Caherbarnagh Leg of the Duhallow Way

By ALANNAH O’CALLAGHAN

On Wednesday 16th of August, the IRD Walking group eventually got to complete the Caherbarnagh section of the Duhallow Way, after it being postponed due to a very wet July. It was just as well because we got to experience this section of the walk in the most glorious weather. The sun was shining and lighting up purples of the heather and the yellows and greens of the grasses on the walk. There was just enough of a breeze to keep the midges at bay and the clear sky ensured we have a bright evening to complete the 6.5km stretch along the base of Caherbarnagh.

This section of the walk is the most strenuous section of the Duhallow Way, the undulating terrain, heather, and high grass at the start of the section, followed by the steep ascent to skirt the base of Caherbarnagh ensured a slower pace than usual, however, the vista made up for the effort this week. In its entirety this section is just under 6.5km and walking towards Millstreet there is approx. 280 m of elevation. The higher you get on this section of the walk the more prominent the Paps become, and at the highest point on trail looking back we could see the Reeks their tips just covered in cloud. The last section of this leg brings you through a short stretch of farmland before the start of the first road section on the Duhallow Way, we got down here just as dusk was falling. Tea, coffee, and a few chocolate biscuits later the group were already asking about the next leg of the Duhallow Way that the group will be taking on!

If anyone else does decide to walk this section of the trail, be aware that there are gates and fences that need to be crossed in the last 500m of this section as it goes through working farmland, all the fences can be crossed by the stiles which are in situ, but if you go through the gates, please remember to close them after you. Also, keep to the edges of fields, especially when grass is growing for silage. The Duhallow Way is open to the public due to the goodwill of landowners, who allow us walkers to cross their land provided we keep on the trail. This agreement ensures that walkers enjoy access to the countryside, for the continuation of this relationship remember to leave no trace, close gates, and respect any people, livestock and nature that you see along the way.

If anyone wants to join the group on any of our walks, you can check out the events page on the website for dates and all details. All our walks are free, but registration is essential, to register for walks please call Alannah on 029-60633.