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Glenbarrow - Old Mill Loop
Clonaslee, Co. Laois
Free to visit
Free car parking
Family friendly
Explore mature forest, skirt serene riverbanks, delve into local heritage and spy a three-tiered waterfall on this captivating 8.3km loop in County Laois.

Covering path, forest road and wooden bridges within a remote, steep valley, the Glenbarrow - Old Mill Loop takes approximately 3 hours to complete. This strenuous trail’s terrain can be rough in parts and sometimes wet underfoot.

Just some of the trail’s highlights include the pretty banks of the spectacular River Barrow, a three-tiered waterfall known as the Clamp Hole, the ruins of an old water mill and broadleaf woodlands.

The loop returns via the side of a mountain through lush conifer woodland and boasts views over Counties Laois and Offaly and towards Croghan Hill - the remains of an extinct volcano that rises from the Bog of Allen. You’ll also find the Ridge of Capard viewing point with its stunning panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Afterwards, drop in to one of nearby Clonaslee’s friendly village pubs for a bite to eat.

Trail details

Type:
Walking Trail
Location:
Glenbarrow Wood
Grade:
Strenuous
Format:
Loop
Length:
10.20km
Ascent:
40m
Dogs allowed:
Yes
    Time:3 hours 30 minutes
    Nearest town start:Clonaslee
    Nearest town finish:Clonaslee
    Start point:Carpark at Glenbarrow Forest Entrance
    Finish point:Carpark at Glenbarrow Forest Entrance
    Waymarking:Red arrow on white background
    Facilities:Car parking coffee shop at Trailhead
Why we like it
  • Watch out for the ruins of Gallagher's Mill, after which the loop is named. You’ll spot the old millstone still sitting at the water's edge.
  • This route also overlaps with the much longer Slieve Bloom Way, should you wish to take on a leg of that too.
Contact details
Glenbarrow,Clonaslee,Co Laois,Republic of 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
More to discover at this venue
SummerGlenbarrow - Waterfall Loop

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

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