Monicknew is about 11.5 km south of Clonaslee on the road (scenic route over Slieve Blooms) to Mountrath via The Cut. There are several loop walks from the Trailhead here and Monicknew is also on of the Slieve Bloom Way. The woodlands are situated in a valley and the site is crossed by the Glen River. This short 1.5km loop 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!

Monicknew is about 11.5 km south of Clonaslee on the road (scenic route over Slieve Blooms) to Mountrath via The Cut. There are several loop walks from the Trailhead here and Monicknew is also on of the Slieve Bloom Way. The woodlands are situated in a valley and the site is crossed by the Glen River. The Valley Walk starts with a stroll through a stand of massive Sitka spruce (nearly 100 years old) and on up to a forest road above. After that there is a slow steady climb for nearly 2 kms after which you will be rewarded with excellent views south over counties Offaly and Laois and of bogs and lakes below.

Dating back to 1775, Morrissey’s is one of Ireland’s best known traditional pubs situated in the heritage town of Abbeyleix.

Once known as the Manchester of Ireland, Mountmellick is a town of fine buildings and the home of a uniquely Irish textile art, Mountmellick Work. The foundation of the town was laid by members of the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. In 1659, William Edmundson settled in Mountmellick and started a tannery. Other Quakers set up malting, brewing, spinning and weaving enterprises. Weaving became one of the town’s major industries. By the mid- 1700s, Mountmellick was a leading centre of textile production in Ireland.

The main focus of the Museum is to conserve and display original pieces of Mountmellick Work (Embroidery) and to protect the memory of Mountmellick’s rich Quaker industrial past.

Mountrath Golf Club was founded in 1929 and affiliated to the GUI in 1932. Originally a 9 hole course, it was extended to 18 holes in 1994. The course is situated 2 miles south of Mountrath, just off the M7. Golfers will relish its fine, long fairways and well manicured greens.

Mulhall’s have been part of the centre of Portlaoise for over 80 years. This popular restaurant is best known for its traditional country fare and prides itself on using only Irish meat from its own butchery and locally sources vegetables.

Considered by many to be the premier event in the calendar of steam and vintage shows throughout Ireland, the National Steam Rally attracts a wide range of working exhibits and a huge attendance of visitors. Details of the 2017 National Steam Rally will be published online in due course. For further information please see www.irishsteam.ie

O’Loughlin's Hotel Portlaoise is regarded as one of the best hotels in county Laois and the Midlands

Oughaval Wood or Coill na Nuachabhala was once part of the Cosby Estate. There are three looped walks for the visitor to enjoy in this forest, each of varying length. This is the shortest walk in the wood that gives you a chance to stretch your muscles whilst also getting an opportunity to admire the magnificent beech trees that form a large portion of the species of this wood. Some of these trees are as high as 30-40m.

Oughaval Wood or Coill na Nuachabhala was once part of the Cosby Estate. There are three looped walks for the visitor to enjoy in this forest, each of varying length. The Cobbler's Castle Walk (6km - Red) follows the perimeter of the site, offers the opportunity to stretch the legs a bit further. than the other walks at Oakvale.

Oughaval Wood or Coill na Nuachabhala was once part of the Cosby Estate. There are three looped walks for the visitor to enjoy in this forest, each of varying length. The Mass Rock Trail walk will allow you to discover a mass rock that is nestled in a little valley in the wood. Mass was carried out here in secret during Penal times when such ceremonies were banned (c1691-1727).