12 O'Clock Hills Looped Walks - Purple Route
Grade
Strenuous
Length
13 km
Time
3 hours
Format
Loop
Ascent
250 m
Dogs Allowed
Under effective control
Waymarking
Purple arrow on white background
Start Point
Belvoir trailhead car park
Finish Point
Belvoir trailhead car park
Nearest Town to Start
Kilkishen
Grid Ref.
R 515 700
Lat. and Long.
52.779973, -8.7186
This trail follows minor road, forest track, hard-cored pathway and boardwalk, with some muddy spots on forest sections, climbing steadily to the 12 O'Clock Hills peaks before continuing by Loughavarra Hill and along a section of Crag River, with its stone bridge and waterfalls after heavy rain, while also passing sites of historic and cultural interest, taking in very scenic countryside with impressive views from higher up.
Maps and other information
Trail Management
Call us on 087 969 1415
Facilities
Shops, pubs, car parking in Kilkishen
Car parking at trailhead
OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheet 58
Public Transportation
None
Paul from Meath
I've both walked and run the trail numerous times and can't say enough good things about it. It is very well marked and maintained, with a great variety of terrain and mix of steep and easier ground. There are numerous viewing points offering beautiful vistas to take your mind off the steep bit you've just negotiated. Signage to the car park and on the trail is very good and you should have no problem finding the trail head. This is one of my favourite places in Ireland to go trail running. Huge thank you to the volunteers for all the hard work they do!
RESPONSE FROM THE 12 O'CLOCK HILLS RECREATIONAL AND HERITAGE COMMITTEE: Grateful thanks for your review which is very much appreciated by our 12 O'Clock Hills team.
RESPONSE FROM THE 12 O'CLOCK HILLS RECREATIONAL AND HERITAGE COMMITTEE: Grateful thanks for your review which is very much appreciated by our 12 O'Clock Hills team.
Louise from Limerick
LOVE this trail, regularly do the 8.5k Blue with my 3 kids, 9, 11 and 13. Picnic at the top and a lovely wander around the fairy forest at the end. Super, well marked family workout!
RESPONSE FROM THE 12 O'CLOCK HILLS RECREATIONAL AND HERITAGE COMMITTEE: Grateful thanks for your review which is very much appreciated by our 12 O'Clock Hills team.
RESPONSE FROM THE 12 O'CLOCK HILLS RECREATIONAL AND HERITAGE COMMITTEE: Grateful thanks for your review which is very much appreciated by our 12 O'Clock Hills team.
Trekking through the 12 O'Clock Hills since my dad died in 2019 and then my mum in 2021 enabled me to cope somewhat with my grief. I am so grateful to have this serenity on my doorstep and I thank everyone who maintains it to enable us to enjoy it. I look forward to many more treks in 2022 with my Irish setter.
RESPONSE FROM THE 12 O'CLOCK HILLS RECREATIONAL & HERITAGE COMMITTEE:
Our 12 O'Clock Hills Voluntary Project Committee are humbled by your comments and especially in relation to your parents. It certainly puts things in perspective and makes us so grateful that our work is appreciated and noticed.
Thanks for your kind comments and also to the other 4 review respondents to this Sport Ireland website.
RESPONSE FROM THE 12 O'CLOCK HILLS RECREATIONAL & HERITAGE COMMITTEE:
Our 12 O'Clock Hills Voluntary Project Committee are humbled by your comments and especially in relation to your parents. It certainly puts things in perspective and makes us so grateful that our work is appreciated and noticed.
Thanks for your kind comments and also to the other 4 review respondents to this Sport Ireland website.
Colm from Limerick
We discovered this really great trail during Covid. It's very doable even for those of us who are a little bit older. Some slightly steep slopes but rewarded with great views from the top. Descent with the boardwalk and the fairy garden is lovely. Highly recommended!
Sean from Limerick
Hiked the purple trail very recently on a glorious July day. Would say it's the best clearly marked route I've encountered - of any county .. thoroughly enjoyed it. The information boards along the route adds to the enjoyment ..
Valerie from Tipperary
We hiked the Purple Route on the 12 O’Clock Hills recently. So well way marked, we thoroughly enjoyed this trail, and will return. Huge congratulations to the local community and everyone involved. 💯 credit due.. car parking etc was excellent.
Padraig O'Leary from Clare
Well managed and maintained. Great parking and cctv. Local volunteers tirelessly maintain and upgrade the trail. Woodland, bog and quiet road are experienced. Plenty of picnic tables and majestic views are on offer. Highly recommended
Deirdre from Clare
RESPONSE FROM THE 12 O'CLOCK HILLS RECREATIONAL AND HERITAGE COMMITTEE: Grateful thanks for your review which is very much appreciated by our 12 O'Clock Hills team.