Overview
Oughaval (Irish: Coill na Nuachabhála, “Wood of the new settlement”) sits just south-east of Stradbally in County Laois. Covering 150 hectares of mixed broadleaf forest, the woodland forms part of the Stradbally Hill Natural Heritage Area. The landscape is characterised by mature beech and oak stands, criss-crossed with historic estate walls, dry-stone features, and a quiet, well-maintained network of walking paths. Because entry is free and the terrain is manageable, it attracts local families, independent walkers, and visitors interested in early Irish Christianity and 19th-century social history.
History & Heritage
The spiritual life of this ridge stretches back to the late 6th century, when St Colman mac Ua Laoighse founded a monastic settlement here. The community produced the Lebor na Nuachongbála (Book of Oughaval), a manuscript that would later become the celebrated Book of Leinster, now preserved in Dublin. By the 12th century, a stone-roofed church stood on the site, surviving into the 18th century before the Cosby family of Stradbally Hall altered the demesne layout. The church was eventually dismantled for building stone, leaving only the graveyard and scattered foundations visible today.
During the Penal era (1691–1727), local Catholics worshipped in secret. A concealed Mass Rock was used as a clandestine altar, its location known only to parishioners. A stone cross erected in 1957 now marks the spot. The most visually striking historical feature, however, dates to the Great Famine. Between 1845 and 1852, the landowner commissioned Cobbler’s Castle – a decorative stone ruin built specifically to provide relief work for starving tenants. It was never a defensive structure, but its castellated silhouette remains one of the county’s most recognisable famine memorials. In a modern twist, a Russian Orthodox chapel dedicated to St Colman was built in the demesne around 1994, quietly reviving the site’s ancient dedication.
Walking the Trails
Coillte maintains three clearly marked loops, each catering to different timeframes and interests. Paths are waymarked with a white arrow on a red background, and an OSI Discovery Series Sheet 55 is recommended for those who prefer navigating with a physical map.
- Beech Way Walk – A 2 km, 30-minute loop that winds through towering beech trees (some reaching 30–40 metres). The route passes the historic Mass Rock and offers a gentle introduction to the wood.
- Mass Rock Walk – Another 2 km moderate circuit designed specifically to guide walkers to the concealed altar site. The path follows old estate boundaries and opens onto small clearings with views over the surrounding farmland.
- Cobbler’s Castle Walk – The longest option at 6 km, taking roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. This moderate loop circles the entire wood, bringing you close to the folly and crossing several glades that look out toward the Barrow valley. The route involves an elevation gain of approximately 129 metres, so sturdy footwear is advisable, especially after rain.
Dogs are welcome on all trails provided they are kept on a lead. Picnic tables are positioned near the car park, and there are no toilets or refreshment facilities on site, so visitors should bring their own supplies.
Getting There
Oughaval Wood is accessed via the R433, roughly 3 km south-east of Stradbally. From Portlaoise, the drive takes about 30 minutes (20 km); from Dublin, allow 1 hour 45 minutes (120 km). A free Coillte-managed car park sits at the main trailhead.
Public transport options are limited. A Bus Éireann service stops in Stradbally town, but there is no dedicated bus to the wood. Most visitors use a short taxi ride or walk the final stretch from the town centre. The surrounding country lanes are quiet and suitable for cycling, though the walking trails themselves are unpaved and best experienced on foot.
Seasonal Highlights & Nearby Stops
Spring is the most visually striking time to visit. From late March through early April, the beech understory carpets with bluebells and primroses, creating a soft, fragrant atmosphere that draws photographers and nature lovers. Autumn brings a brilliant gold canopy as the broadleaf canopy turns. Local volunteers occasionally organise a commemorative Mass at the historic altar around Easter; dates are usually posted on local community boards or parish notices.
Oughaval sits conveniently between several other Laois heritage sites. The wood forms part of the Laois Heritage Trail and the Laois Monastic Trail, which connect visitors to early Christian sites like Aghaboe Abbey and the Rock of Dunamase. A short drive north leads to Emo Court, a neoclassical mansion with extensive walled gardens, while the Stradbally Hall estate hosts the popular annual Steam Rally. For a longer riverside excursion, the Barrow Way follows the Barrow downstream, offering flat, scenic paths ideal for cycling or leisurely walks.
Check Coillte’s website before heading out for any temporary trail closures or updated parking information. Arriving early in the morning helps secure a parking spot during peak bluebell season and ensures a quieter experience on the limestone ridge paths.