As spring arrives, County Laois is the perfect place to slow down, get outdoors and enjoy the changing landscape. Longer days, milder temperatures and fresh growth make this an ideal season for walking in Laois, whether you prefer gentle parkland strolls, woodland trails or scenic mountain routes. You’re Welcome to Discover Laois.
Across the county, walking routes link nature, heritage and welcoming places to rest, offering visitors and locals alike a refreshing way to reconnect with the outdoors. There are plenty of great cafe’s, accommodation and places of historical interest.
Gentle Spring Walks at Emo Court
Emo Court is one of the most popular walking locations in Laois, especially in spring when the gardens and parkland begin to bloom. A network of gravel paths winds through woodland, lakeside areas and formal gardens, making it suitable for all ages and walking abilities. It is an ideal spot for a relaxed walk surrounded by nature, history and open space. It’s not far from Portlaoise and easily accessed by the M7 motorway.
After your stroll, CaToCa Tea Rooms at Emo Court provide the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a coffee, lunch or sweet treat, rounding off the experience at an unhurried pace.
Walking and Bird Watching in the Slieve Bloom Mountains
For those seeking scenic walks with a sense of space and wilderness, the Slieve Bloom Mountains offer some of the finest walking trails in the Midlands. Popular routes around Glenbarrow combine forest paths, waterfalls and panoramic views across Laois and beyond.
Spring is a particularly rewarding time to visit, as rivers run strong and the hills fill with birdsong, making the area ideal for bird watching as well as walking. After exploring the trails, nearby villages such as Clonaslee and Rosenallis offer welcoming cafés and pubs where walkers can rest and refuel.
Woodland and Village Walks in Durrow
The walking routes around Durrow showcase the quieter side of Laois, blending woodland scenery with riverside paths and rural countryside. The Durrow Leafy Loops are well waymarked and flexible, allowing walkers to choose shorter woodland sections through Dunmore Woods or longer loops that pass farmland and follow stretches of the River Erkina and River Nore.
These routes are especially enjoyable in spring, when trees begin to leaf and wildlife becomes more active. Back in the village, Bob’s Bar and other local spots offer a warm welcome and a comfortable place to relax after your walk.
A Unique Nature Experience at Abbeyleix Bog
For a truly distinctive walking experience, Abbeyleix Bog offers flat, accessible trails through a restored lowland bog landscape. Polly’s at the Manor offers walkers a great place to grab a coffee and refuel with a pastry. The Collins Bog Loop features raised boardwalks that guide walkers through wetlands rich in birdlife, insects and native plant species, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers and families.
The peaceful atmosphere and wide open skies create a strong sense of calm, particularly in spring. When your walk is complete, Abbeyleix town is just a short distance away, with cafés and traditional pubs providing the perfect setting to unwind.
Fun Family Activities Around Laois
If you’re exploring Laois with children this spring, there’s plenty of family-friendly fun to complement your walks and hikes. Places like Castleview Open Farm let kids get up close to animals with petting areas, playgrounds and interactive activities that make for a memorable day out in nature. For a mix of outdoor play and learning, historic attractions such as the Rock of Dunamase or Timahoe Round Tower offer fascinating sites to explore together while stretching little legs.
In town centres, family-oriented venues and parks provide play areas and open space for picnics, fairytale trails or imaginative adventures, helping to balance active walks with creative downtime for younger explorers. Whether it’s discovery farms, easy outdoor activities or gentle heritage trails, Laois has something to keep families entertained after a morning spent on the trails.
Spring in Laois is an invitation to slow down and enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. Whether you are wandering through historic estates, exploring mountain trails, discovering woodland and bogland walks, or mixing in family friendly activities, the county offers space to breathe, move and reconnect with nature. With welcoming villages, cafés and local attractions never far from the path, every walk or day out becomes part of a wider experience.
Make the most of your time in Laois and take a look at the What’s On Guide for upcoming events and seasonal experiences.
