For mountain bikers, adrenaline seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts, the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival is the must-attend event of 2025. On 26th and 27th of April, this action-packed weekend will showcase the best of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, offering incredible single-track riding, exciting races for all levels, and plenty of off-the-bike fun.
Set in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, which straddle the border of Laois and Offaly, the festival offers riders access to over 100 kilometers of flowing, fast-paced single track, purpose-built to deliver the ultimate mountain biking experience. Here’s everything you need to know about this unforgettable weekend.
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The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails – Ireland’s Hidden Gem
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner looking for an exciting new challenge, the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails offer something special. Spanning lush forests, sweeping mountain views, and twisting single tracks, the trails are designed for flow, speed, and fun.
Built by Coillte, the Slieve Bloom trail network has quickly become one of Ireland’s best-loved mountain biking destinations. Riders can test their endurance, tackle berms and switchbacks, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery of this off-the-beaten-path gem in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Coillte Biking Blitz – Races for Everyone
At the festival’s heart is the Coillte Biking Blitz, a mass-start cross-country endurance event designed for riders of all levels. While it’s beginner-friendly, it also caters to those who want to push their limits over longer distances. Riders can choose from three categories: Novice, E-Bike, or Expert. There are also youth races for those as young as six years old. With a focus on stamina and consistency rather than technical expertise, the Blitz is ideal for cyclists who love endurance riding and want to experience the stunning trails of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in a race setting. This mass-start cross-country style mountain bike race is known for its welcoming, inclusive vibe.
You can choose from the following race categories:
Novice – A great entry-level race designed for beginners.
E-Bike – Experience the thrill of electric-assist mountain biking on the challenging trails.
Expert – For experienced riders looking to test their speed, endurance, and technical skills.
Youth Races – With categories starting for kids as young as 6, the Blitz encourages young riders to get involved in mountain biking.
Pre-registration is essential for all races, so make sure to book your spot online in advance!
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Inclusivity at the Core – Adaptive MTB Race
Inclusivity is also a key focus this year, with the festival set to host Ireland’s first-ever Adaptive MTB race on Sunday. This groundbreaking race aims to make mountain biking more accessible and ensure that riders of all abilities can experience the thrill of the Slieve Bloom trails. More details will be confirmed soon, so stay tuned to slievebloommtbfestival.ie for updates.
A Weekend Packed with Adventure
It’s not just about the racing. Even after you hang up your helmet, the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival promises a full weekend of entertainment, making it a fantastic event for riders, families, and spectators alike.
The Big Bike Film Night – Saturday Evening
After a day on the trails, head to Giltraps Townhouse in Kinnitty Village on Saturday night for the Big Bike Film Night. This curated collection of short films celebrates the joy of cycling, with stories of adventure, perseverance, and human-powered fun. Whether you’re into downhill, road cycling, BMX, or just a casual commuter, these films will inspire and entertain.
The film starts at 7 PM, followed by live traditional music at 8:30 PM in Giltraps.
Off-The-Bike Activities
For those coming along to cheer on racers or enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. The festival hub at Kinnitty Castle will feature:
- MC-led commentary and music throughout the races.
- Food and drink vendors, serving up tasty treats and refreshments.
- Public toilets and event facilities.
- Parking is available at Kinnitty Castle, with clear signage to guide you to the side entrance.
Leading the Way in Sustainability
The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival is also dedicated to sustainability. The event team is working hard to reduce its environmental impact and leave the trails cleaner than they were found.
Accredited by the Sustainable Tourism Network and following the Comhairle na Tuaithe Guidelines for Organising Outdoor Activity Events, the festival has partnered with Trash Free MTB to promote responsible outdoor practices. You’ll spot a Sustainability Champion on-site throughout the weekend, helping raise awareness and encourage eco-friendly behavior.
Here are some of the key sustainability initiatives you can expect to see at the festival:
- Dedicated bin stations with recycling, compost, and refuse options.
- Hemp twine instead of plastic zip ties for race plates and banners.
- Reusable straps and zip ties to cut down on single-use plastic.
- A commitment to sourcing local and sustainable products and reducing vendor waste.
- A leave no trace ethos, encouraging all riders to take their trash with them.
- Paperless event organization, with no printing of competitor notes or posters.
By tracking and reporting waste from each event, the organizers are setting ambitious sustainability goals for future festivals. Everyone attending is encouraged to play their part by making small, eco-friendly choices during the weekend.
Plan Your Festival Weekend
The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival is shaping up to be Ireland’s premier mountain biking event, with thrilling races, spectacular trails, and fun activities for all ages. Whether you’re a first-time racer, a seasoned pro, or just someone who loves the outdoors, this weekend has something for you.
Ready to ride? Book your tickets online now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Slieve Bloom Mountains!
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