Cork Walking Trails & Areas

Name: Doctors Hill Loop, Blackwater Loop
Type: Forest Walks – National Loop Walk
Length: 7km
Directions: Start from the village of Ballydesmond in North Cork at the junction of the R578, R577 and R582. Follow the R578 in the direction of Newmarket for 4km to reach a 3-way junction where you veer left – leaving the R578. Continue for 1.5km to reach a crossroads where you turn left onto a minor road. Follow this road for 4km to reach the trailhead on your right.
Closest Town: Ballydesmond
Further information: Click here. 

Name: Banane Loop
Type: Forest Walk – National Loop Walk
Length: 5km
Directions: Start from the town of Newmarket which is on the R576 north of the N72 between Rathmore and Mallow. From Newmarket follow the R578 in the direction of Charleville. At the first main junction (Mountkeefe Crossroads) turn left and follow the signs for Meelin village. Continue straight at Hayes (Breen`s) Crossroads and take a left turn into the forestry on the ascent from the crossroads. The trailhead is located at a crossroads.
Closest Town: Meelin Village
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Rowls-Langford Loop
Type: Forest Walk – National Loop Walk
Length: 5km
Directions: Start from the town of Newmarket which is on the R576 north of the N72 between Rathmore and Mallow. From Newmarket follow the R578 in the direction of Charleville. At the first main junction (Mountkeefe Crossroads) turn left and follow the signs for Meelin village. Continue straight at Hayes (Breen`s) Crossroads and take a left turn into the forestry on the ascent from the crossroads. The trailhead is located at a crossroads.
Closest Town: Meelin Village
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Knightfield Loop
Type: Forest Walk – National Loop Walk
Length: 4km
Directions: Start in Banteer Village which is on the R579 just off the N72 between Rathmore and Mallow. Follow the R579 in the direction of Nad. Pass Banteer Heritage Centre (Glen Theatre) on the right and take the next left turn at Father Murphy`s Bridge. Follow this minor road to the second forestry entrance on the right. The trailhead is marked by a mapboard.
Closest Town: Banteer
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Father Murphy`s Loop
Type: Forest Walk – National Loop Walk
Length: 7km
Directions: Start in Banteer Village which is on the R579 just off the N72 between Rathmore and Mallow. Follow the R579 in the direction of Nad. Pass Banteer Heritage Centre (Glen Theatre) on the right and take the next left turn at Father Murphy`s Bridge. Follow this minor road to the second forestry entrance on the right. The trailhead is marked by a mapboard.
Closest Town: Banteer
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Island Wood
Type: Forest/river walk
Length: approx. 7Km
Directions: From Newmarket town take a narrow tertiary road past the Roman Catholic Church, travel up and over a hill to the second road junction to your right. Take this road on your right and continue a further ½ Km to a small car park. You may park here or you could take a further right into the wood and continue on a forest road for 0.8 Km to a larger car park and picnic site.
Closest Town: Newmarket
Further Information: Click here

Name: Mount Hillary Loop
Type: Forest Walk – National Loop Walk
Length: 10km
Directions: Start in Banteer Village which is on the R579 just off the N72 between Rathmore and Mallow. Follow the R579 in the direction of Nad. Pass Banteer Heritage Centre (Glen Theatre) on the right and take the next left turn at Father Murphy`s Bridge. Follow this minor road to the second forestry entrance on the right. The trailhead is marked by a mapboard.
Closest Town: Banteer
Further Information: Click here.

Name: The Donkey Sanctuary
Type: Farm Walk
Length: 1Km
Directions:The Donkey Sanctuary is about half a mile outside Liscarroll on the R522.
Closest Town: Liscarroll
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Mallow Castle Loop Walk
Type: Town Walk
Length: aprox1.5Km
Directions: Begin at Mallow Castle
Closest Town: Mallow
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Mallow G.A.A. Sports Centre Walk
Type: Sports Field Walk
Length:
Directions: From town centre take a left at the clock tower and take the next immediate right turn. Follow this road for approx 2 miles.
Closest Town: Mallow
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Doneraile Wildlife Park
Type: Parklands
Length: various
Directions:
Closest Town: Doneraile
Further Information: Click here

Name: Glenagear Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 1.6 km
Directions: Glenagear is located about 1.6 km south of Killavullen on the Cork road.
Closest Town: Kilavullen
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Killavullen Loop
Type: Forest Walk – National Loop Walk
Length: 12km
Directions: Start from the village of Killavullen which is located 1km off the N72 west of Castletownroche en-route from Fermoy to Mallow. After crossing the bridge over the River Blackwater on the entrance to the village, veer left at the Y-junction – following the signposts for Ballyhooly. Follow this road for 2km to the trailhead at a sharp left bend. [The trailhead is signposted from Killavullen.]
Closest Town: Kilavullen
Further Information: Click here. 

