Take some time out to enjoy the spectacular views from the Attychran Loop into the Galtee Mountains. The low difficulty level of this walk and the car parking, toilets and small shop at the trailhead make it an excellent choice for families.
This trail passes through Galtee Castle Woods which despite its name, is sadly not home to a castle! Galtee Castle Woods lies 10km Northeast of Mitchelstown. A local farming family have developed a trailhead at Kings Yard which consists of toilets, shower, car park, a small coffee shop and a camping area.
The Castle was built in the late 1700s as a hunting lodge for the second Earl of Kingston, it was remodelled by the third Earl in the 1820s but was demolished in 1940 and the stones were used to build the Catholic Church in nearby Glanworth. All that remains are the red sandstone stables and an outline of the tennis court. You'll also pass the remnants of a water mill which functioned as a turbine generating electricity for the castle.
The loop follows a forestry road along the east bank of the Attychraan river with fine views up into the Galtee Mountains opening up. Joining a tarred road, the loop crosses a bridge over the Funshion (returning to County Limerick!) and veers left onto a winding farm road.
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1hr 30 mins to 2 hrs
Trail starting point: Kings Yard, Kilbehenny, Co.Limerick
Waymarking: Purple arrow
Trail type: Woodland trails, sandy roadways and forest tracks
Facilities at trailhead: Car parking, tea/coffee vending machine, shower facilities and toilets
Loop Guide: Download the Attychrann Loop Trail Guide
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Galty Castle Wood, Kilbehenny, County Limerick
