Ballyhoura Active Day Out

Ballyhoura Looped Walks

Tie up those laces and come explore a walkers paradise offering a wide variety of walking experiences from exploring riverbanks, deep forests, gurgling streams, rugged mountains, rich bogs, and mythical landscapes.

There are 21 waymarked looped walks in the region meaning there is something for everyone. To find your trails starting point and detailed information about the loop download our Ballyhoura Trails Guide App available from both Apple & Google Play stores.

You can also join local Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club on of their Saturday morning, Thursday evening or Sundays walks.

There numerous accommodation providers across Ballyhoura and they all provide a warm welcome and excellent facilities for walkers. Deebert House Hotel in Kilmallock, Park South Self Catering Cottage B&B, and much more! accommodation providers .

Yoga Walks Ireland - Taking Yoga to a whole new level!

Get in tune with your body and your inner self. Immerse yourself in nature. Focus on being at one with nature or the universe.

Come practise yoga in the lush green landscape. Being outside can intensify the yoga experience in many ways, since nature inspires all things - focusing awareness, breathing deeply, practising stillness.

This is the perfect opportunity for you to experience our natural landscape in a unique way for mind and body. This is open to everyone of all ages and abilities.

The walk will include heightening your 6 senses while walking along the woodland, mountain terrain, rivers and old ancestral features from Galty Castle. We will stop along the 2km route to enjoy traditional standing yoga asana, dance, mantra, breathwork, fun, mindfulness, meditation, mudras – all the while following the theme of the walk. A special Celtic ceremony is incorporated to tell the story of the walk. An outdoor picnic will be enjoyed at the end of each walk.

Ballyhoura Cycle Routes - Kilmallock Hub

Hop up on your bike to discover magnificent views of the Ballyhoura and Galty Mountains from the road, as well as ancient sites preserved in an unspoilt landscape.

As part of the National Cycle Network, there is a range of looped cycle routes which traverse across the Ballyhoura region. These are half-day or full-day cycles that guide you through forest and farmlands. You can base yourself at Kilmallock the historic walled town at the centre of these loops. Here you can find welcoming accommodation in Deebert House Hotel.

If you are a large group and looking for hostel-style accommodation, Ballyhoura Luxury Hostel in Kilfinane is of a very high standard and quality.

Download the Kilmallock Cycling Hub Map here.

Ballylanders wildlife bog is situated at Griston Bog on the west side of the village. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, bees and insects and different types of water life, some of which are now in danger of extinction in many parts of the world. It is rich in insect life which in turn supports many birds and other animals such as frogs, newts and lizards.

To facilitate easy viewing of the park, a special wooden walkway has been put in place which visitors can use as they guide themselves through this peatland with the help of the informative interpretative boards.

Ballyhoura Horse Trekking

Saddle up to discover the landscape of the Ballyhoura hills. Enjoy a horseback expedition through the forests and feast your eyes on majestic mountains ranges such as the Galtees, Knockmealdowns and the Ballyhouras.

There is an excellent choice of riding an horse trekking providers in Ballyhoura suitable for all ages and ability:

• Ballyhoura Horse Trekking
• Clonshire Equestrian Centre
• Boskill Equestrian Centre & Trekking

Something Different

In a hidden gem of breathtaking scenery lies lazy Dog Sporting clay bird grounds located in Kilfinane Co Limerick. They provide a range of Clay Bird shooting packages, suitable for corporate or a get together with Family and Friends.

Just around the corner from the Claybird Shooting Grounds, you can Ballyhoura Apple Farm’s orchard located on the outskirts of Kilfinane.

The tradition of apple growing in Ireland, and Kilfinane in particular, goes back to the 1700s. This tradition needs to be nurtured and developed as the climate conditions in Ireland are perfect for the production of world-class apples and apple products.

Stop in and come to see & taste Ballyhoura Apple Juice!

Accommodation & Food

Groups are always very well catered for (up to 44 people) in Ballyhoura 5-star Luxury Hostel with Private and Ensuite Rooms available situated in Kilfinane, right in the heart of Ballyhoura Country.

You can also base yourself at Kilmallock the historic walled town at the centre of these loops. Here you can find welcoming accommodation in the Deebert House Hotel & Restaurant.

Stay at Ballyhass Lakes Holiday Homes or nearby Springfort Hall Country House Hotel and experience the thrills of the inflatable aquapark in Ballyhass Lakes. Visit and taste delicious Longueville House Cider at the nearby Longueville House Mallow or stop by at Charleville Park Hotel for some wellness & leisure centre treat.

After your walk in Ballyhoura Mountains, you can sate your appetite at the nearby Spruce & Willow Café in Ardpatrick or just pop in to Townhouse Café & Interiors in Doneraile on the other side of the mountain range.

Mitchelstown is another great place to stop after the active day in Ballyhoura and Galtee mountain. You can stay in Ballinwillin House B&B & Farm - the only combined organic venison, wild boar and goat farm in Ireland and the UK - and treat yourself in one of the local coffee shops - O’Callaghan’s Deli, Café and Bakery, Praline Pastry Shop & Cafe or Blueberries Café.

Events & Festivals

You can also join local Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club on of their Saturday morning, Thursday evening or Sundays walks. They are also co-organiser of Ballyhoura Walking Festival which was always very successful.

The Coillte Biking Blitz is an annual cross country mountain bike event, aimed primarily at beginners but with something for everyone. Suitable for both children and adults.

Ballyhass Adventure Centre runs regular competitions and adventure-based activities during the season. They also host an exiting Ballyhass Open for all the wakeboarding enthusiasts, designed completely from the ground up introducing new formats, encouraging new competitors and attracting professional riders from the UK to compete for cash prizes.