Slieve Bloom MTB trails – Laois
Overview
Welcome to the Slieve Bloom Baunreagh Mountain Bike Trail County Laois. This is a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads that are designed for use by mountain bikes on a waymarked circular route. There are three routes to choose from, one of which is blue grade, the other two are more challenging red and black grade options. The trails take riders through beautiful forests and open land with fantastic views over Baunreagh Valley and beyond. Forest road climbs lead to twisty singletrack with lots of fast descents, ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits, guaranteed to leave you smiling! The trails are waymarked in one direction, please follow the directional arrows.
The route uses multiple sections of public road, forest roads and crosses many walking trails. Riders should obey the rules of the road and expect to encounter vehicles and other forest users at any time. In general, the trails are exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather. Please make sure your mountain bike is in good working order and that you have an appropriate level of fitness and skill level to undertake these trails. All riders should be appropriately dressed, use a suitable mountain bike and wear a helmet at all times. Please ride with consideration for other forest users and control your speed.
There are more MTB trails open on the Offaly side in Slieve Bloom Kinnitty, starting in Kinnitty. Click here for details Offaly trails
The trails are developed in partnership with Offaly and Laois County Councils and are funded by the Dept of Rural and Community Development, with additional funding support from Fáilte Ireland.
MTB Trail images
These will give you a good idea of what it's all about - lots of flow and more challenge on the Baunreagh trails - so fast descents and big climbs!
Visitor Facilities on site
Dry toilet on site. Car-parking only.
Trail map
Baunreagh Blue Route
This blue grade trail is graded moderate, with numerous difficult sections along the route. The trails vary from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Sometimes steep and narrow, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail is for proficient cyclists only.
Trails: Monkey Puzzle, Take 2, Free Wheel, Stairway to Heaven, Thunder, Lightning, Return of the Jedi, Tetris
Distance: 11 km
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Baunreagh Red Route
This red grade route is difficult throughout with numerous severe sections along the route. The trails vary from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Frequently steep and narrow, with variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail is not for novice mountain bike riders.
Trails: Crystal Maze, Hippity Hop, Bippity Bop, Doom, Harrier, Joy Rider, On the Edge, Boiler
Distance: 18 km
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult to severe
Baunreagh Black Route
This black grade route is severe throughout. The trails vary rapidly from fast and flowing to tight and technical. Prolonged steep and narrow sections are common, with drop offs and variable surfaces including rock, roots, mud, loose stones and gravel that may become slippery when wet. This trail should not be undertaken unless you are a highly experienced and highly competent mountain bike rider.
Trails: Heatseeker, Jailbreak, Spitfire
Distance: 14 km
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Severe throughout
