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My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities
  • #Landmarks
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    slieve-bloom-mountains-glendine-gap-county-laois-hero-v2 slieve-bloom-mountains-glendine-gap-county-laois-hero-v2

    Discover the Slieve Bloom Mountains

    Some say the Slieve Bloom Mountains offer the best views over Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
    • #Landscapes
    • #IrelandsHiddenHeartlands
    • #WalkingandHiking
    County Offaly
    Outdoor activities
    2hr from Dublin Airport

    Glendine Gap, Slieve Bloom Mountains © Shutterstock

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    Shrouded in myth and legend, and with excellent walking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails leading to incredible views, it’s a wonder that counties Offaly and Laois are happy to share the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

    The Slieve Bloom Mountains

    L-R: the Ridge of Capard; mountain biking in the Slieve Blooms; Brittas Lake; Glenbarrow.

    The heartland’s mountains

    The Slieve Blooms sit proudly at the centre of the island of Ireland meaning that the views are exceptional. From the 527-metre peak, over blanket bog, gullies, fields and forests you can see the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, and on a clear day, as far as Slieve Gullion in County Armagh. Many walking trails traverse this mountainous landscape, including the epic 71.6km Slieve Bloom Way. Mountain biking is another popular way to explore this area with some great biking trails, or you could try a spot of horse riding from the 13th century Kinnitty Castle.

    Walking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains

    This landscape is so unique and the wildlife abundant that a resident of Slieve Bloom has written a book about the walking trails here.

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    The Slieve Bloom Mountains

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    Clear Lake, Slieve Bloom Mountains, County Offaly

    Tales of ghosts and giants

    As you wander through the Slieve Blooms, spare a thought for some of the wonderful myths and legends connected with this landscape… Legend has it that this mountain range was the birthplace of Irish giant Fionn MacCumhaill, the creator of the Giant’s Causeway. It’s rumoured that he lives in a cave under the mountains to this day. Also surrounded by mysterious tales is Kinnitty Castle – now a luxury hotel, Kinnity is said to be haunted by the Phantom Monk of Kinnitty.

    If the Slieve Bloom Mountains have caught your attention, it’s time to start planning your trip!

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