Ballyhuppahane is a townland in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, deep in south-west Laois. Most of the area is forest—trees planted by farmers on land too steep or poor to farm. It is quiet.
The only draw is Cathole Falls, a natural waterfall and swimming pool hidden in the trees. Cold water. A walk through forest to reach it. Otherwise, there is nothing here. No pub. No shop. No reason to stay. Come for the walk. Come for the swim. Then leave.
Three things every local will eventually mention. Read these and you've already understood more than most day-trippers do.
Ballyhuppahane sits in the Slieve Bloom range. The mountains ring the townland. Walking is the reason you come here.
Walks & outings → 02 Cathole FallsCathole Falls is a secluded waterfall and pool, surrounded by trees. It is the main draw. Cold water. Swimming when the weather permits.
Walks & outings → 03 Forest and quietTrees planted by local farmers on marginal land. Quiet forest. No pubs, no shops. Walking and swimming. That is 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, wet. Good walking weather. Cathole Falls will have water.
Warmest time. Cathole Falls is swimmable. The forest is cool.
Still good. The forest turns colour. Water is cold for swimming.
Wet, muddy, dark. The falls are in flood. Walking is hard.
If a local was sitting beside you, this is the bit where they'd lean in.
There are none. Ballyhuppahane is a forest townland, not a settlement.
No hotels or B&Bs. Stay in Rosenallis, 5 km away, or further afield.
Come for Cathole Falls and the walks. A half-day here is plenty.
South-west Laois in the Slieve Bloom foothills. Access via Rosenallis, about 5 km east.
No regular service. Rosenallis is the nearest village with limited bus connections.