Slieve Bloom Hills

Slieve Bloom Mountain Hike

Away from the more popular tourist spots, a guided hike in the Slieve Bloom hills, which rise up in the quiet of central Ireland, will give you a true sense of natural Ireland.

These rarely visited hills are home to a plethora of rare and unusual plants, birds and mammals.The Slieve Bloom hills rise out of the central plain of Ireland to a height of 527 metres. Though not high, they are a significant feature in this otherwise flat landscape, and are home to a number of rare species of birds, mammals and plants that make the upland bogs and river fed valleys their home. This quiet part of Ireland is rarely visited by tours, and therefore lacks vending kiosks and facilities.

On our hike we explore the northern end of the range, and follow part of the Slieve Bloom Way and Glenbarrow Loop walk during the day.

We start in Glenbarrow, a quiet wooded valley, and follow the path alongside the river as it slowly rises towards the centre of the range. Moving up through conifer plantations we use forest roads to reach the Ridge of Capard, and follow its broad back up to the summit at 483 metres.

From here we get great views of the central Irish plain, before making our way down to a track and a narrow lane that leads to a path through beautiful woodland. As we descend we might catch a glimpse of the rare and protected Hen Harrier, which is known to live and hunt in this part of the Slieve Blooms. The woodland path will finally bring us back to our starting point.

Equipment

• Good waterproof boots and waterproof clothing are essential.
• Walking trousers are advised or comfortable athletic clothing (no jeans please).
• Spare warm layer; hat and gloves.
• Lunch and/or snacks; water or juice drink, (1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in.