Kilbrittain Trails Kiln Walk
Cape Clear Gleann Loop Gleann Loop, Clear Island, Co. Cork
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Kilbrittain, Co. Cork
The Kiln Walk is a 14.5km moderate loop trail beginning at Kilbrittain Village Park and exploring the scenic countryside between Kilbrittain and Courtmacsherry Bay. Marked with green arrows, the route follows quiet rural roads past St. Patrick’s Church, the ruins of Cloundereen Church, and onward toward the coastline before looping back with sweeping views over bays, beaches and rolling farmland. Kilbrittain itself is rich in heritage and natural attractions, including sandy beaches, ancient churches, woodlands, and the impressive 90‑foot fin whale skeleton displayed in the village.
The Gleann Loop is a rewarding 5km trail on Cape Clear Island, offering a mix of surfaced roads, sandy tracks, grassy paths and hillside walking. Beginning at the Tourist Office in North Harbour, the strenuous loop ascends through rolling terrain to deliver striking panoramas of the Atlantic, Fastnet Rock, castle ruins, harbours and the unspoilt island landscape. With a total ascent of 280m and an approximate duration of 2 hours 15 minutes, it is suited to walkers with moderate experience who want to explore one of West Cork’s most scenic Gaeltacht islands.
West Cork’s islands include seven inhabited islands, set among the many islands of Carbery’s Hundred Isles, one of Ireland’s most distinctive archipelagos.
www.discoverireland.ie/cork/ kilbrittain-trails-kiln-walk
www.discoverireland.ie/cork/ cape-clear-gleann-loop
Beara Way
Sheep’s Head Way Bantry, Co. Cork
Glengarriff Nature Reserve Esknamucky Walk Drumaclarig, Co. Cork
Glengarriff, Co. Cork
The Beara Way is a long‑distance walking route that loops around the rugged Beara Peninsula in West Cork, linking coastal paths, mountain tracks and quiet rural roads. The trail passes through colourful villages, remote valleys, and dramatic Atlantic headlands, with optional spurs to Bere Island and Dursey Island via Ireland’s only cable car. Walkers are treated to sweeping views of Bantry Bay, Kenmare Bay and the Caha and Slieve Miskish Mountains. Its mix of terrain, scenery and heritage makes it one of Ireland’s most rewarding multi‑day walking experiences.
The Esknamucky Walk is a scenic 3.1km loop within Glengarriff Nature Reserve, offering a sheltered forest trail and peaceful riverside sections. Taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete, this moderate route follows steep footpaths, forest tracks, steps and a stone bridge, climbing 80m to several viewpoints overlooking the rugged Caha Mountains and ancient woodland. Walkers pass through groves of eucalyptus and can pause at picnic tables along the way. Beginning and ending at the reserve’s main car park, it’s an ideal short hike for nature lovers visiting Glengarriff.
The Sheep’s Head Way is a spectacular 171.8km long‑distance walking route looping around the narrow Sheep’s Head Peninsula between Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay. Beginning and ending in Bantry, the trail follows the peninsula’s north coast to its lighthouse before returning via the south side through Kilcrohane, Ahakista and Durrus. Walkers encounter boreens, moorland, field paths, woodland stretches and quiet country roads, with cumulative ascents of 2,190m. Stunning Atlantic views are constant, and highlights include stone circles, standing stones, an old copper mine, blow holes and even the chance to spot dolphins or whales.
www.discoverireland.ie/cork/beara-way
www.discoverireland.ie/cork/glengarriff- nature-reserve-esknamucky-walk
www.discoverireland.ie/ cork/sheep-s-head-way
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