Ballyhoura Walking Trails
Ballyhoura Walking Trails
Ballyhoura Walking Trails
4.5
About
Ballyhoura Country is a walker's paradise offering spectacular walking in ancient and unspoilt landscapes. Whether your interests lie in short, easy walks or long distance walking, whether you prefer guided walks or to organise your walking independently; walkers of all abilities will be invigorated by the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the area. Walking through Ballyhoura Country offers plenty choice to walking enthusiasts, there are exciting nature walks, river bank walks, quiet country roads, the Ballyhoura Waymarked Way, rugged mountains, rich bogs, and mythical landscapes. For further information contact Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club.
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4.5
66 reviews
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747/400
Dublin, Ireland1,345 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Two Wonderful walks in Ballyhoura completed , the Daragh loop and the Canon Sheehan loop were both very beautiful.
Peaceful remote and with magnificent views made them both very enjoyable.. they are not challenging from a hiking perspective so they make a great introduction for someone who does not have much hiking experience.
Can’t wait to do the others.
Peaceful remote and with magnificent views made them both very enjoyable.. they are not challenging from a hiking perspective so they make a great introduction for someone who does not have much hiking experience.
Can’t wait to do the others.
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
likestotravel529
Limerick, Ireland256 contributions
Jan 2020
A misty Sunday morning walk took me up the mountains of Ballyhoura. I would suggest to GPS Ballyhoura Car Park before setting out as this will bring you to the beginning of the walk.
The walk itself can become steep at times taking you past a ringfort and up over many hills and mountains including Seefin Mountain and a good workout.
It is an area with many rocks and shadows in the distance and carries an air of mystery about it. There is a presence of steeping back thousands of years while standing within this environment.
I came in early January which led to lots of bog land, though there is always access through.
The walk itself can become steep at times taking you past a ringfort and up over many hills and mountains including Seefin Mountain and a good workout.
It is an area with many rocks and shadows in the distance and carries an air of mystery about it. There is a presence of steeping back thousands of years while standing within this environment.
I came in early January which led to lots of bog land, though there is always access through.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas S
19 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
I've been up the Ballyhoura's several times. There are some lovely trails from easy to hard hiking in the range. you can get some incredible views from the top of county Limerick and Cork. Some of the trails you could do in runners but i'd advise wearing a hiking shoe or boot especially if it's raining.
Written 29 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maireas d
Limerick, Ireland3 contributions
Mar 2013
Need more info on walking trails. more signage on the actual walks. in this day and age the website is very very very poor!!! and i'm irish. i know it is here on our doorstep. please advertise more and show maps and have info easily accessible. Everyone loves the great outdoors. it is absolutely beautiful here in Ballyhoura so give us maps and directions. please.
Written 23 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SandKJakarta
Jakarta46 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
This really is a jewel of a attraction. The scenery is fantastic and the facilities, equipment hire and general level of service from the staff is top notch. Something for everyone here if you like the outdoors. Can't recommend it enough.
Written 15 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aoife H
6 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Ballyhoura Walk : July 2021
We are a group of 10 walkers ranging in ages from 28 to 68 and with varying degrees of fitness. Our aim was to walk from Liscarroll to Tipperary town on the Ballyhoura walking trail in three and half days. The walk is mostly well marked, challenging in parts but well worth the trip. We stayed in the Park Hotel in Charleville which I would highly recommend for their accommodation, food and friendliness.
Thursday afternoon: Liscarroll to Shinagh
This was a walk along quiet rural roads past the Donkey Sanctuary and through the quiet village of Churchtown. There is a grocery shop here, in a somewhat hidden location, where you can get coffee, ice-cream etc. As you leave Churchtown, you walk on a busy road for about 3km before reaching quiet roads again. The walk was 12km long and took 3hours approx for all to complete.
Friday; Shinagh to Ballyorgan
We left Shinagh, crossed the railway line and joined the main Cork road. We walked for about 500 metres towards Charleville along the side of the main road before taking a right turn onto a rural road. We walked uphill along the road until we reached a sign pointing to the right. This boreen was overgrown and impassable, so we continued along the road, taking the next right, all the time climbing. We re-joined the signposted way some time later at a left turn when we went off road and walked along forest roads. Take care not to miss a right turn with a barrier across it. We followed the signs, all the time climbing until we reached a sign pointing to the right up a steep stone path to Carrow Mountain. The views from up there were worth the effort. The path down was tough underfoot along scree initially and across heather covered ground where the path is not always obvious. We re-joined the forest roads near Philip’s castle and walked downhill to the Bike Trail Shop. A number of the walkers stopped here, the rest continued on to Glenosheen and from there to Ballyorgan. The walk was about 32km long and took about 8 hours. It was a most enjoyable hike but I wouldn’t recommend doing this walk on a wet day. Remember to bring food and water.
Saturday : Ballyorgan to Galbally
We left Ballyorgan and walked along the road for 2km before turning right and walking up hill along the edge of the forest all the time following the signs. We exited on to a rural road through farmland and into another forest where there we got great views of the surrounding landscape as we walked. There was a steep descent on to a busy road before arriving in Kilfinane where we got lunch. Leaving Kilfinane, we followed the road uphill for 1.5km before turning left onto a horse path, then a cut away forest and then along the edge of a forest. We descended into Ballylanders along rural roads and from Ballylanders to Galbally along a quiet road. The walk was 28km long approx. and took us 7 hours.
