Ballyhide is a small settlement in the south-east corner of Laois, pressed against the Carlow border. The River Barrow runs through it, marking the county line. The land rolls toward Carlow; Carlow town is only 3 km away.
There is a ruin of a mansion at the foot of Rossmore hill, a reminder of the Rochfort family who once owned much of the area. The Barrow track walks past, running from Milford down toward Carlow. Walking is the point here. Everything else is elsewhere.
Three things every local will eventually mention. Read these and you've already understood more than most day-trippers do.
Ballyhide sits where the River Barrow marks the border between Laois and Carlow. The Barrow track runs past for walking.
Walks & outings → 02 The Barrow trackThe Barrow track is a walkway that runs from Milford downriver through Ballyhide toward Carlow town. It is for walking, not for buying things.
Walks & outings → 03 Rossmore hillRossmore, also called Slieve Margy on maps, rises 336 metres above the townland. Good ground for a walk if you have the legs for it.
Getting there →Wear waterproofs. Bring a sandwich. Tell someone where you're going if it's the mountain.
There is no bad time. There are different times.
Green, quiet, good walking weather.
Still quiet. The river is pleasant. Walking is good.
Best season. Clear skies, the track is muddy but walkable.
The Barrow can flood. The track becomes slick. Check conditions.
If a local was sitting beside you, this is the bit where they'd lean in.
There is no pub in Ballyhide. The nearest pubs are in Carlow town, 3 km south.
Ballyhide is a walking place, not a stay place. Stay in Carlow.
Come for the walk. Walk the Barrow track. Then leave. There is nothing else here.
South-east Laois, 3 km north of Carlow town. Approach from Carlow via the Laois road.
No regular service. Carlow town is 3 km south with full bus connections.