Name: Ardarou Forest
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 1.5Km
Directions: Go north of Glenville for approx.1.5 Km, the forest entrance is just before the Bride River bridge.
Closest Town:
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Corrin Wood
Type: Forest
Length: 4Km
Directions: Corrin Wood is about 3.5 km south of Fermoy on N8 to Cork. Turn right after just under 1 km.
Closest Town: Fermoy
Further Information: Click here.

Name: Kilworth Slí na Sláinte
Type: Slí na Sláinte
Length: 4.2km and 3.1Km
Directions: One walks begins at the V cross while the other starts in the village.
Closest Town: Kilworth
Further Information: Click here

Name: Glenabo Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 2Km
Directions: On the south side of the River Blackwater, 1.5 km west of Fermoy on 3rd class road to Killavullen.
Closest Town: Fermoy
Further Information: Click here

Name: Glenanaar Forest
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 2Km
Directions: Following the N72 from Mallow to Mitchelstown,take the next left after Clogher Cross roads and stay on this road for approx 4Km
Closest Town: Kildorrery
Further Information: Click here

Name: Streamhill Forest
Type: Forest Walk
Length: approx 3Km
Directions: Follow road due north out of Doneraile for approx 4Km
Closest Town: Doneraile
Further Information:

Name: Ballinaboola Forest
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 2Km
Directions: The entrance to this walk is located just off the Newtown Ardpatrick road approx 1Km from Newtown
Closest Town: Charleville
Further Information: Click here

Name: Kildorrery
Type: River Walk
Length: approx 3Km
Directions: Take the first left turn outside the village on the Glanworth road to beginning of walk.
Closest Town: Kildorrerey
Further Information:

Name: Glensheskin
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 1.5Km
Directions: Glensheskin is situated 1.5 km north east of Kilworth on 3rd class roads to Ballyporeen.
Closest Town: Kilworth
Further Information: Click here

Name: Kilbarry Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length:
Directions: Take the Fermoy – Lismore road and approx.6.7Km from Fermoy there is an amenity area developed at a crossroads. The walk is signposted from here. Take a left at the crossroads and follow this small road until you see the car park at Kilbarry wood on the right hand side of the road.
Closest Town: Fermoy
Further Information:

Name: Bottlehill Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 7Km
Directions: Bottlehill is north of Cork City on a 3rd class road to Killavullen 8.6 Km from Whitechurch
Closest Town: Whitechurch
Further Information: Click here

Name: Moanbaun Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 4Km
Directions: Moanbawn is located about 4km from Watergrasshill on the N8 road.
Closest Town: Watergrasshill
Further Information: Click here

 

Long Distance Routes
Name: The Ballyhoura Way
Type: National Waymarked Way
Length: 30Km
Directions: Route begins at John`s Bridge
Closest Town: Liscarroll
Further Information: Click here and here

Name: The Blackwater Way
Type: National Waymarked Way
Length: 78Km
Directions: Route begins at Araglin
Closest Town: Araglin
Further Information: Click here

Name: The Duhallow Way
Type: National Waymarked Way
Length: 64Km
Directions: Begins at Mallow Railway Stn..
Closest Town: Mallow
Further Information:

Name: Curragh Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 5Km
Directions: Currach Wood is about 5 km north of Middleton on R626 to Rathcormack. Turn left for 1.5 km.
Closest Town: Lisgoold
Further Information: Currach Wood is about 5 km north of Middleton on R626 to Rathcormack. Turn left for 1.5 km. Click here

Name: Ballyannon Wood
Type: Woodland Walk
Length: 3km
Directions: This wood is accessed from Midleton by following the road under the N25 at Oatencake.
Closest Town: Midleton

Name: Glenbower Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: Approx 2Km
Directions: Access to the trail is from within the village of Killeagh.
Closest Town: Killeagh
Further Information: click here

Name: Youghal Slí na Sláinte
Type: Urban Walk
Length:
Directions:
Closest Town: Youghal
Further Information: click here

Name: Youghal Beach Walk
Type: Beach Walk
Length: 2.5Km
Directions: Begin at Youghal town and go in a southerly direction.
Closest Town: Youghal
Further Information: here.

