Mount Hillary - Mount Hillary loop

I try to get this trail in each time I'm home. It's grand out. Not very well marked. It's better done clockwise IMO. There's not much fanfare at the top as the views at that point are blocked in almost all directions by trees. There are some alternative steeper paths up which I like to try every now and again. Dog droppings all over the path... A picnic table would be delightful as mentioned by another reviewer. It's bleak in a lot of places but I kind of like that.

As per a comment two years ago, parts of this track are poorly marked. There is one area in particular towards the end where we had no idea whether to go straight or left, but thankfully took the correct path. We were also pretty dissapointed to find there was not a single picnic bench anywhere to sit down and had to enjoy our lunch sitting on a dirt road, and of course no toilet facilities- not that this is unusual for Ireland. I didn't find it the nicest trail, there was very little beautiful scenery until the very end, but in saying that we didn't do the full red loop, only the medium blue loop due to not enjoying it. Although the weather wasn't particularly bad, we were quite miserable. Perhaps best to do in the summer only. I would not recommend

A very pleasant walk through very peaceful woodland.The red route is recommended as it breaks off the forest road to a a well signposted cross country path. The views on the red route are outtanding, the only county in Munster I could not see was Waterford, and perhaps the Commeraghs were in the distant haze.

Wonderful trail. Very well sign posted. We took the Red route. The steps near the start was the most challenging part of the journey. The 3rd km is downhill followed by 2 -3 km where you have an uphill walk on good forest paths. The journey over the mountain path is pleasant and the views are fab. Would highly recommend it.

One of my frequent walks, highly recommendable, beautiful view of the trees on the trail in. Not particularly tough terrain, you can stick to the forrest tracks, so really accessible all seasons I'd say. Nice views over surrounding regions. Worth a jaunt out.

Very poorly marked. Did the red route and signs disappeared on way down from summit. Had to use a lot of guess work and took wrong path options once or twice.The map was useless.

A magnificent walk. Myself and partner took the purple route (10km) which was fairly easy. There are a couple of steep parts but these don't last long and the hardest one is over near the beginning of the walk. We found the notice boards with little snippets of information on the local wildlife, greenery, and even local people excellent and stopped to read each one. There are some beautiful views of the countryside and villages and towns spread amongst the vast shades of green but likewise there was a sense of enclosure among the tall trees which forces the closeness and beauty of nature upon you. We went in the late morning/early afternoon on a lovely day but I had read somewhere that completing this walk close to twilight is spectacular as the neighbouring towns and villages begin to light up. Perhaps we will return to experience this

Did this Jan 08th 2012. Am new to trail walking so it was a good test for me. It was so peace full and some great views. Some slightly steep hills but not for long and it was downhill all the way last 1/4. Make sure you have boots as some mudy bits if wet. Took me 2hrs 45mins at a gentle walk. A great day out.