Sunday: Galbally to Tipperary
The rain poured down and unfortunately we had to abandon the walk but will return to complete it at a future date.
Summary: This is a great hike across varying terrain and with some outstanding views. A certain level of fitness is required but slow and steady will get you there.
We are a group of 10 walkers ranging in ages from 28 to 68 and with varying degrees of fitness. Our aim was to walk from Liscarroll to Tipperary town on the Ballyhoura walking trail in three and half days. The walk is mostly well marked, challenging in parts but well worth the trip. We stayed in the Park Hotel in Charleville which I would highly recommend for their accommodation, food and friendliness.
Thursday afternoon: Liscarroll to Shinagh
This was a walk along quiet rural roads past the Donkey Sanctuary and through the quiet village of Churchtown. There is a grocery shop here, in a somewhat hidden location, where you can get coffee, ice-cream etc. As you leave Churchtown, you walk on a busy road for about 3km before reaching quiet roads again. The walk was 12km long and took 3hours approx for all to complete.
Friday; Shinagh to Ballyorgan
We left Shinagh, crossed the railway line and joined the main Cork road. We walked for about 500 metres towards Charleville along the side of the main road before taking a right turn onto a rural road. We walked uphill along the road until we reached a sign pointing to the right. This boreen was overgrown and impassable, so we continued along the road, taking the next right, all the time climbing. We re-joined the signposted way some time later at a left turn when we went off road and walked along forest roads. Take care not to miss a right turn with a barrier across it. We followed the signs, all the time climbing until we reached a sign pointing to the right up a steep stone path to Carrow Mountain. The views from up there were worth the effort. The path down was tough underfoot along scree initially and across heather covered ground where the path is not always obvious. We re-joined the forest roads near Philip’s castle and walked downhill to the Bike Trail Shop. A number of the walkers stopped here, the rest continued on to Glenosheen and from there to Ballyorgan. The walk was about 32km long and took about 8 hours. It was a most enjoyable hike but I wouldn’t recommend doing this walk on a wet day. Remember to bring food and water.
Saturday : Ballyorgan to Galbally
We left Ballyorgan and walked along the road for 2km before turning right and walking up hill along the edge of the forest all the time following the signs. We exited on to a rural road through farmland and into another forest where there we got great views of the surrounding landscape as we walked. There was a steep descent on to a busy road before arriving in Kilfinane where we got lunch. Leaving Kilfinane, we followed the road uphill for 1.5km before turning left onto a horse path, then a cut away forest and then along the edge of a forest. We descended into Ballylanders along rural roads and from Ballylanders to Galbally along a quiet road. The walk was 28km long approx. and took us 7 hours.
Sunday: Galbally to Tipperary
The rain poured down and unfortunately we had to abandon the walk but will return to complete it at a future date.
Summary: This is a great hike across varying terrain and with some outstanding views. A certain level of fitness is required but slow and steady will get you there.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler86
Limerick, Ireland684 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
One thing I did not not like was you have to pay €5 at the entrance only 5 coins.or you have to park up and walk in to get change instead of just getting a ticket and having a pay machine there.good. Walk and trails around the area.
Written 10 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EireDude
Limerick, Ireland92 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
We did the Ballyorgan loop today and enjoyed magnificent views on a long (15km?) varied trek. You start beside streams and some natural woodland, move on through planted forest and emerge onto open heathland. There are a few steep parts, both up and down, but nothing a reasonably fit family couldn't handle. Despite a bad forecast and little sunshine we had magnificent views and could see the Galtees in one direction and - I was assured - Brandon and Carrantouhill in the other. You'd need to allow 4-5 hours for the loop.
Written 17 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry Clancy
Limerick23 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Cannot say enough... Limerick is shown at it's glorious Golden Vale best when walking in Ballyhoura. Good facilities and parking. A wide variety of walks, well mapped out and easy to follow.
Written 23 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith W
71 contributions
Sept 2015 • Friends
I visited here on a mountain biking excursion with friends. I had done a lot of road cycling but never any intense mountain biking, so I was worried. I need not have., Ballyhoura offers mountain biking paths for cyclists of all ability, and even the beginner trails offer an exhilarating thrill. The scenery that you manage to see in your peripheral vision as you zip on by is also fantastic. Well worth a visit.
Written 4 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking for recommendations- want to do some hiking- 5-10 miles a day- stopping in small towns along the way. Many of the unguided hikes where they transport your luggage are much longer. The shorter options are guided and expensive. prefer easy-moderate.
Written 7 April 2018
Where do you find information about where the trails are? Or maybe get a map of the trails?
Written 24 June 2015
We'll be in Limerick July 10-11. Can we get picked up and taken there somehow? We'd love a hike or an easy bike ride.
Written 19 May 2015
How do I get there from downtown Limerick (Strand Hotel). We'd love to do some hiking
Written 19 May 2015
Amanda S
Kilfinane, Ireland
No problem. Bike Hire on site, business is called Trailriders, book a bike in advance, green loop nice to start off on. Gorgeous walks near trail head, Canon Sheehan Loop one of my favourites, website visit Ballyhoura is useful to get a feel for the walks. Tourist Office in Kilfinane can direct you to start but its essentially 3km from Ardpatrick on the Kildorrery Road. Bus service from Limerick operates daily to Kilmallock and Kilfinane, one service in the afternoon, if you guys get to location a drop off to trail head would not be an issue, there are taxi drivers locally that can accommodate that request. Further enquiries to 063-91300
Written 20 May 2015
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