capard ED, might offer a quieter experience. The extensive network allows for discovery beyond the most well-known paths.
Most popular routes around The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick
Most popular attractions around The Municipal District of Borris-in-Ossory — Mountmellick
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