There’s a lovely selection of circular walking routes right across Ireland's Shannon Region for walkers of every ability. These loop walks are shorter walks ranging from 1hr to 4hrs and they start and finish at the same trailhead. The Shannon Region has a fantastic selection of loop walks which are suitable for both serious and leisurely walkers, details of which can be found below.
The Attychraan Loop Walk is a 5km easy walk that offers the walker a chance to explore riverbanks, quiet country roads, rugged mountains, rich bogs, and mythical landscapes in Ballyhoura country, Co. Limerick.
Ballycroum is a townland of the parish of Feakle in Co. Clare, and is noted for a holy well called Tobar Ghráinne (Grania’s Well) placed in the middle of a bog, with a large flag over it. The 9km loop passes the well and also a number of wedge tombs.
The Ballycuggaran Loop walk is a 5.6km walk that starts and finishes at Rinnaman Point (Two-Mile Gate), 3km north of Killaloe. Ballycuggaran is Homeland of the O’Cuggarans, an important family at the court of Brian Boru. The site is situated on Crag Hill on the lower slopes of the Slieve Bernagh Mountains overlooking Lough Derg.
This loop overlaps with a short section of the Slieve Felim Way - a 30km waymarked route which travels from Murroe in County Limerick to Silvermines in County Tipperary. En-route it passes through the small but pleasant village of Toor – and onward across the shoulder of Keeper Hill. While the loop (marked with blue arrows) explores the lower shoulders of Keeper Hill, the ‘hardy’ walker will enjoy incorporating the ‘trek’ to the summit (the red arrows).
The Burren is a limestone plateau occupying an area of over 100 square miles in North Clare. It is an area of scenic attractions where stone-grey hills and the valleys beneath reveal many prehistoric remains. The unfolding layers of limestone form terraces on the slopes of the hills and the area has been described as a 'lunar' landscape. The first section of the loop follows part of the long-distance Burren Way, climbing up towards Aillwee Cave takes you along the side of Aillwee Mountain and back down to the seaside village Ballyvaughan. This loop is part of the network of national Looped Walks and is marked using the standard purple Looped Walk directional arrows.
Situated in the southwest region of Ireland, on the borders of counties Tipperary, Limerick and Cork, Ballyhoura Country is an area of undulating green pastures, woodlands, hills and mountains. The ancient and unspoilt landscape, the abundance of heritage sites, the range of outdoor activities, and the friendliness of the local people make it an excellent place to discover rural Ireland. Please refer to Trailhead number 86a-Paradise Hill & other loops listed for Ballyhoura for further information on the area.
The Black Head Loop commences in Fanore, climbs up through Ballelly, along part of the Burren Way to the Caher Valley, crosses part of the Gleinagh Mountain and eventually decends down the R477. The loop affords some wonderful views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. This loop is part of a network of National Looped Walks and is marked using the standard purple National Lopped Walk directional arrows.
The Ballhoura area is already famous for its summertime walking festival, but the Seefin climb on part of the Ballyhoura Way is an equally beautiful walk, which won’t take all of three days. A long-distance trek, the 90km walk along the Ballyhoura Way follows the historic route of the O’Sullivan-Bere clan as they fled north from Cork in 1602.
The Burren National Park is located in the southeastern corner of the Burren and is approximately 1500 hectares in size and is one of Ireland's most outstanding landscapes: a place of great beauty and fascination, steeped in history, teeming with wildlife and blessed with a rich culture and strong sense of community.
The Cahermurphy Loop Walk is a 9km walk that starts and finishes in the village of Flagmount, Co. Clare. The loop take you by the White Sands Beach, also give spectacular views of the countryside.
This loop starts and finishes in Fanore, a small village situated on the west coast of north County Clare. Fanore's Gaelic meaning "fainne oir" means ring of gold, with reference to its beautiful sandy beach. The Caher Valley runs down to Fanore between Slieve Elva and Gleninagh
Canon Sheehan Loop is a 7km easy walk through Ballyhoura Country in Co. Limerick. Situated in the southwest of Ireland, on the borders of counties Limerick, Tipperary and Cork, Ballyhoura is an area of undulating green pastures, woodlands, hills and mountains.
This loop, all on tarred road, travels all around the Carran Turlough (seasonal lake), Europes largest Turlough.
The unspoilt village of Carron lies in the heart of the Burren at one of the highest points in the Burren Mountains and overlooks the largest turlough (disappearing lake) in Western Europe.
Situated in the southwest region of Ireland, on the borders of counties Tipperary, Limerick and Cork, Ballyhoura Country is an area of undulating green pastures, woodlands, hills and mountains. The ancient and unspoilt landscape, the abundance of heritage sites, the range of outdoor activities, and the friendliness of the local people make it an excellent place to discover rural Ireland. This loop starts and finishes in the village of Galbally – at the heart of Ballyhoura Country. The Darragh Hills, situated to the southeast of Kilfinnane, offer pleasant walking through mixed broadleaf and conifer woodland with some heathland. There are wonderful views of the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside with Galtymore in the distance.
The Clare Glens is a wooded area along the banks of the Clare River, which separates counties Limerick and Tipperary. The scenery is breathtaking, with wild dense forest combined with the calm rushing of the crystal clear waters.
This loop starts and finishes in the village of Galbally – at the heart of Ballyhoura Country. The loop takes you to the pinnacle of a 265m high hill north-west of the village where there is a megalithic passage grave known as The Fort of the Three Pillar Stones. The fort is perhaps 6,000 years old and is known locally as ‘Darby’s Bed’.
