Top Treks & Trails in the Ballyhouras
Start your adventure in the Ballyhouras. The mountains lie along the south-east Limerick and north Cork border, with a number of fantastic trails in the area. Take in the glorious scenery as your trek through one of Munster’s most beautiful mountain ranges.
The Ballyhouras
The Ballyhouras are best known for their terrific cycling tracks, however the mountains also offer a wide range of walks for both experienced hikers and leisurely strollers.
The Nature Trail is perfect for a family outing, taking 40 minutes to complete. Enjoy an easy to moderate 2km walk, where woodland animals are often seen along the trail.
Take the Greenwood Trail for a step up. Walkers adore this 5km trail through forests and streams. What a wonderful way to spend two hours of your day, taking in the stunning scenery all around.
Experience the Blackrock Loop for a more challenging trek through the Ballyhoura uplands. This strenuous hike follows a 11 km trail combining forest and mountain walking. The loop generally will take 4 hours 30 minutes to complete.
Glenair
Located in the heart of the Ballyhouras, the Glenair carpark is the starting and finishing point for the Canon Sheehan Loop. This 7km trail takes a wonderful route across the Ogeen River, by rockpools and through the incredible forestry of the Ballyhouras. Deemed a moderate walk, taking 2 hours 30 minutes.
Ballinaboola
Ballinaboola stretches across 6000 hectares of trails and forest roads, including two popular National Looped Walks the Ballinaboola Loop and the Knockaduv Loop. Both trails start and end at the Ballinaboola carpark, following either the green (Knockduv Loop) or purple (Ballinaboola Loop) arrows along the way.
Take the Knockaduv Loop for a shorter stroll through the woodlands. Enjoy the moderate 5km trail, which typically takes hikers 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. Or, brave the brilliant Ballinaboola Loop for a 10km hike that will take about 2 hours 30 minutes. A great way to start the day!
Recharge in the nearby areas; Ballinaboola is 4km from Ardpatrick and 9km from Charleville.
