Clamp Hole Waterfall | Worth the brutal climb
The Slieve Bloom mountains boast some of the most impressive inland scenery in Ireland; however, many tourists skim over the depths of their valleys.
When searching for a roadmap, it can be hard to find something detailed and accurate enough to get your bearings and ensure you reach your destination for an immersive escape with a mix of native woods and grand waterscapes.
This all-in-one navigational article provides precise directions and trail info so you can enjoy your next trip to the magnificent Clamp Hole Waterfall without a hitch or a moment of regret.
Glenbarrow Loop trail details
It’s always useful to have an idea of the physical type of this route before you start packing up your gear. The Glenbarrow trail network is a gem which is very well preserved and located in the heart of County of Laois.
Distance: It is either a walk of 3.2 km or the outer loop of 9 km.
Elevation gain: If tackling the entire ridge line, then expect a total ascent of 268 m.
Time Required: 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the route taken.
Difficulty: Moderate with steep and slick inclines close to the water.
How to get to the Glenbarrow Trailhead
There are a few narrow winding lanes to get to the start point. Leave Rosenallis following the clear local signage that points out the mountain routes.
The road ends at the main Glenbarrow car park. This parking area is free to use, but it is limited. The lot gets full quickly on sunny days or in the early morning on Saturday or Sunday, so try to arrive early in the morning.
Choosing your route at the trailhead
A large overlapping information board is immediately at the edge of the tree line. The whole area is well signed with blue, green and red arrows as part of a clear colour coding system.
In the woods, you’ll soon come to a fork in the road with a ‘Y’ sign. The clockwise route permits you to follow the bottom of the valley beside the river first, the most popular route. The alternative is to avoid the steep uphill sections of the walk in the first part of the day by climbing up the forestry road in an anti-clockwise direction.
Step-by-step along the Glenbarrow loop trail
Through the pine forest and along the river
The path leads from the car park and straight into an established and well-developed pine wood. The air turns quickly, and there is a background of running water and pine fragrance.
Soon, you’ll end up facing head-on the banks of the River Barrow. This stretch of earthen path becomes very atmospheric, natural wildlife can be seen right at the water’s edge.
The broadwalks and forest roads
The highly sensitive and wet river-side path is strengthened by the installation of large areas of raised boardwalks and rustic wooden railway sleepers.
These wooden walkways are well suited to marshier areas. The single track gradually becomes an open, wide gravel forest road, passing through a large gap in the forest.
Climbing towards the Ridge of Capard
This is where you’ll see how fit you are before starting this trail. This trail starts off with a tough section of the hike, climbing up out of the valley.
Here, you will need good hiking boots to cope with the loose rocks and sharp turns. At the top awaits the Capard viewing deck, with a wide-ranging and panoramic view over the purple heather of the midlands.
Exploring the lost village
The tranquil stone remains of Cones (known locally as The Lost Village) are scattered throughout the upper section of the mountain loop.
Strolling between these ruins of stone walls under the trees will give a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past of the Irish countryside. It’s an excellent place to pause, breathe, and soak in the utter silence of the mountain before you descend.
Reaching the Clamp Hole Waterfall
The standout feature of the Glenbarrow Loop Walk, Laois, is the amazing waterfall at the Clamp Hole. The gorgeous three-layered formation plunges down steps of crumbling sandstone and smooth, red mudrock.
The pool at the base of the main drop is a renowned deep-woods oasis. It takes time to manoeuvre down the steep, narrow dirt steps to the water, and year-round, the rocks near the falls are slippery from the spray of the waterfall.
Family and gear accessibility guidelines
Looking to do something fun and festive with the kids on Sunday? This is a great family walk to the waterfall and back, from which older kids will find plenty to explore in the short loop.
But parents of toddlers should do careful planning in advance. It is not physically possible to push a buggy or pushchair here due to the terrain being filled with exposed tree roots, uneven stone steps, and muddy banks. When travelling with a toddler, a special baby backpack, which is framed and made for that purpose, is a must for travelling safely.
Other walking options nearby
Snow White ran around until she had finished the loop, and if there was still daylight left, the Slieve Blooms gave her a lot to see. The Slieve Bloom Way is a long, hard route which can be easily modified into a multi-day trek if desired. A short journey out of the valley will take you towards the outstanding canopy trails of Mullaghmeen Forest.
Leave no trace
Glenbarrow lies in part within a protected national nature reserve, and it is important that “Leave No Trace” is observed to ensure that Glenbarrow remains in pristine condition. Take all litter with you, ensure dogs are on a leash at all times, and only walk on the boardwalks provided.
Overall, the Glenbarrow Loop Walk is a beautiful and well-maintained trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It’s a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast, no matter what your interests are, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience a bit of Irish history.
