Slieve
Bloom Mountains
Location:
Co.
Laois
Slieve
Bloom Mountains |
| Rising steeply from
the surrounding plain is the 600sq mile range of Slieve Bloom. Although
not high by mountain standards - the tallest point, Arderin, is
only 1734ft - the range seems higher because it swells above the
flat landscape. The hills are said to be named after Bladhma, an
ancient hero who once took refuge there. After him, other irishmen
who lost their lands after Cromwellian wars took to the remote glens,
where they lived as outlaws. |
| The area is a delight
for walkers, with miles of tracks and paths in the nmerious glens,
24 of them signposted. One of them, the 20 mile circular Slieve
Bloom Way, covers a variety of terrain from high, often desole places
in the hills, to the meandering streams in the foothills. |
| Large areas have been
turned over to forestery, mostly confierious sitka spruce and lodgepole
pine, but the mountains still support numerious wild flowers and
the rare mountain pansy, viola cornuta. The are also home to the
rare pine marten, Irish Hares, Fallow deer and Mountain Goats. An
abundant bird life of 85 recorded species includes the Hen Harrier. |
| Walkers are advised
to take a good map and warm, weatherproof clothing. The mountains
are benevolent when its fine, but they can be very bleak f the weather
changes. |
|