Cailleach Beara Loop - Bonane Beara
Grade
Strenuous
Length
9.9 km
Am
4 hours
Format
Loop
Ascent
390 m
Dogs Allowed
No
Waymarking
Purple arrow on white background
Start Point
Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre, Bonane
Finish Point
Molly Gallivans Visitor Centre, Bonane
Nearest Town to Start
Bonane/Kenmare
Grid Ref.
V 921 621
Lat. and Long.
51.8006767, -9.5620704
This loop takes you up Releagh Hill and from the valley floor to the heights of Esk Mountain with a fine ridge walk to Turner's Rock. On laneways, woodland tracks, cross country and hillside, there are fine views of the valley and the Sheehy and Caha Mountains. There is a steep descent towards the end.
Maps and other information
External Links
Facilities
Car park
OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheet 85
Geraldine Fox from Offaly
Fantastic views. I got a super day. Well marked trail but it would need to be if conditions were different. Could be very wet and boggy. Very doable for hikers with experience. The Guinness cake soooooo worth it in Molly’s after. Super duper day.
Peter from Cork
Well-marked trail starting from Molly Gallivan's on the main N71 between Glengarriff and Kenmare. Sites of interest (Mass Rock, Copper Mines, Neolithic field systems, rock-cut road tunnels etc) are marked with white poles. Can be very boggy on the ridge and there is a short but steep descent where metal poles are hammered into the rocks for support. Great views south over Bantry Bay and North into Kerry as far as Carrantouhill.
Jo from Cork
Very pleasant hike. Took about 3 hours. Lovely views of surrounding countryside. Plenty of route markers. Even though it was a dry day it was slightly boggy in places so be prepared if it is raining/ has been raining. Just one steepish climb to get up onto the ridge - and a steepish descent on the downside too, but other than that its fairly easy going. All in all would recommend.
Sarah Kelleher from Kerry