Canon Sheehan Loop

This loop owes its name to Canon Patrick Augustine Sheehan (1852-1913) a cleric and writer invariably referred to as Canon Sheehan of Doneraile, mainly because he wrote almost all of his major works while he was there as Parish Priest. The starting point of this loop gives its name to one of Canon Sheehan's most famous works - a novel titled Glenanaar.

After crossing the bridge to follow the loop along the left bank of the Ogeen River. Enjoy the natural woodlands and watch out for the natural well. In the month of May you will be greeted by a haze of bluebells as you walk this stretch.

You will cross two footbridges on this loop taking you from County Cork into County Limerick and then back to Cork again! Shortly afterwards the loop joins a forestry road.

Keep an eye out towards the end of this stretch for a Mass Rock well preserved and still used on occasions today. Shortly after the Mass Rock, the loop reaches a T-junction where it turns left and takes you eastward through Ballintlea with fine views of the Blackwater Valley, and the Nagle and Knockmealdown Mountains.

Distance: 9km

Waymarking: Blue

Total ascent: 120m

Time: 2 - 2.5 hrs

Trail Type: Forest tracks, paths and river banks. This trail gradually rises and at its highest point there are sheer drops adjacent to the trail

Equipment Required: Walking Boots, Rain Gear, liquids and phone

Difficulty: Moderate

Dogs: Allowed on lead

Start point: Glenanaar Forest car park

Grid reference of start point: R 65284 13414

Nearest town: Ardpatrick

OSI Discovery Series map sheet number: Sheet No 73

Remember Leave No Trace, plan ahead and prepare. Be considerate of others. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground. Leave what you Find. Dispose of waste properly. Fires not allowed.

Emergency Contact Numbers 999 or 112

This loop has been developed with the kind assistance of the local Landowners and Coillte. It is understood that if persons enter private land they do so by permission and with the consent of the landowners and no matter how often they enter, or in what numbers, they do not do so with any rights

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• Contact: Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment CLG, Main Street, Kilfinane, Co Limerick
• Canon Sheehan Loop, Ballyguyroe North, County Cork, Ireland
• +353 63 91300
• [email protected]