5 of the Best Walks in Cork
Whether you’re from Cork or you’re just visiting, we’re here to help you get the most out of your stay. While exploring the city is great fun, there are plenty of hikes you can embark on if you fancy venturing out of the city a little more. That’s why we’ve rounded up five of the best walks in Cork to provide you with some inspiration. Read on to discover some of the best places to walk in Cork below.
FAMILY WALKS IN CORK
Spending time in Cork with your family? We’ve got just the trails for you…
1. Glengarriff Nature Reserve – Esknamucky Walk. Fancy hiking to a real-life fairy glade? This is one of the best walks in Cork for a magical adventure that kids will love. Starting and finishing at the Glengarriff Nature Reserve car park, this loop walk will lead you on a relatively steep path through the woods – but don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you won’t get any spectacular views. There are a number of viewing spots dotted around the trail so that you and your little ones can admire the Caha mountains nearby.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.8km
Walk type: Loop
Estimated time: 1.25 hours
2. The Mount Hillary Loop. For something a little longer, and a little less strenuous, embark on the Mount Hillary Loop walk. Start this perfectly peaceful trek at the Knightfield Foresty car park, before steadily making your way up to the summit where you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the plains of Duhallow right across to the Derrynasaggart Mountains.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 10km
Walk type: Loop
Estimated time: 3.5 hours
THE BEST WALKS IN CORK – WITH A VIEW
3. Allihies – Ballydonegan Loop. Looking for more of a challenge? Put your hiking skills to the test with the Ballydonegan Loop. Start at the Allihies Heritage Centre to begin your adventure, then make your way across the hillside all the way to the Cork coastline for dramatic views of Ballydonegan Bay and the Irish sea.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 18km
Walk type: Loop
Estimated time: 4.5 hours
4. Ballard Waterfall Trail. Starting at the Mountain Barracks, this walk will take you along roadway, forest tracks and a spur leading to a hidden gem – the Ballard Waterfall. In this area, the river is known to be home to brown otters, brown trout, salmon and river lamprey, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5km
Walk type: Loop
Estimated time: 1.5 hours
5. The Ballyhoura Way. One of the best places to walk in Cork is obviously the Ballyhoura Way. Leading you through the pastureland of the Golden Vale, the Ballyhoura Way walk is just part of the historic O’Sullivan Beara Trail. This route is ideal if you’re looking to explore a long distance trek over a few days, with a varied route and lush views of the Western Irish countryside.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 89km
Walk type: Out and back
Estimated time: 4 days
Now you know of five nice walks in Cork, what’s stopping you from getting out? Dust off your walking boots and get kitted out with women’s outdoor clothing and men’s outdoor clothing from Craghoppers.
