Get walking in the Slieve Blooms this weekend
One of Ireland’s oldest walking events, the Slieve Bloom Walking Festival, gets underway over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Over the years the dedicated leaders have taken walkers into the magical unspoilt landscape that is the Slieve Blooms.
This festival is not just a walking festival for the serious walker but a special social event for people to meet, chat and enjoy the outdoors. But don’t take our word for it, come and see for yourself!
Walkers who come along and join for the festival weekend are offered free membership for weekend walks that take place all year round. Many of the walkers who enjoy it so much come back weekend after weekend. It’s a real opportunity to get out and get active, make friends and have fun.
This year there is a choice of seven great walks ranging from easy woodland to more challenging treks in remote wilderness areas of the Slieve Blooms.
The festival gets underway with three walks departing from Kinnitty Community Centre on Saturday, May 5. There is a Grade A 13km walk to Glenafelly & Cumber Hill for experienced walkers, a Grade B 10km moderate walk to Carroll’s Hill, and also an easygoing Grade C 6km Glinsk Castle Walk. Registration for these walks is at 10:15am. There will be an after-walk BBQ in the Slieve Bloom Bar, Kinnitty from 4.30pm and music afterwards from 10pm for €5.
On Sunday, May 6 the walks start from Clonaslee Community Centre.
Registration is at 10.15am. There is a Grade A 10km walk through Two Rivers and Glendineoregan river valley, a Grade B 10km moderate walk from Glenbarrow trailhead and also a Grade C walk around the beautiful Brittas Lake.
Bank Holiday Monday features a Grade B 10km walk to Clashroe Beagh which again departs from Kinnitty Community Centre, but at the later time of 11am.
The fee is €8 per walk (accompanied children are free). Festival weekend Fees of €20 also gives you free membership of The Slieve Bloom Walking Club with whom you can avail of guided walks every Sunday of the year.
For more details please visit www.slievebloom.ie or www.fb.com/slievebloomoutdoors or phone 086 8210056.