Step House Hotel

Borris... “A walkers Mecca!"

Blackstairs Mountains
The South Leinster Way is a long distance walking route which runs from Kildavin, Co. Carlow to Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary covering 102 kilometres (64 miles) in length and ascending 1600 metres. The predominant features in the landscape are Mount Leinster, Brandon Hill and the river valleys of the Barrow, Nore and Suir. This stretch can be comfortably walked in five days but strong walkers can finish it in three days. On a fine day you can even see Wales! 

Blackstairs Eco Trails

Blackstairs Eco Trails aims to show groups, schoolchildren, tourists, visitors from abroad, retired groups, in fact, anybody who would like to know more about the extraordinary but ordinary biodiversity of the Blackstairs. Why do bumble bees hover in the soft summer wind at the top of Tom Duff Hill? Why do butterflies love a certain lane in South Carlow? Is it the warm stone walls or the sheltered ,soft mossy environment of the lane?

For more information please click Blackstairs Eco Trail Tour.

River Barrow
The Barrow Way follows the towpath, originally a path alongside the River Barrow to allow the pulling of barges or boats for transport. The ground is level throughout passing good farmland where tillage and cattle farming is predominant. There are plenty of small, friendly villages where the welcome of the locals is renowned while the path also offers much of architectural interest to the visitor - bridges, many arched, and pretty lock houses, some still in use. Many interesting historical features are located in close proximity to the river including castles, abbeys, old bridges and derelict mills.

In Borris we are more concerned with stages 5 and 6 which are argubly the most beautiful being Bagenalstown - Borris, Graiguenamanagh - St. Mullins.

The John Murray Show - Barrow Walk with Olivia O'Leary please click here