Get into step for the Laois Walking Festival
Majella Fennelly, Wolfhill Walk leader; John Scanlan (treasurer); John Scully (secretary); James Deegan, Carrigmeal Woodland; Festival chairperson Anne Marie McMahon; Cathal Berry, Portarlington Walks and Marie Burke, Laois Partnership with young Cullohill walkers Lily (7) and Eva (9) Ryan at Newtown Mill
IT’S that time of the year again to lace up your boots and take to the highways and byways of the county for the annual Laois Walking Festival.
With a selection of 22 walks over the four weekends in July, the walking festival will take in the surrounds of Laois while fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie that comes with sharing the road.
The festival was launched on Friday 6 June at Newtown Mill in Ballacolla. Chairperson of the walking festival organising committee Anne Marie McMahon was joined by cathaoirleach of Laois County Council cllr Pádraig Fleming, local TDs and representatives from the 14 communities from across Laois, who will be hosting the walks.
Ticket prices begin at €10 for a walk, €20 for one weekend session of four walks and €50 for all 22 walks.
Whether it’s a ramble through history or past ancient Mass rocks and monasteries, or learning how to pole and stroll along forest trails and hilly terrain, the Laois Walking Festival has walks organised that cater for all abilities and ages. Registration for walks can be done up to half an hour before each one begins, with tickets available through Eventbrite as well.
On Saturday 5 July, a special hike will be held in conjunction with the Folly Festival, which begins at Cullohill Castle – 600 years since 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 to the Folly Festival, where they can enjoy the artisan food markets, including samples from ‘A Taste of Laois’, music and cookery demonstrations.
Walks for the festival are organised by 14 different communities and walking groups in Laois and are graded in A (strenuous), B (difficult) and C (moderate, which are suitable for families) – so there’s something for everyone on the schedule.
It being an Irish summer, you are advised to bring raingear, suitable walking shoes and sufficient snacks and water to sustain you through the walk.
The festival walks are group activities. Organisers ask those taking part to please stay with walk leaders. Walk routes may vary slightly to those listed due to weather conditions or walker numbers. And it’s very important to 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.
The Laois Walks Festival 2025 is a wonderful way to reacquaint yourself with the magnificent environs of the midlands, from the rare flora and fauna of the forests to the lovely lakes, majestic mountains and ruins steeped in history, all the while meeting new people, getting active and walking your way to a healthier you.
