Walking & Hiking

Welcome to Irelands Hidden Heartland and Ancient East home to some of the most scenic routes. Laois area has an abundance of wonderful graded walks for you to enjoy while staying with us here at Midlands Park Hotel. Ranging from relaxing, gentle family walks to longer 4-10km loops, through forests, bog tracks, historical sites and stunning views that everyone can enjoy while staying with us, at our wonderful Co. Laois hotel. Discover Irish heritage, historic landmarks, cultural kicks walking or hiking at your own leisure.

Visit Local Walking Trails

Our location at the Midlands Park Hotel is right on the doorstep of the finest walking tails in Laois. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are one of the most popular attractions outside of Portlaoise. Get off the beaten track and discover the Ridge of Capard and Glenbarrow trial. Each trail of Slieve Bloom Mountains is picturesque, peaceful, gloriously multi-coloured and one of the least explored in Ireland. Horseback riding through the Slieve Blooms can be arranged with tour operators in the town centre.

Located near the village of Emo in County Laois, the Emo House and Gardens is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland which were first laid out in the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a lake and woodland walk with fine trees and shrubs. This is a perfect location to enjoy a walk, cycle or picnic to relax and unwind during your visit to Laois. The Abbeyleix Bog Looped Walks is situated on the southern periphery of Abbeyleix town in Co. Laois, Ireland and encompasses an area of almost 500 acres of diverse habitats including degraded (but recovering) raised bog, lagg, cutaway, wet carr woodland and meadows. This is a popular area for walkers to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and hidden vistas.

The Barrow Way Trail is a fantastic location for cycling across the countryside. Visit the renowned James Gandon designed Emo Court and Gardens and explore the breathtaking views from the historic Rock of Dunamase. Follow the ancient towpath down along the stunning Grand Canal and River Barrow and explore the beautiful hidden gems of the Midlands. The Derryounce Lake Walking Trail offers a variety of loop walks ranging from 3km, 5km and 14km. It is used by a wide variety of people, including walkers, anglers, naturalists, photographers and people who want to experience its peace, tranquillity and Scandinavian vistas.

Visit Midlands Park Hotel

The 4* Midlands Park Hotel is the perfect choice for your staycation in Laois. After exploring the variety of walking and hiking trails, you can return to a luxurious and spacious guestroom containing all the facilities needed to make your stay with us special. Relax and unwind at our health & fitness club amenities, including complimentary access to our swimming pool, sauna room, gym and more. No visit to Laois is complete without experiencing our world class dining options at the Charter Bar & Eatery. Our friendly team are on hand to make your stay with us unforgettable.