Keale River & Molanna Loop Walk

If you would like to get a real feel for an Irish woodland and riverbank with at least forty shades of green then the Keale river walk is the perfect solution.

Keale River is a level walk fenced from start to finish with many little bridges in between. It is completely safe and ideal for families. It is a 7km riverwalk between the two villages of Glenroe and Ballyorgan.

Go in at Ballydonoghue Bridge near Ballyorgan and travel along by the river. The start is through farmland and then you come to beautiful wood and a waterfall in the river.

For anyone doing the walk in October / November time, John Hennessy, a local man, advises to look out for the salmon jumping the waterfall. It is peaceful and quiet, with very active wildlife such as otters, dippers, kingfishers, Herons and squirrels. You will also come across one of the last oak tree woodland left in Ireland with many anemone, bluebells or mushrooms depending on the time of year.

It may be a good idea to prepare yourself for the walk with a visit to The Village Inn pub in Ballyorgan where the walk begins and finish off by relaxing in Daly's pub at the other side of the walk in Glenroe, Darragh Bridge.

Molanna Loop Walk continues further for another 6km (download Molanna Loop Guide below for more details).

Distance: Keale River Walk (7km), Molanna Loop (15km)

Time: 2.5-4hrs

Waymarking arrow colour: Blue

Total ascent: 70m, 220m

Trail start point: Ballyorgan, Co. Limerick

Nearest town/services: Kilfinane 5km

Grid reference of start point: R 680 183

OSI Discovery Series map sheet number: Sheet No 73

Trail type: Minor roads, riverbanks, forestry roads and woodland paths.

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

Dogs: Allowed on leash

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.

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 permitted.

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!

*The Keale River project was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

• Contact: Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment CLG, Main Street, Kilfinane, Co Limerick
• Molanna Looped Walk Starting Point, Ballydonohoe, County Limerick, Ireland
• +353 (0)63 91300
• [email protected]