If you’re looking to get out and about with the kids, there’s nothing better than a day in fresh air exploring. Laois offers plenty of countryside to choose from, so we’ve rounded up 14 places for great family walks in Laois that are perfect for a day out.
From village walks to mountains and woodlands, there are plenty of options for family-friendly walks in Laois. Pack a picnic and get set for a great family adventure!
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Get Out and Explore These Walks in Laois
Emo Court Park and Gardens
Emo Court Park & Gardens is a favourite with young and old. The Park is the second largest park in Ireland after Dublin’s Phoenix Park.
Here you will find short and longer walks. As there is a tarmac path through parts of the park, it is both child- and buggy-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Children love to play in the garden area in front of the house and enjoy the walk down to the lake where they can feed the ducks. In spring there are masses of snowdrops and daffodils to enjoy.
Entry to the Park is free and it’s open throughout the year during daylight hours (worth checking current details before you travel, as these can change).
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Carrick Wood, Portarlington
When travelling from Portarlington to Portlaoise (R419), after approximately 2.5km turn left and the car park is around 2.5km down on the right-hand side.
This is a small site with a picnic area and forest walk, and features a prominent local landmark, the 18th-century Spire. There is a short walk up to the spire, and trees provide cover if the weather is showery.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including foxes, rabbits and many different bird species.
Togher Woods, Portlaoise
Togher Woods is a firm favourite with Portlaoise locals. Although privately owned, it is Coillte-managed and provides a great local resource.
You’ll find the Woods very close to the town, near the motorway junction on the Abbeyleix Road. Follow signs for the Rugby Club and take the first turn after the club.
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Dunmore Wood, Durrow
Dunmore Wood in Durrow is a Coillte biodiversity area, designated a National Heritage Area/Special Area of Conservation.
Two rivers, the Gully and the Nore, flow through the property. The cellars of the old house still remain, with steps leading from the old house down to the River Nore.
Along the river path you’ll see a well belonging to the house and the old estate gates, as well as rabbits, badgers, foxes, native birds and fallow deer.
Rock of Dunamase
This is a historic site, and the views from the top make the climb very worthwhile.
Experience the lookout views once used by the O’Moores to defend their territory from marauding armies. Incidentally, the O’Moores were eventually defeated and ejected from the site by the ancestors of Stradbally Hall, now home to Electric Picnic.
The site is suitable for young children who are able to run and walk, and they’ll love checking out the views through the various parts of the ruin. Be warned – the children will want to run ahead, and you might be slightly out of breath keeping up!
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Slieve Bloom Mountains
Glenbarrow is the source of the River Barrow, the second longest river in Ireland, and is one of the most scenic parts of the Slieve Bloom area with its waterfalls and steep valley.
The area has four way-marked trails, all starting at the car park and following the river for the first section. The trails may be too strenuous for little ones, but it’s possible to walk up to the waterfall and back to the car park, where there are picnic benches. The ground along the river can be wet and rough, so waterproof footwear is a good idea. Look out for hares, foxes, badgers, fallow deer and plenty of birdlife.
Monicknew Bridge, through which the Glen River flows, is known locally as the Glen Bridge and built in the style of a Roman arch. Made of sandstone in 1840, it’s dated on the keystone. The arch is impressive viewed from below on the riverside walk, standing around 10m high from the river bed. Watch for fallow deer, red and grey squirrels and foxes.
There’s a short loop from the car park down to the river bank, under the Glen Bridge and back up again. There’s a nice grassy area down at the river – a favourite with kids in summer for a picnic and a paddle.
The Cut is a few kilometres past Glen Monicknew and overlooks the valley of Glendineoregan, down into Clonaslee and across into Co. Offaly. It’s ideal for enjoying the view or a picnic at the tables provided. The car park on the Cut road also gives access to the adjoining forest of Glendineoregan. Watch out for wild goats and, in spring, masses of frogspawn!
Oughaval Wood, Stradbally
Oughaval Wood has a number of way-marked trails of varying length, so you can choose what works best for your child’s age and ability. There’s a mass rock on the shortest loop.
You’ll find the Woods about a kilometre past Stradbally on the Carlow Road, on your left heading towards Carlow.
Oisin House and Park, Killeshin
Oisin Park is a volunteer-run facility, free to visit. In addition to walks with views across the Barrow Valley to the Blackstairs Mountains, there’s an enclosed children’s playground, a deck/viewing area, free parking and a picnic area. (Opening hours can vary, so it’s worth checking locally before you go.)
Brittas Lake, Clonaslee
Brittas Lake is adjacent to the village of Clonaslee, at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom mountains. There’s a car park near the lake, so it’s possible to take children on a short walk around it, with picnic benches provided.
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Short Walks in Laois
If you’re short on time or have younger children with you, these quick outings are worth a look:
- The People’s Park, Timahoe Road, Portlaoise – perfect for toddlers, with a playground catering for 1–8 year olds.
- The River Triogue Park, Portlaoise – a great short walk beside the Togher river.
- The pond near Stradbally village – an angling centre with a short walk around the pond and picnic benches for a rest stop.
- Mountrath’s White Horse River walk – start at the bridge on the Limerick side of the village and stroll along the riverbank.
- Capponellan Wood, near Durrow – just 1.5km south of Durrow, originally part of the Castle Durrow estate, found on the N8 Dublin to Cork road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Laois walk is best for toddlers and buggies?
Emo Court Park & Gardens has tarmac paths through parts of the grounds, making it both buggy-friendly and wheelchair accessible. The People’s Park in Portlaoise is also a good toddler-friendly option, with a playground for ages 1–8.
Are there free places to visit for family walks in Laois?
Yes – Emo Court Park & Gardens and Oisin Park in Killeshin are both free to visit, and most of the woodland and lake walks listed here (such as Togher Woods, Dunmore Wood and Brittas Lake) don’t charge for access.
Is the Rock of Dunamase suitable for young children?
Young children who can walk and run confidently generally do well here, and they tend to love exploring the ruins and views. Do keep a close eye on little ones near the higher points of the ruin.
What should we bring on a family walk in Laois?
Sturdy or waterproof footwear is a good idea for the woodland and mountain trails, especially around Glenbarrow, where the ground near the river can be wet. A picnic is always a good shout, too, as several spots have benches or grassy areas set aside for exactly that.
Where can we find shorter walks in Laois for a quick outing?
The People’s Park and River Triogue Park in Portlaoise, the pond near Stradbally, the White Horse River walk in Mountrath, and Capponellan Wood near Durrow are all quick, easy options for a shorter outing.
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