Name: Shanagarry Beach Walk
Type: Beach Walk
Length: 6Km
Directions: Access to beach is from car park at coastal end of Shanagarry village
Closest Town: Shanagarry
Further Information:

Name: Ballycotton Cliff Walk
Type: Coastal Cliff Walk
Length: approx.4Km
Directions:
Closest Town: Ballycotton
Further Information: click here

Name: Rostellan Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 2Km
Directions: On the Midleton to Whitegate road take a right at Rostellan village and travel on road for approx 1Km where car park is located.
Closest Town: Whitegate
Further Information: click here

Name: Marlogue Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 1.2 Km
Directions: After passing the post office at Ballymore on Great Isalnd take the next right hand turn . Follow this road until you meet the car park at the forest.
Closest Town: Cobh
Further Information: click here

Name: Fota Wildlife Park
Type: Parklands
Length: various
Directions: take the N25 east from Cork. Take Cobh exit( R22). The entrance to park is just before Belvelly brdge.
Closest Town: Cobh
Further Information: click here

Name: Passage West – Rochestown
Type: Coastal
Length: 3.5Km
Directions: Begin near school in Passage west
Closest Town: Passage West
Further Information:

Name: Mahon Shore Walk
Type: Marina Walk
Length:
Directions: Begin in Blackrock village
Closest Town: Blackrock
Further Information:

Name: Knocknaheny Slí na Sláinte
Type: urban
Length: 3Km
Directions: Route begins outside Super Value on the Harbour View Rd.
Closest Town: Knocknaheny
Further Information: click here

Name: Curragheen River Walk
Type: River Walk
Length: approx. 2Km
Directions: This walk begins beside County Buildings beside river.
Closest Town: Cork City
Further Information: click here

Name: Ballincollig Regional Park
Type: Parklands
Length: various
Directions: Ballincollig Regional Park is located six miles from Cork
city just north of the N22 Cork-Killarney Road. Comingfrom Cork city, in Ballincollig, turn right after Healy`s Bar, going through the pillars to the Gunpowder Mills (this is the eastern side of the park).
Closest Town: Ballincollig
Further Information: downloadable information here

Name: Farran Forest Park
Type: Forest Walks
Length: various
Directions: From Cork travel on the N22 west for 14km, at Srelane cross take a right, travel 6km to forest park entrance on the right. From Macroom travel east on the N22 for 6 km, take a left and travel 10 km to Rooves bridge, take a right and travel 4 km to park entrance on the left.
Closest Town: Coachford
Further Information: here

Name: Monkstown, Rigaskidddy and Little Island Slí na Sláinte
Type: Slí na Sláinte routes
Length: 4Km, 3km, 2.4Km
Directions: irishheart website
Closest Town:
Further Information: click here

Name: Curraghbinny Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: approx.5Km
Directions: From Cork City take N28 and link with R611 before Carrigaline at roundabout. Travel into Carrigaline and exit to the left at the Roman Catholic church – R613. Travel for 3.7 km and exit to right, continue along the road for 3.5 km which will lead you into the wood car park.
Closest Town: Carrigaline
Further Information: click here

Name: Carrigaline – Crosshahaven Walk
Type: Estuary Walk
Length: 6Km
Directions: This walk begins just outside Carigaline beside the Crosshahaven road.
Closest Town: Carrigaline/Crosshaven
Further Information: click here

Name: Kinsale Slí na Sláinte Walk
Type: Slí na Sláinte
Length: 4Km
Directions: The route begins opposite The Perryville Hotel
Closest Town: Kinsale
Further Information: click here

Name: Belgooly Estuary Walks

Type: Estuary Walk
Length: approx. 2Km
Directions: Head out along the estuary from the village.
Closest Town: Belgooly
Further Information: www.belgooly.ie

Name: Warrenscourt Forest
Type: Forest Walk
Length: approx. 2Km
Directions: Coming from Macroom take the right turn just before Lissarda, take the immediate right and follow this road over the bridge, keep on this road and forest entrance is on the left hand side.
Closest Town: Macroom

Name: Macroom Castle Demesne Walks
Type: River Walk
Length: 1Km
Directions: Access to walks is gained through the Castle gates in the town
Closest Town: Macroom
 

Name: Kilbrittain Slí na Sláinte
Type: Sli na Sláinte
Length: 4Km
Directions: This route begins at Deasy`s Bridge just south of the village
Closest Town: Kilbrittain
 

Name: Ballinspittle Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 3.3Km
Directions: Adjacent to Ballinspittle village on the Garretstown road
Closest Town: Ballinspittle
 

Name: Garretstown Beach Walk
Type: Beach
Length:
Directions: Due south of Ballinspittle
Closest Town: Ballinspittle
Further Information:

Name: Timoleague Courtmacsherry Walk
Type: Estuary Walk
Length: 4km
Directions: This walk begins on the other side of the bridge at Timoleague.
Closest Town: Timoleague
Further Information:

