As the summer days roll in, it’s time to lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside with the Laois Walks Festival 2025, which was launched to an enthusiastic crowd at Newtown Mill, Ballacolla.
Laois Partnership Company’s temporary Rural Recreation Officer Marie Burke was among the attendees at the launch, who enjoyed refreshments as well as entertainment courtesy of performers from the Folly Festival, including Cullohill Comhaltas.
Chairperson Anne Marie McMahon officiated and was joined by Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming, local TDs, and representatives of the fourteen communities from across the county of Laois who will be hosting the walks. Walks are graded as A (strenuous), B (difficult) and C (moderate, which are suitable for families), so there’s something for everyone on the schedule.
Laois Partnership Company along with representatives from Laois County Council, Laois Public Participation Network, Laois Chamber Alliance and Laois Sports Partnership came together to call and host a public meeting in January 2025, and from this a new committee was formed to plan the 2025 Laois Walks Festival. All the hard work of the former Laois Walks Festival Committee was very much acknowledged, and a plan was put together for the 2025 festival. The Rural Recreation Officer provided support in the formation of this new committee.
The Laois Walks Festival 2025 is a wonderful way to reacquaint yourself with the magnificent environs of the Midlands, from the rare flora and fauna of the forests to the lovely lakes, majestic mountains and ruins steeped in history, all the while meeting new people, getting active and walking your way to a healthier you.
The 19th century Newtown Mill will be the scenic destination of the very first walk of this year’s festival on 4th July. Walkers will ramble from the iconic Woodenbridge, over the River Erkina, which was restored in 2023 over 7km to Newtown Mill.
Download the brochure for the full listing of walks featured as part of this year’s festival.
Photo: Alf Harvey.