Running from July 4 - 27, the Laois Walking Festival returns with 23 scenic walks hosted by 14 communities from across the county.
Whether it's a ramble through history by Newtown Mill or learning how to 'pole and stroll' along forest trails and hilly terrain, the beloved event has guided walks that cater to a wide range of abilities and ages.
We caught up with Chairperson Anne Marie McMahon to find out more.
"The festival ran for 18 years, and then COVID happened," she explains. "There was a natural pause at that point in time, and then it ran again in 2023, but a bit of a stall put on it after that. The whole idea was to relaunch it and revamp it and give it a new energy in 2025."
Putting a call out to communities across Laois, 14 jumped at the chance to host walks in their area, each hoping to showcase their gorgeous slice of the world through 23 walks, each falling into three categories: A (strenuous), B (difficult) and C (moderate, suitable for families).
In total, there are five grade A walks to excite seasoned hikers, four grade B walks for those who like a challenge, and 14 grade C walks for all to enjoy. Tickets begin at €10 for a walk, €20 to partake in one weekend session of four walks, and €50, securing your ticket for all 23 walks.
"The first weekend of the festival coincides with the Folly Festival in Cullohill, where there will be music and artists and food over the weekend," says Anne Marie.
The festival will feature a special hike on Saturday, 5 July, starting at the incredible Cullohill Castle - 600 years on from the commencement of its construction in 1425.
Walkers will make their way along country roads around a cluster of low hills above the village of Cullohill, over Cullohill mountain, as well as the Slieve Bloom, Comeragh, Galtee, Blackstairs, Wicklow, Keeper Hill and Slieve na mBan mountains, before returning to Cullohill Castle for food and entertainment.
"That's a grade A walk around the mountain," she notes, "but later on that day, there's a historical walk that is self-guided."
The easy-to-follow maps have been created by a local group of artistic children so that visitors can enjoy "a real local feel".
Not only that, but Professor Ó Macháin from University College Cork will be in attendance for a presentation, ensuring that history buffs get their fill of information about the historical area before strolling the grounds.
"Every weekend has a unique aspect to it in terms of location and walk," she promises. "There's something for everybody in terms of variety".
It being Ireland, Anne Marie asks that walkers come prepared with SPF, rain gear, suitable walking shoes and sufficient snacks and water to sustain you through the walk.
Most importantly, everyone should follow the country code of leaving no trace; no dogs allowed on the walks; walk in single file on the right-hand side on open country roads; and respect private property, farmland, wildlife and the rural environment.
"It's a great opportunity for people within Laois to explore other areas of Laois, and then for people in surrounding counties to visit; we're an hour and a half from Dublin, an hour and a half from Cork and a half hour from Kilkenny."
"After each walk, there are refreshments like teas and coffees, so there's a nice opportunity to chat with existing friends and to make new friends."
For more information, visit Laois Tourism
