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Monicknew Trails
Clonaslee, Co. Laois
Free to visit
Free car parking
Monicknew woodlands form the boundary between the counties of Laois and Offaly.

Adjacent to the Slieve Bloom Way trailhead is Monicknew Bridge through which the Glen River flows, known locally as the Glen Bridge it is in the style of a Roman arch built 840 and is 10m high from the river bed. Alder, Spruce and Pine species are the predominant trees in the woodland. Flora includes fern, woodrush, moss and bilberry, in May bluebells occur in profusion; fauna include fallow deer, red and grey squirrel and foxes. Some usage of the public road is necessary when walking parts of some trails, so care should be taken on these sections.

Bocadh Lodge Walk

This longer trail crosses both dark forest and open unplanted lands, giving good views to the boglands and forests below. The trail mostly follows forest road and crosses some farm tracks also.

Monicknew Valley Walk

From the trailhead, head up the hill on the track behind the car-park to start. The trail leads you through massive Sitka spruce (nearly 100 years old) and on up to a forest road above.

Riverside Walk

This is a short loop which descends from the car park to the river bank and crosses under the Glen bridge. The walk is suitable for small children under supervision. There is a nice grassy area to relax down at the river, a favourite with kids during Summer!

Slieve Bloom Way

For most of its route through Monicknew, the Slieve Bloom Way follows the banks of the Glen river and descends down into the Delour river valley. This section gives nice contrasts of open views higher up to the east and the serene valley below to the west.

For further details, download the map and guide.

Trail details
Type
Loop trail
Contact details
Clonaslee,Co Laois
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