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Kinnitty - Kinnitty Castle loop
Kinnitty, Co. Offaly
Free to visit
Situated close to the geographical centre of Ireland, the Slieve Bloom region links the counties of Laois and Offaly and is made up of forests, blanket bog of a type which is unique to Ireland, and hidden valleys which will be of interest to lovers of archaeology and nature.

Situated close to the geographical centre of Ireland, the Slieve Bloom region links the counties of Laois and Offaly and is made up of forests, blanket bog of a type which is unique to Ireland, and hidden valleys which will be of interest to lovers of archaeology and nature. In 2007, a series of looped walks were developed at various trailheads in the region following a mix of forest tracks, riverbanks, old roadways, and grassy trails. There are a few rough and rugged sections - but they rarely rise to high altitude and do not demand great stamina. This loop is one of three which start and finish at the Kinnitty Forest trailhead - key features include the grounds of Kinnitty Castle (now a hotel) and spectacular broadleaf woodlands.

A-B. Start from the trailhead at the forestry entrance. After 30m keep left at the Y-junction of forestry roads following the green arrow. You are also following the blue arrows of the Glinsk Castle loop, and the yellow arrows for the long-disatnce Slieve Bloom Way. After a little more than 1km you reach a 3-way junction with a wooden gate on your left. [Going through the wooden gate will take you into the grounds of Kinnitty Castle – well worth a visit.]

B-C. Your loop turns right (uphill) here, and continues to ascend along a forest track for almost 1km before rounding a right bend and reaching a Y-junction. Veer to the right here – still following the Slieve Bloom Way and the red and green loops.

C-D. After 500m the blue loop and Slieve Bloom Way turn left onto an uphill woodland trail – but you continue straight on here.

D-E. Continue to follow the forest track downhill to reach a 3-way junction - veer right here.

E-A. It is only 300m back to the trailhead.

Trail details

Type:
Walking Trail
Location:
Kinnitty Forest
Grade:
Moderate
Format:
Loop
Length:
4.00km
Ascent:
50m
Dogs allowed:
Yes
    Time:1 hour 30 minutes
    Nearest town start:Kinnitty
    Nearest town finish:Kinnitty
    Start point:Car park at entrance to Kinitty Forest entrance barrier
    Finish point:Car park at entrance to Kinitty Forest entrance barrier
    Waymarking:Green arrow
    Facilities:Car parking and coffee shop at Kinnitty Village
Tips from locals

This loop is 4km and is one of the easier walks, it's also wheelchair friendly.

Contact details
Castletown, Cumber, Co. Offaly, Ireland
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp responsibly
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Protect nature from fire
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