Round Hill Loop Walk

The Heritage Town of Lismore enjoys one of the prettiest positions of any Irish town, overlooking the River Blackwater beneath the Knockmealdown Mountains. It's Lismore's Anglo-Norman castle that inevitably makes the lasting impression. Lady Louisa's and Round Hill Walk: Lady Louisa's Walk is primarily a woodland walk along the river bank. One can expect to find woodland plants such as beech, ash, ferns, spindle tree, holly and ivy as well as wood sorrel, golden saxifrage and wild garlic to name a few. After a short walk along the river bank and through a kissing gate walkers can choose to turn away from the river, uphill back towards the town. Alternatively you can continue along the river bank a little further towards The Round Hill, where walkers may continue to spot numerous water birds. A stand of mature pine trees atop a mound will indicate you are approaching the famous Round Hill, a great earthwork covering almost three acres in extent.

Did you know: The first monastic settlement in Lismore was founded by St. Carthage at Round Hill adjacent to the river, where he built a 'Lios', an Irish term used to describe a fort built of earth. Ballysaggartmore Towers are imposing gothic style gate lodges built in 1850 by Arthur Kiely Usher for his wife. The gate lodge and towers provide a fairy tale setting which reflects the sad period in Irish history where extravagance and starvation lived side by side.

How to get there: Lady Louisa's/Round Hill Walks: From Lismore Heritage Centre, follow the N72, past the spout to the start of the bridge. Lady Louisa's walk is located on the right just before the bridge. Parking is available. The Towers Walk: Take the R666 from Lismore to Ballyduff and Fermoy, sign-posted at the bridge near Lismore Castle. Continue for approximately 3.5km to the Towers entrance on the right.

Minimum Gear: Trekking shoes, rain gear, water, mobile phone