To commence your walk around the Blackrock Loop leave the Trailhead via the exit to main road and turn right uphill for 300m. Take the road to the left following purple arrows and pass by “The Goat’s Path” overhead the hamlet village of Glenosheen.
Veer right at junction and head uphill until you meet the reservoir on the right hand side. Turning right you travel upwards to a tar road for 1km. Turn left here and travel for 50m before turning right into the carpark and upwards towards the highest peak in the Ballyhoura Mountains. On your right is Seefin at 528m above sea level. Take time here to wander about the peak and enjoy all counties of Munster. Head back out onto route and turn right going downhill and you will reach the turn off for Glenanaar Bog to your left. Continue along this path and climb up shoulder of hill until you reach “The Black Ditch”.
From here turn right along the ditch and path through rocky outcrops leading into the car park. Views include Blackrock Cliff Edge to the North and a rocky outcrop known as “Castle Philip” an outlaw hideaway in the South horizon.
Leaving the car park turn right facing out into the Golden Vale. Continue downhill past hairpins and cross mountain bike track coming from your left. Past lefthand hairpin look out for Coillte Barrier on your right. Turn right here and continue straight on for 1.5km. Take the path to the right at handrail and continue to metal Bridge. After the bridge turn to the right and follow the path along beech covered ground. Look out for the arrow to the right at left hairpin bend. Walk on down through winding path to the old car park. From here you will see the sixteenth century Castle Oliver and Oliver’s Folly. Ballyorgan Village is to the east. Take the left path going west for 50m and turn left. After 50m turn right and back to the Trailhead to finish the walk.
Distance: 11km
Download the Blackrock Loop walk here
Greenwood Forest
Ardpatrick
Co. Limerick