Slieve Bloom peak climb for ancient festival day
Walkers in Laois can honour the ancient Irish festival of Fraughan Sunday, by climbing the highest peak in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
The Slieve Bloom Association is inviting the public to join them on their annual climb this Sunday, July 30.
"One of the Mountains Ancient Festivals will take place this Sunday. Starting in Shrahan to Arderin, and back to Camross afterwards for refreshments," they say.
There are two walks to choose from. A Long walk is about 5.5km round trip, difficulty low to medium, and an easier short walk that is a 2km round trip. The walks will start at 1pm.
Walkers are invited to meet up in Camross Village at 12:45pm and drive in shared cars up to Shrahan, due to limited parking at Shrahan.
Refreshments will be provided afterwards in Camross Community Hall at approximately 4pm.
Arderin is the highest point in both counties Laois and Offaly at 527m, or 1,729 ft.
Fraughan Sunday takes place at the same time as Lúnasa, the pagan harvest feast day, when the fraughan (Irish blueberry) has ripened for picking, traditionally held on August 1. Fraughan berries grow in the Slieve Blooms.