Walking Routes near Glencar House

Glencar - Lough Cloon. Circuit (14km)

Grade A
A five hour walk through mountain bog, and by times along surface roads, this route takes you south from Glencar over the Caragh River, through forest plantation and along the Owenroe river before opening up to Cloon Lough. The it’s a short steep climb (260m) before heading north, with magnificent views of lough Caragh and beyond, along a mountain stream, back to a surface road and on to Dromalonhurt Bridge, that again cross the Cruagh turning north east along the country road you’ll walk the three kms back to Bealalaw Bridge and on up to the hotel.

Glencar – Oolagh Circuit (12km)

Grade B
Typically a 3-4 hour walk, this moderate walk takes you through uphill sections (200m), along mountain paths and minor roads. Starting at Glencar, you’ll walk a minor road north from Glencar through Shanacashel, Ahane and on to Gortnagan More where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the valley. From here the ground gets a little more challenging as you head north-east to Loughancummeen; passing by Lough Cappanalea and Nakirka, you’ll rejoin a minor road bringing you back to Ahane, its ancient graveyard and on back to Glencar.

Glencar - Lough Acoose Circuit (12km)

Grade C
Typically a four hour walk this moderate walk takes you mainly along the minor roads, part of the Kerry Way and around the lake. Starting from our house, you’ll walk the minor road north from our gate to Shanacashel, turning right there towards Gortmaloon, picking up the Kerry Way route and on around Lough Acoose. Rejoining the road and the Kerry Way, you’ll continue on to the Climbers Inn before turning right and on home to Glencar House for a well deserved pint and dinner!

The Kerry Way

The Kerry Way provides a circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula, stretching from Killarney to Glencar/Glenbeigh, to Mountain Stage, Foilmore, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Mastergeehy, Glenmore, Coad, Caherdaniel, Sneem, Blackwater Bridge, Kenmare and back to Killarney.

The route consists, wherever possible, of paths and green roads (unsurfaced) with some linking stretches along surfaced roads. The trail is 215km long and is divided into 9 stages.

In using old Droving Paths, Butter Roads and routes between early Christian Settlements, a walk along the Kerry Way is in effect a journey back in time through the ancient Baronies of Magunihy, Dunkerron North and South and Iveragh. As the Kerry Way is at a slightly higher level than present day roads, it improves on what is already spectacular viewing.

Stages:

The Old Kenmare Road:

This moderate walk follows the original road to Kenmare. The total length of the old road is ten miles (16 kilometres) to Kenmare and will take about five hours. This delightful walk takes you along mountain meadows where herds of Red Deer frequently graze. In Esknamuky Glen, the furrows and stone walls of a pre-famine village are still visible, providing a stark reminder of harsher times. There are spectacular views of the surrounding mountains throughout with plenty of pleasant spots to picnic.

Why not take a hike up Carrauntoohil or visit the Glencar House Hotel for lunch on your visit.