| Slieve Bloom Mountains Sliabh Bladhma |
|
|---|---|
 The Slieve Bloom Mountains, County Laois |
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| Elevation | 526 m |
| Location | Laois/Offaly,  Ireland |
| Prominence | 197 m |
Coordinates: 53°06′N 7°34′W / 53.1°N 7.567°W
The Slieve Bloom Mountains (Sliabh Bladhma in Irish) rise from the central plain of Ireland to a height of 526 metres. While not very high, they are extensive by local standards. The highest points are Arderin (526 m) at the southwestern end of the range and Baunreaghcong (511 m) at the end of the Ridge of Capard.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are predominantly in County Laois although the border with Offaly runs through them. Access to the mountains and the most popular attractions is easiest by following the M7 past Portlaoise to the town of Mountrath which is located at the foot of the mountains. From here it is very easy to follow the mountain road over 'the Cut' to Clonaslee a small village nestled in the mountains.
The beautiful Glenbarrow waterfalls are located just a few miles from Clonaslee and there are a few beautiful walks to and from the falls.
Glen Monicknew picnic and viewing areas are located on the road from Mountrath to Clonaslee and again there are walks which can be undertaken in the area.
The mountains are in the centre of Ireland, south of the Bog of Allen, Banagher and Tullamore, County Offaly, east of the River Shannon and west of Portlaoise, the principal town of County Laois. The western edge of the Slieve Bloom mountains is in the north of County Tipperary, near Roscrea.
The Slieve Bloom, along with the Massif Central in France, are the oldest mountains in Europe; they were once also the highest at 3,700m. Weathering has reduced them to 527m. On a clear day, one can see the high points of the four ancient provinces of Ireland.
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