Way: Slieve Bloom Way
Trailheads: Glenbarrow, Clonaslee, Cadamstown, Kinnitty, Glenafelly and Monicknew Forest
Services: Available at each trailhead
Distance: Approximately 84km
Time: Approximately 3 days. Each section represents approximately a 4-5 hour walk
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Terrain: No Substantial climbing, but some underfoot conditions
To Suit: Suitable for people of medium level of fitness
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs. Rucksack, fluid, snacks and mobile phone.
The Slieve Bloom Way is a circular route of some 84km, which takes you through the Slieve Bloom Mountains. There are a few rough and rugged sections; however, they rarely rise to high altitude and do not demand great stamina. A number of shorter looped walks (ranging from 1hr to 4hrs) start and finish at each of the trailheads and are more suitable for the occasional walker.
The Slieve Bloom Way is best accessed at one of six key trailheads, which provide information map boards and car parking. These are located reasonably close to other services and facilities, such as shops, accommodation, restaurants and public transport. The trailheads are located as follows:
Start from Rosenallis village on the R422, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. Take the minor road, signposted Glenbarrow, and follow the trailhead signposting. Total distance from Rosenallis is approximately 5km.
Clonaslee village is located on the R422, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. The trailhead is signposted from Clonaslee village and is located approximately 0.2km from the village in the Brittas Lake/ Glenkeen direction.
Cadamstown village is located on the R421, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. The trailhead is located at the car park in the village.
Kinnitty village is located on the R421, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. The trailhead is signposted from the village and is located approximately 2.8km from the village on the R440 in the Mountrath direction.
Kinnitty village is located on the R421, between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr. The trailhead is signposted from Kinnitty village and located approximately 4.6km from the village in the Glenafelly/Old Munster Road direction.
From Kinnitty village, take the road signposted, Glenafelly, and then onto a roadway signposted, Old Munster Road, for Glenafelly Forest carpark.
Clonaslee village is located on the R422, between Mountmellick and Birr. The trailhead is signposted from Clonaslee and is located approximately 12km from the village in the Mountmellick/Mountain Drive direction.
Slieve Bloom Way Downloadable Map
Shannon Region Waymarked Ways Location Map
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903