Durrow Leafy Loops - Leafy loop

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the collapse of a section of the river bank this trail has become impassable between the trailhead and Dunmore Wood meaning this section of the trail is currently closed. Work to rectify the issue will be done as quickly as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The walk can be joined in Dunmore Wood.

Walking
County Laois
4.7/5
23 reviews
Grade Moderate
Length 23 km
Time 5 hours
Format Loop
Ascent 100 m
Dogs Allowed No
Waymarking Purple arrow on white background
Start Point
Durrow
Finish Point
Durrow
Nearest Town to Start Durrow
Grid Ref. S 407 773
Lat. and Long. 52.845407, -7.395178

This walk on country lanes, river bank, forestry paths, woodland tracks and hill paths takes the walker through mixed broadleaf and conifer woods, across farmland and along rivers, passing the ruins of Dunmore House. Lovely views of the Laois countryside with lots of diverse rural scenery and magnificent bluebells in spring.

Maps and other information

Facilities

Restaurants, shops, accommodation, car parking

Care is needed while crossing the main road. Please note sections of the loop can be prone to flooding in adverse weather conditions

OSI Maps

OSI Maps

Discovery Series Sheet 60
23 trail reviews
4.7/5
Write your own review of this trail
5/5
10/26/2018

John Lanigan from Meath

Excellent diverse trail. Would strongly recommend printing out these instructions to go with the map.



https://www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/dunmore-loop-walk/88304





05/28/2018

JP from Laois

I did the 23k durrow leafy loop today and i really enjoyed it.

This is the best walk in laois in my opinion. Having spent too much time in the past walking through coniferous pine trees i found the variety of forestry here wonderful. It is teeming with wildlife and bird song.

The Bishops wood is a special area of conservation and has an abundance of varied greenery. Its the tail end of may now and the knockatrim woods were bursting with bluebells and flowering wild garlic. A lovely sight.
03/19/2018

Stephen from Cork

Went on the leafy loop walk in durrow co. Laois. It is a beautiful walk through various woodlands farms and country roads. We left early in the morning and spent the day walking. We brought a picnic and there are several opportunities to stop for lunch. It took us about 6 hours in total. We stayed in castleview lodge in Cullohill which is a 5 minute drive from durrow town. Castleview Lodge is a beautiful restored old farmhouse with a stove fire several bedrooms, self catering and also has washing facilities. By staying here we were also able to do the Cullohill mountain walk the next morning. The hosts for Castleview Lodge are very helpful.
4/5
05/25/2017

Frank from Dublin

Walked the aptly titled Leafy Loop on 24th May. Who knew there was such a variety of woodlands! This is a very nice walk that is not difficult though it is long. It is well sign posted. Just be careful at the car park near the junction with the N77near New Bridge, where there is a temptation to follow the river instead of the signs. This will put you on the Nore rather than the "Gully" and you will find yourself walking against the sign posts. But as its a loop you'll eventually make your way back to where you went wrong. We're planning to go back in the Autumn when the trees are changing colour which should be spectacular.
4/5
03/13/2017

leo from Dublin

I went on a group walk in Durrow recently, I had never been before, what a pleasant surprise I got, the walk was very nice and not difficult, scenery lovely as were my group, it was so relaxing. the walk alone was well worth the trip, plus when we finished it was into bowes cafe for some food, this was another plus, food was very nice and the staff were so efficient and polite, I would come back again , I would highly recommend a trip to Durrow
03/12/2017

LEE from Dublin

Had a great time

. Lovely part of the country. Close to Dublin. I would highly recommend this walk.



5/5
03/12/2017

Majella from Mayo

Did about half of this trail yesterday with some friends. Lovely walk with good variety - river bank, woods and meadows. A bit damp in spots but held up well with recent rain. Finished off with a good meal in friendly Durrow. Plan to return to do the full trail soon.
5/5
11/04/2016

John from Clare

Did this loop today. It was a sunny day. Loop was well marked taking you by woods /rivers/farmonsteads,and even a courting couple caught off guard by an expected hiker. Wonderful trees and excellent underfoot conditions, beautiful farmland, wonderful stock, manicured hedgerows, friendly Durrow people and then I squared it all away with a few of Bob's creamy pints. Thank you Durrow people.

5/5
10/23/2016

Mick from Dublin

Autumn is a wonderful time to do this walk. A group of 12 workmates all enjoyed it. We were approached by Susan from the local committee, who welcomed us with some interesting facts about places we would encounter along the walk, The track was exceedingly well maintained, as the grass and hedgerows were thoughtfully trimmed back, and signposting was exceptional.

The route is long, varied and interesting. It is flat, except for a short steep climb at 18km, but the view makes it all worthwhile. All the descents are gradual. But the exceptional feature of this walk is there is so little road walking for such a long walk.

Mother Nature put on a great show. A must for any Walking Group.
4/5
10/22/2016

Michael from Dublin

I did this walk today with a group of friends from work. We had a beautiful day and the autumn colours were magnificent. The tracks are well maintained and the signposting excellent. I didn't have to consult my map once. We did the walk in 5 hours with a short stop for lunch and for a few photos along the way. One of the group saw an otter, which made his day. I made do with a bright red mushroom!! There is plenty of variety on the route sections along the Nore and through a variety of .woodland and farmland. Durrow itself has good facilities - a pre walk coffee in Bowes and post walk drink in the Castle Arms.

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