The line is OpenStreetMap's mapping of the route (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), via Waymarked Trails, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. Check the current official route before a long trip: diversions and permitted paths change. See the source.
The trail
Two days over three ranges of West Cork hills, about 37 km from the Top of the Rock above Drimoleague, where St Finbarr is said to have preached in the sixth century, to his island retreat at Gougane Barra, the source of the River Lee. The path crosses the Ilen, Mealagh and Ouvane valleys on bog roads, farm tracks and open hillside, with views over Bantry Bay, passes Kealkill and Carriganass Castle at about halfway, and ends with a steep descent to the lake and its oratory. Rough and wet in places, and not one for poor weather.
Stages
A suggested split into 2 days of about 19.3 km (12.0 mi). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.
- Day 1 Drimoleague to Kealkill 22 km · 22 km from the start
- Day 2 Kealkill to Gougane Barra 16.5 km · 39 km from the start
Summits on the way
- Mullaghmesha 494 m · 9.6 km from the start
- Knockbreteen 239 m · 27 km from the start
- Foilastookeen 540 m · 36 km from the start
- Foilastookeen · 36 km from the start
Tops within 300 m of the line. Lists from the Database of British and Irish Hills; other summits from OpenStreetMap.
Start and finish
Start: near Drimoleague, County Cork. 51.66890, -9.26115
Finish: near Gougane Barra, County Cork. 51.83905, -9.31877
Places to stay
Rooms in the towns and villages along the way:
- Drimoleague, County Cork · The start Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Kealkill, County Cork · After day 1 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Gougane Barra, County Cork · The finish Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
