Duhallow Way Challenge - Claragh Loop

By Alannah O'Callaghan

Claragh Mountain, at 452 meters, is part of the Derrynasaggart mountain range and is situated just outside Millstreet. For those of you who haven’t yet ventured over there it is well worth a visit. The Claragh Loop walk is a waymarked trail that takes in the base of the mountain. Following the purple arrows, you leave Millstreet following the road until you quickly enter the forestry – at this point it’s hard to believe you are so close to the town – and after a short section of forestry you gain the open hillside, where you have lovely views in every direction. The northerly side of the mountain is part of the Duhallow Way, and for the Duhallow Way Challenge instead of walking only one side of the mountain we decided to do the entire loop!

The group met in Millstreet on Saturday April 8th and set off towards Claragh. Despite the overcast sky the walk was as lovely as ever. The trail itself has had upgrades thanks to RSS participants in IRD Duhallow, the upgrading of signage and the new stiles didn’t go un-noticed by the group. Half the group decided to take the detour and go to the top to admire the blustery panoramic view. The half continued along the purple waymarked trail and both groups met for tea, coffee and biscuits back at the car.

Along the walk we bumped into others enjoying the great outdoors in the dry weather. It’s great to see so many taking advantage of having the trail so close to Millstreet.

The Claragh Loop is perfect for those who want a slightly longer walk at the weekend. With the waymarkers to guide you the entire way around the loop, it makes the prospect of going out on the hills less daunting. For those who want to admire the magnificent panoramic view from the top of the mountain, the white arrows guide you up to the summit and back on to the track. Starting from Millstreet, the looped walk takes approx. 2.5 – 3 hours, but the gorgeous views make it seem much shorter. The Claragh Loop is part of the Duhallow Way, so one does have the option to link up with the Duhallow Way on this walk as well – the options are endless!

For those interested in walking with us next time, we have a series of Bealtaine walk coming up in May. All walks we do go up on our website, Facebook page and out in the monthly newsletter so keep you can keep an eye out for walks throughout the year. Walks are all free, but registration is essential. To register please call Nuala or Alannah on 029 60633 or 086 0849 955. Everyone is welcome and there will be tea and coffee after the walk as usual.