Slieve Bloom Mountains

The Slieve Bloom Mountains (Irish: Sliabh Bladhma) are a range of low mountains and hills in the central plain of Ireland, on the border of counties Laois and Offaly. The highest points are Arderin (527 m (1, 729 ft)) at the southwestern end of the range, and Baunreaghcong (509 m (1, 670 ft)) at the end of the Ridge of Capard. The Slieve Bloom Mountains stretch from near Roscrea in the south west to Rosenallis in the north-west. Looped walking trails have been developed at six trailheads in the Slieve Blooms: Glenbarrow, Clonaslee, Cadamstown, Kinnitty, Glenafelly Forest Car Park and Glen Monicknew. Walking trails are colour-coded by difficulty. The 70 km (43 mi) Slieve Bloom Way can be accessed from any of these trailheads. The Silver River Eco Trail is near Cadamstown. A waterfall, Glenbarrow Falls, is located a few miles from Rosenallis. Some walking trails go to the falls and up to the Ridge of Capard. There is a significant population of red grouse in the hills. There are also several mountain biking trails in the Slieve Blooms, accessible via trailheads at Kinnitty Village and at Baunreagh near Mountrath. The Slieve Blooms, along with the Massif Central in France, are one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe; they were once also the highest at 3,700 m (12, 100 ft). Weathering has reduced them to 527 m (1, 729 ft). On a clear day, one can see the high points of the four ancient provinces of Ireland.

Location: Ireland.

Mountain range data from Wikidata (CC0). Elevation is the height of the highest peak.