One of the longest trails in the Bonane area of County Kerry, the Cailleach Beara Loop is a challenging yet immensely rewarding route that takes around four hours to complete. Incorporating woodland paths, open countryside and peaceful laneways, it offers the keen walker a way to really stretch the legs and enjoy unmatched views of the Cork-Kerry borderlands.
Follow the well-marked path as you set out from Molly Gallivan’s traditional farm, with its famine cottage and Neolithic stone row, continuing up Releagh Hill for expansive views of the surrounding valley.
As you make your ascent along the Esk Mountain Ridge to Turner's Rock (be careful, the path can be soft and boggy here), take time to pause and soak in the scenery – to the south lies beautiful Bantry Bay, while the breadth of the Kingdom of Kerry stretches out northwards as far as Carrauntoohil on a clear day.
Trail details
- Type:
- Walking Trail
- Location:
- Bonane Loop Walks
- Grade:
- Strenuous
- Format:
- Loop
- Length:
- 9.90km
- Ascent:
- 390m
- Dogs allowed:
- No
- The start and end point of this loop is the wonderful Molly Gallivan’s, a 200-year-old cottage and family-run visitor centre with craft shop, restaurant and tea rooms* all set on a traditional farm.
