Laois PPN took to the hills for Laois Connects Week

Laois PPN welcomed Laois PPN Member Groups to the majestic Slieve Bloom Mountains for a guided walk in Glenbarrow as part of Laois Connects Week 2024. 

The theme of the event was “connecting with nature and connecting with people” with a backdrop of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. 

Unique to Laois, Laois Connects promotes positive mental health and wellbeing. The event is held during the week of World Mental Health Day 2024,  on Thursday, October 10, 2024. During Laois Connects week 2024, a wide variety of events were held across the county. 

The Glenbarrow walk was guided by local guide and artist Tom Joyce (www.tomjoyceart.ie). As the group meandered along the woodland trails towards the waterfall and on up the boards, Tom with his lovely manner and charisma, stopped and shared his wonderful collection of stories about the nature around us and the rich history of the Slieve Bloom and Glenbarrow. Tom has a natural ability to make attendees feel a connection to nature as he shared his fascinating wealth of knowledge regarding the trees, river Barrow and Slieve Bloom Mountains.

“If you are anxious or troubled, out here in the woodland, you’ll find peace, relaxation and nourishment for the body and soul. In a nutshell, being in nature restores your balance in the world. It’s the best way to achieve health in mind and body, and a better prescription than you’ll get from a doctor,” Tom explained.  

He provided essential advice to walkers to always take a photograph of the Information Map Board, as the map board not only shows the map of walking trails but also has useful contact numbers if you ever get into difficulty.

Laois PPN Members stated the many times they have walked through Glenbarrow and never known the history of it, really enjoying the walk and guided tour with Tom. The walk connected people and nature in a fun and memorable way. To finish the Slieve Bloom Connects walk Laois PPN Members were treated to refreshments at the Falls of Glenbarrow café.

Laois PPN Co-Ordinator, Dan Bergin said “thank you to all the Laois PPN Member Groups for attending and making this an enjoyable event. A special thanks to Tom for the guided walk. Tom has a real passion and knowledge of the Slieve Bloom Mountains that shines through. “

Laois PPN consists of 675+ Member Groups from the Community, Social Inclusion and Environmental Pillars. All groups registered with Laois PPN are given the opportunity to attend Laois PPN events. Any group wishing to join Laois PPN can do so by completing the application on the Laois PPN website www.laoisppn.ie