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A Day Wild Swimming in the Mountains

Glen Barrow - A Day Wild Swimming in the Mountains Laois

Days Out in Laois – Glenbarrow

You know the feeling, school holidays are here and everyone wants to do something but no one has any ideas. We at Laois Tourism are here to help. Every week we will suggest days out with the family from babies to teenagers, to keep everyone happy.

This weekend my friend and I took 9 teenagers to Glenbarrow in the Slieve Blooms and we had a ball. Not a screen in sight just pure fun and shenanigans.

We picked up supplies to feed 100 and headed to the mountain. On the way we had a quick stop in Cocoa Couture in Mountmellick where we filled up on chocolate crepes and handmade chocolates. Next into Rosenallis and we followed the signposts from the village up to the car park in Glenbarrow.

At the carpark the bags were divided among the masses and we walked through the forest following the blue path. You don’t want to make the mistake of following the yellow path 72km of the Slieve Bloom Way this is not what our gang wanted.

The lure of the swim at the waterfall was calling. No sooner had we set down the bags, abandoned shoes and clothes and everyone was in the clear cold mountain water. The fun was mighty, the screams and laughter heard across the mountain. When they were frozen to the core, it was time for crisp sandwiches, tea and drying clothes on rocks. Of all the things to do in the summer holidays, or even in Ireland this was one of our best memories of the summer.

The walk back through the forest to the car was full of selfies and messing. The whole day was pure fun.

This experience was brilliant, as one of the kids said “I love Laois” and I couldn’t agree more.