Ballinaboola Woods

This trail intertwines with the mountain bike trails crisscrossing the mountain. Keep an eye out for glimpses of bikers as gravity pulls them down the mountain! If you'd like to have a go, head to the trailhead in Ardpatrick to rent a bike.

The views from this trail are stunning. If you are looking for a good panorama of Country Limerick, take a detour after your walk to the nearby ancient monastery of Ardpatrick. The steep trail on the edge of Ardpatrick village is worth climbing to enjoy the view from the top and to soak in 500 years of history. According to local tradition, Saint Patrick founded the monastery in the 15th Century. The Christian monks left this monastery hundreds of years ago but its ruins can still be seen- as can the earthen banks and closures near the summit which date from the Iron Age (500BC-400AD)

Distance:10km

Total ascent: 200m

Time: 2.5 to 3hrs

Trail waymark colour: Purple

Difficulty: Moderate

These trails may have some climbs and may have an uneven surface where the going is rough underfoot with some obstacles such as protruding roots, rocks etc. The routes are appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness and some walking experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing are recommended.

Trail start: Ballinaboola Woods Car Park, Ardpatrick

Trail format: Loop

Terrain: Forest roads and tracks

Equipment required: Walking Boots, Rain Gear and liquids

Dogs: Allowed on lead

Nearest town/village: Ballyhea 6 km /Ardpatrick 7.5 km

Nearest services: Nearest services at Ballyhea 6 km

Trail type: Forestry roads and tracks

Grid reference of start/finish point: R8790018800

Latitude and longitude: 52.3156584, -8.6129115

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 Number: 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
• Ballinaboola Trailhead, Ballyhea, Garrane, County Cork, Ireland
• +353 63 91300
• [email protected]