Walking the majestic Slieve Blooms
One of the most eagerly anticipated events for walkers in the midlands is the annual Slieve Bloom Walking Festival, which takes place from Saturday to Monday, May 4 to 6 next in the majestic Slieve Bloom mountain range.
This year, the Slieve Bloom Walking Club celebrate their 28th year with a wide variety of walks, with everything from woodland and riverside walks to gentle rolling hills, all led by experienced leaders who will regale walkers with tales of local history, geology and fauna.
All walks organised by the Slieve Bloom Walking Club are graded from A to C. Grade A and B walks are for those who walk on a regular basis and have a reasonable level of fitness, are properly equipped and have sufficient food and drink for the duration of their walk. Walks at both levels are in remote wilderness areas of the Slieve Bloom range accessible only on foot and rarely frequented by hill walkers.
The club have classified the Grade B and C walks for festival weekend as ‘easy to moderate’, while the Grade A walks will be more strenuous and suitable for the more experienced hikers.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker, or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there’s a trail for everyone to enjoy during the walking festival, and the Slieve Bloom Walking Club encourage everyone to come out and support their annual event at a time when the Slieve Blooms will be alive with birdsong and festooned with bluebells.
Festival weekend charge options are €8 per walk or €20 (which includes festival and annual subscription to the Slieve Bloom Walking Club). Families wishing to take out an annual subscription and also participate in the festival will be asked to make a contribution of €30.
As well as walking, the social aspect of the annual Slieve Bloom Walking Festival is also important. This year, Kinnity Castle is the place to meet up with hiking family and friends on Sunday afternoon, May 5, for a meal and get-together. The popular and scenic venue will provide a two-course meal (main course and dessert), followed by tea and coffee for €25, but booking is essential at www.slievebloom.ie
Festival itinerary
Saturday Hikes (May 5), 10.30am-5pm
Saturday Hikes begin at Clonaslee Community Centre. Grade C Bluebell Hike start from Glenbarrow car park. There are grade A, B and C hikes for all levels of fitness.
Sunday Hikes (May 6), 10.30am- 4.30pm
Sunday Hikes begin at Kinnitty Community Centre. There are grade A, B and C hikes for all levels of fitness.
Monday Hikes (May 6), 11am-5pm
Monday Hike begin at Kinnitty Community Centre. One hike on Monday is a 13k for the more experienced.
More details on the three days are available on the Festival Calendar at www.slievebloom.ie
Those wishing to book accommodation and dine out around the Slieve Bloom area can find out more at slievebloom.ie/where-to-stay for a full list of hotels, country houses, bed and breakfast, self-catering, hostels, glamping and camping options.
The website also has a list of places to eat in the Slieve Bloom area.