County Laois Ireland · Co. Laois · Castletown Save · Share
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CASTLETOWN
CO. LAOIS · IE

Castletown
Baile an Chaisleáin

The Ireland's Ancient East
STOP 04 / 04
Baile an Chaisleáin · Co. Laois

A tiny village south of Mountrath, at the foot of Slieve Bloom. A walking stop.

Castletown is a small village below the Slieve Bloom Mountains. It is on the way to the walks, not a destination itself. There is a pub, and views of the mountain that narrow your attention.

It works best as a base for a night if you are walking the Slieve Bloom Way. Otherwise, keep moving.

Population
~120
Founded
Village
Coords
52.8253° N, 7.3819° W
01 / 04

The pubs.

None of these are themed Irish pubs, because they don't need to be. A few that earn the trip:

The Village Pub

Locals, walkers
Village pub

Coffee and a pint for walkers on the way up the mountain. Check hours.

02 / 04

Things to do outside.

Wear waterproofs. Bring a sandwich. Tell someone where you're going if it's the mountain.

Slieve Bloom approach Castletown sits at the foot of the mountain — the Slieve Bloom Way access is nearby. Pick up the OS map before you set out.
Variabledistance
Variabletime
03 / 04

When to go.

There is no bad time. There are different times.

Spring
Mar–May

Mountain is opening, clear days.

◉ Go
Summer
Jun–Aug

Peak walking season.

◉ Go
Autumn
Sep–Oct

Best light on the mountain.

◉ Go
Winter
Nov–Feb

Mountain often in cloud. Very quiet village.

◐ Mind yourself
+

Getting there.

By car

South of Mountrath on the road toward the Slieve Bloom foothills. About 10 km from Mountrath.

By bus

No regular service. Drive or walk from Mountrath.