The Slieve Bloom Ard Eireann Festival returns this year on the last weekend of July, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st. The Festival was an ancient pre-harvest festival and was revived 6 years ago by The Slieve Bloom Association. See details of this year’s itinerary below.

First arrivals at Arderin enjoying music at Ard Eireann Festival 2013

Slieve Bloom Bus Tour, Ard Eireann Festival 2016, Saturday 30th July

The Ard Eireann Festival begins with a bus tour around the Slieve Bloom Mountains on Saturday July 30th. Archaeologist Sean Murray, who has completed a special study of Clonenagh, will be the tour guide for the day.
Bus leaves Mountmellick at 10am, with collection in Portlaoise at 10:15
The tour will visit Clonenagh, Monahincha, near Roscrea, Seir Keiran, Tober Lughna, Cadamstown and
Castlecuffe with lunch in Borris-in-Ossory. The bus tour returns at 5pm.
The cost of the tour is €20 and includes lunch. Under 12’s are €10

To book your tickets for the Slieve Bloom bus tour call –

With thanks to Birr Municipal District

Climb to Arderin, Ard Eireann Festival 2016, Sunday 31st July

On Sunday July 31st, is the climb to the top of Ard Eireann (Arderin). Meeting at the Poet’s Cottage in Camross at 2pm to drive to Glen Kitt. With two walking routes to Arderin available, it should suit most abilities. Returning to Srahan after the climb for refreshments and entertainment. This day is free but a donation from attendees is greatly appreciated.

For further information or to book your place on the Slieve Bloom bus tour call –

Some of the group at Srahan Scout Centre before setting off on the walk for Ard Eireann Festival in 2013