Slieve Bloom Mountains
Slieve Bloom Walks (40-Minutes drive from Forum Mountmellick)
The Slieve Bloom Mountain Nature Reserve is Ireland’s largest state-owned Nature Reserve. Established in 1985 and managed to ensure the conservation of the mountain blanket bog ecosystem.
The Nature Reserve is designated a Ramsar Wetland Site and a Council of Europe Biogenetic Reserve. Much of the greater upland area has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with the primary interest of the area is the mountain blanket bog. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are designated a Special Protection Area (SPA), of special conservation interest for the hen harrier, a rare bird of prey.
The Nature Reserve is a great place for hiking, walking, bird-watching or to simply enjoy the stunning scenery. There are three way-marked walks and a viewing platform at the Ridge of Capard. There are also guided nature walks during the summer.
The Slieve Bloom Nature Reserve is a great place to see plants and wildlife associated with the mountain moorland and other upland habitats. Discover more with Slieve Bloom Information leaflet here.
The first group from London to visit and stay at The Forum-Mountmellick starting out on the boardwalk for an enjoyable walk across the top.
The walks are suited to young and old alike with the new Board Walk that covers the top of the mountain at the Ridge of Capard.
Download the Slieve Bloom Walks Brochure 2018 information pack for the Slieve Bloom Nature Reserve which has information on visiting the Nature Reserve plus details on what wildlife can be found. Inside the leaflet there is a map of the Nature Reserve with information on walks with Sat Nav directions to the Boardwalk.
Remember when walking in the mountains, make sure you are aware of the basic necessities and safety precautions, download the Walk Safely – DL leaflet.
Biking
Cycling tours are a great way to explore Laois and the surrounding counties.
The tours are suited to both experienced cyclists who wish to cycle 25-100 miles a day and to the cycling rambler who prefers a local ride.
The local Portlaoise cycling club has established several cycling routes to suit all levels.
Using expertise and local contacts, the Forum can build a tour to suit your specific requirements taking in historic sites, gardens, historic houses or mountain views etc.
You can use the route network to plan your day-by-day itinerary and we are always happy to advise and help with this.
We can provide regional handbooks with details of other recommended accommodations, bike rental outlets, luggage transfer agents and airport transfer agents. Having decided upon your travel dates, you can then make the necessary reservations and arrangements.
Some of the larger towns offer the full range of accommodation from hostels to luxury five star hotels – other smaller towns and villages are often more limited in their options.
As we are centrally located in Laois, using the Forum as a base for your cycling tour removes the hassle of carrying your baggage with you everywhere and will enable you to settle and relax in the evening and maybe visit some local attractions such as the Mountmellick Lace Museum, Tullamore Dew distillery and/or the Kilbeggan Distillery etc.
Dublin is within easy reach either by train or bus where you can visit many other famous sites walking distance from Dublin Euston Station, such as the Guinness Hop House, Kilmainham gaol, National History Museum or just walk around the historic streets.
We welcome members of the UK cycling touring club CTC.
Contact
Address
Patrick Street,
Mountmellick,
County Laois,
Ireland,
R32 KN25
Phone
+353 57 869 7557
