| Slieve Bloom Mountains | |
|---|---|
| Sliabh Bladhma | |
The Slieve Bloom Mountains. |
|
| Elevation | 527 m (1,729 ft) |
| Prominence | 197 m (646 ft) |
| Location | |
| Location | Laois/Offaly, Ireland |
Situated close to the geographical centre of Ireland The Slieve Bloom Mountains (Sliabh Bladhma in Irish) rise from the central plain of Ireland to a height of 527 metres. While not very high, they are extensive by local standards. The highest points are Arderin (527 m) at the southwestern end of the range and Baunreaghcong (511 m) 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 forming a link between County Laois and County Offaly. Access to the mountains and the most popular attractions is easiest by taking Exit 15 off the M7 for Mountmellick and following the R422 for Rosenallis, Clonaslee, Cadamstown, and Kinnitty. There are 3 routes which cross the mountain. From [[Clonaslee}]here it is very easy to follow the mountain road over 'the Cut' towards Mountrath. From Kinnittytake the road from the centre of the village opposite the catholic church past Longford Church to Glendine Gap near Ard Erin the highest point in the mountain. For some splendid views turn left onto the R440 towards Kinnitty one of the small villages nestled at the foot of the mountains.
Looped walking trails have been developed at 6 trail heads in the Slieve Blooms, Glenbarrow, Clonaslee, Cadamstown, Kinnitty, Glenafelly Forest Car Park and Glen Monicknew. Walking trails are colour coded green easy, blue moderate, and red most difficult. The 84km Slieve Bloom Way colour coded yellow can be accessed from any of these trailheads. In Cadamstown take time to walk the Silver River Eco Trail.
Glenbarrow waterfalls are located just a few miles from Rosenallis. Some scenic looped walks will take you to the falls and up onto the Ridge of Capard. There is a significant population of red grouse in the hills.
The Slieve Bloom, along with the Massif Central in France, are the oldest mountains in Europe; they were once also the highest at 3,700m. Weathering has reduced them to 527m. On a clear day, one can see the high points of the four ancient provinces of Ireland.
The following table lists the 10 highest major mountain peaks of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, all with a topographic elevation of at least 406 metres (1,332 ft).
| Rank | Mountain peak | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arderin | 527 m (1,729 ft) |
| 2 | Stillbrook Hill | 514 m (1,686 ft) |
| 3 | Baunreaghcong | 511 m (1,677 ft) |
| 4 | Wolftrap Mountain | 487 m (1,598 ft) |
| 5 | Barcam | 484 m (1,588 ft) |
| 6 | Ridge of Capard | 483 m (1,585 ft) |
| 7 | Carroll's Hill | 482 m (1,581 ft) |
| 8 | Farbreague | 430 m (1,410 ft) |
| 9 | Castleconor | 407 m (1,335 ft) |
| 10 | Garraunbaun | 406 m (1,332 ft) |