Name: Seven Heads Walks
Type: Woodland, coastal and country lanes
Length: various
Directions: All walks begin at Courtmacsherry
Closest Town: Courtmacsherry
Further Information: click here and here

Name: InchydoneyIsland Walk
Type: Field/Beach/Sea Shore Walk
Length:
Directions: Due south of Clonakilty
Closest Town: Clonakilty

Name: Long Strand Beach
Type: Beach Walk
Length:
Directions: Coming from Clonakilty take a left at Lissavard and keep on this road until you reach the coast.
Closest Town: Clonakilty
 

Name: Castlefreke Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length:
Directions: Coming from Clonakilty take a left at Lissavard and keep on this road until you Rathbarry.Take a right at this junction and take a right at the Lodge, travel 300meters and take a right into the car park.
Closest Town: Clonakilty
 

Name: Dromilihy Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 3Km
Directions: Coming from Clonakilty this is the first area of woodland you will meet on the left hand side after passing Leap.
Closest Town: Leap
Further Information:

Name: Rineen Wood
Type: Forest/Coastal Walk
Length: 4Km
Directions: From Union Hall follow the road west for approx.2Km.The entrance to the wood is at the estuary
Closest Town: Union Hall
 

Name: Rosscarbery Slí na Sláinte
Type: Slí na Sláinte
Length: 3.7Km
Directions: Route begins at the playground at Peakeen Cross
Closest Town: Rosscarbery
Further Information: click here

Name: Tooreenasillane Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 3Km
Directions: Travelling from Skibbereen take the road to Drinagh. Take the first right on this road and the forest entrance is on you right hand side.
Closest Town: Skibbereen
 

Name: Knockomagh Wood Nature Reserve, Lough Hyne.
Type: Forest/Hill walk
Length: 2Km
Directions: Take the Skibbereen to Baltimore road. After 5.3 Km take the left hand junction which will bring you to Lough Hyne and the entrance to walk.
Closest Town: Skibbereen
Further Information:

Name: Sheeps Head Loop Walk
Type: National Loop Walk
Length: 4Km and 6Km
Directions: www.discoverireland
Closest Town: Kilcrohane
Further Information: downloadable map here

Name: Glengarriff Slí na Sláinte
Type: Slí na Sláinte
Length: 6.3Km
Directions: Route begins at the village junction.
Closest Town: Glengarriff
Further Information: click here

Name: Glengarriff Nature Reserve
Type: Forest /Riverbank/Hill Walks
Length: various
Directions: Heading out on the Kenmare road from the village turn in left at the gate lodge.
Closest Town: Glengarriff
Further Information: click here

Name: Pooleen Wood
Type: Forest Walk
Length: 8Km
Directions: On the road between Glengarrriff and Kenmare take the next left after 3Km
Closest Town: Glengarriff
 

Name: West Island Loop, Bere Island
Type: National Loop Walk
Length: 10Km
Directions: Take the ferry from Castletownebere to the Western side of the island. The walk begins at the pier.
Closest Town: Castletownebere
Further Information: click here

Name: Rerrin Loop, Bere Island
Type: National Loop Walk
Length: 6Km
Directions: Take the ferry to Rerrin. The walk begins at the pier.
Closest Town: Castletownebere
 

Name: Bere Island Slí na Sláinte Route
Type: Slí na Sláinte
Length:
Directions: This route begins at the east side of O` Sullivan`s pub, Ballinakilla.
Closest Town:
 

Name: Dursey Island Loop Walk
Type: National Loop Walk
Length: 14Km
Directions: Dursey Island is located at the tip of the Beara Peninsula in Co. Cork. Access to the island is by the only cablecar in Ireland,
Closest Town: Castletownebere
 

Name: Creha Quay Loop Walk
Type: National Loop Walk
Length: 6Km
Directions: Start from the village of Ardgroom on the R571 between Lauragh and Eyeries. In the village take the minor road signposted Cuas Pier and Pallas Harbour. Follow this road for approximately 5km to reach Cuas Pier on your right.
Closest Town: Ardgroom
 

Name: Coastguard Stn. Loop
Type: National Loop Walk
Length: 9Km
Directions: Trail starts at O` Sullivan`s shop in Eyeries village
Closest Town: Eyeries
 

Name: The Beara Way
Type: National Waymarked Way
Length:
Directions: Start at Glengarriff
Closest Town: Glengarriff
 

Name: The Sheeps Head Way
Type: National Waymarked Way
Length: 100Km
Directions: The route starts in Bantry town.
Closest Town: Bantry
Further Information: click here

Name: Coppeen Walks
Type: Coppeen Waymarked Walks
Further information: Click here