Blackrock Loop

Blackrock Loop
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*Attention: There is a detour in place on the Black Rock Loop, the loop is waymarked with purple arrows . The Boardwalk section is closed and not part of this loop. Please adhere to signage in place.”

This loop entails a climb of Seefin Mountain which is part of the route once followed by 1000 men, women and children led by the O'Sullivan-Bere Clan as they fled north from the Crown forces in Cork in 1602.

Witness even more ancient history when, after taking the turnoff for Glenanaar Bog, you will come to the 'Black Ditch' which long ago formed the boundary between ancient tribes in the area.

As you approach the Seefin summit of 528m, you'll pass Castle Philip, the name given to a rock outcrop resembling a castle which Irish outlaws used as a hideout in times gone by.

On a clear day, you can see all six counties of Munster from the summit. Walkers will also be able to spot the outline of a pigeon in the rocky landscape. If you're eagle-eyed enough to find it, let us know by tagging #BallyhouraCountry when you share your photos on social media.

Seefin (Suí Finn) means 'Finn's seat' in Irish. This mountain is said to have been the spot where the giant, Finn McCool would sit and wash his feet in the River Shannon. This is indeed an impressive feat as the nearest point of the River Shannon is approximately 50 kilometres from Seefin!

Trail start-point: Greenwood (Ballyhoura) Forest, Ardpatrick

Distance: 11km (NOTICE: Temporary detour in effect)

Total ascent: 300m

Trail marking colour: Purple

Time: 3 - 3.5hrs

Trail Type: Mix of minor roads, paths and forest tracks

Difficulty: Strenuous

These are physically demanding trails, which will typically have some sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough including many obstacles. Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground and with a high level of fitness. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required.

Trail start: Ballyhoura Forest entrance car park

Trail format: Loop

Dogs: Not allowed

Caution livestock on route

Nearest town: Ardpatrick 2.5km

OSI Discovery Series map sheet number: Sheet number 73

Remeber 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

Download Ballyhoura Trails Guide App - your personal guide to the loop walks of Ballyhoura Country!

Download Blackrock Loop Guide

Suitable for:

Adventure Seekers Walkers & Hikers Groups
Location Enquire

*Attention: There is a detour in place on the Black Rock Loop, the loop is waymarked with purple arrows . The Boardwalk section is closed and not part of this loop. Please adhere to signage in place.”

This loop entails a climb of Seefin Mountain which is part of the route once followed by 1000 men, women and children led by the O'Sullivan-Bere Clan as they fled north from the Crown forces in Cork in 1602.

Witness even more ancient history when, after taking the turnoff for Glenanaar Bog, you will come to the 'Black Ditch' which long ago formed the boundary between ancient tribes in the area.

As you approach the Seefin summit of 528m, you'll pass Castle Philip, the name given to a rock outcrop resembling a castle which Irish outlaws used as a hideout in times gone by.

On a clear day, you can see all six counties of Munster from the summit. Walkers will also be able to spot the outline of a pigeon in the rocky landscape. If you're eagle-eyed enough to find it, let us know by tagging #BallyhouraCountry when you share your photos on social media.

Seefin (Suí Finn) means 'Finn's seat' in Irish. This mountain is said to have been the spot where the giant, Finn McCool would sit and wash his feet in the River Shannon. This is indeed an impressive feat as the nearest point of the River Shannon is approximately 50 kilometres from Seefin!

Trail start-point: Greenwood (Ballyhoura) Forest, Ardpatrick

Distance: 11km (NOTICE: Temporary detour in effect)

Total ascent: 300m

Trail marking colour: Purple

Time: 3 - 3.5hrs

Trail Type: Mix of minor roads, paths and forest tracks

Difficulty: Strenuous

These are physically demanding trails, which will typically have some sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough including many obstacles. Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground and with a high level of fitness. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required.

Trail start: Ballyhoura Forest entrance car park

Trail format: Loop

Dogs: Not allowed

Caution livestock on route

Nearest town: Ardpatrick 2.5km

OSI Discovery Series map sheet number: Sheet number 73

Remeber 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

Download Ballyhoura Trails Guide App - your personal guide to the loop walks of Ballyhoura Country!

Download Blackrock Loop Guide

Suitable for:

Adventure Seekers Walkers & Hikers Groups