Situated in the southwest region of Ireland, on the borders of counties Tipperary, Limerick and Cork, Ballyhoura Country is an area of undulating green pastures, woodlands, hills and mountains. Refer to Trailhead number 89A-Castlegale loop for further information on the Ballyhoura area.
Situated in the southeastern extremity of the Burren region of Co. Clare, Dromore Woodland Nature Reserve is an area of approximately 400 hectares.The reserve has historical and archaeological aspects - the 17th century O’Brien Castle is still standing by the lake edge.
The town of Ennis is situated on the N18 between the cities of Galway and Limerick. From Ennis, take the N68 in the direction of Kilrush and Kilkee. After 25km turn right onto the R484 signposted Kilmihil. Pass through the village of Kilmihil and after 9km turn left onto the R484 – signposted Doonbeg. After 4km you join the N67 and follow the signpost for Doonbeg only 3km away. The trailhead is located at the church on the far side of the village.
The Eamonn a Chnoic Loop is an 8km moderate walking loop in Upperchurch Co. Tipperary. Upperchurch is located near Thurles in Co. Tipperary and is twinned with the neighbouring parish of Drombane for many aspects of life including hurling.
This is a fabulous mostly off road walk between Fanore and Ballyvaughan, taking you above the R477 on the old famine road around Blackhead. The route takes you over Gleninagh mountain, into Feenagh Valley and up onto the shoulder of Capanwalla, where you can enjoy spectacular views over Galway Bay. The walk into Ballyvaughan is on quiet country roads, farmland, and through a magical Burren hazel woodland.
The Flat Rock Loop Walk is a 3km, easy walking route near Rosenallis in Co. Laois. The loop passes the Clamp Hole Waterfall a wooden hut.
The Glendineoregan Loop is a 13km hard walking route near the village of Clonaslee in Co. Laois. The loop takes you to the top of a hill overlooking Ricket's Rock (a stoney waterfall).
The Glenstal Woods Loop gives fantastic views into north Co. Limerick and South Tipperary. The return section overlaps with the Slieve Felim Way - a long distance walking route which stretches almost 36km from Murroe in Co. Limerick to Silvermines Village in Co. Tipperary.
This is an 8km walking loop starting at Graves of Leinstermen and moving on minor roads through pleasant countryside. It then leaves the road turning into the Arra mountains. The loop continues up to the summit, Tountinna or Tonn Toinne, where the views of Lough Derg and the surrounding countryside are truly spectacular. Then the loop descends back to the starting place. The Linear Walk known as The Lough Derg Way takes in part of this Loop.
The Ballyhourigan Loop overlaps with a short section of theSlieve Felim Way - a 30km waymarked route which travels from Murroe in County Limerick to Silvermines in County Tipperary. En-route it passes through the small but pleasant village of Toor and onward across the shoulder of Keeper Hill.
The Kinnitty Castle Loop is a 5km easy loop walk near Kinnitty Village in Co. Offaly. The loop takes you through Kinnitty Forest and takes you into the spectacular grounds of Kinnitty Castle which is well worth a visit.
Kilcommon Pilgrim loop is a 7km walk with 100 metres of an ascent. It starts in the village of Kilcommon, Co. Tipperary and brings you along the old mass path to the lower slopes of Mother Mountain and from there it will loop back to the village of Kilcommon. It provides beautiful views of the countryside and lots of fresh hilly air.
Kilkee is a popular seaside resort in West Clare, renowned for its Blue Flag Beach and the wide variety of activities available to visitors. It has been a resort since the early 19th century when it was featured on the front page of the Illustrated London News as the premier bathing spot in the country. The loop walks are 5km and 8km in length respectively, and feature spectacular views along the Kilkee cliffs.
The village of Silvermines is located approximately 10km south of Nenagh in North Tipperary. It is a very attractive rural village where the community pride in its appearance is combined with the splendid backdrop of the Silvermines Mountains. Lead, zinc, copper, sulphide and barites have been mined in the area since Roman times.
The Lissycasey Cascades Loop is located in the village of Lissycasey, gateway to West Clare. The loop is an easy 3.7km walk through a local beauty spot which is also part of the 30 acre Lissycasey Ecology Park.
This is a magical walk through an old Celtic farm, and sweeping the shores of the little lake called Lough Avalla. Please note that you are on a working farm and that the sheep, goats and cattle graze here. Please stay on the official path.
The Nature Trail Loop is a 7km easy walking route which starts and finishes in the village of Cadamstown in Co. Offaly. The loop takes you by Purcell's Brook and a beautiful weir on the Silver River.
The picturesque village of O’Briensbridge nestles on the banks of the River Shannon and borders three counties namely Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. The twin village is linked to its sister village, Montpelier in Co. Limerick on the other side of the river Shannon, by a 15th Century stone bridge.
The Old Mill Loop is a 12km hard walking route near Clonaslee in Co. Laois. The loop passes a wooden hut, a superb waterfall, and the ruins of an old mill.
Situated in the southwest region of Ireland, on the borders of counties Tipperary, Limerick and Cork, Ballyhoura Country is an area of undulating green pastures, woodlands, hills and mountains. The ancient and unspoilt landscape, the abundance of heritage sites, the range of outdoor activities, and the friendliness of the local people make it an excellent place to discover rural Ireland. This loop is located in the middle of Ballyhoura country – starting and finishing in the small village of Anglesboro at the foot of the Galtee Mountains, in the south-east of County Limerick. The area is given mostly to agriculture, dairy farming being the main preoccupation.
Paul's Lane Loop Walk is an 8km easy walk which starts and finishes in the village of Cadamstown in Co. Offaly. The village is rich in archaeology – boasting Bronze Age burials and ring forts amongst them. And the old mill is well worth a visit.
The Sculpture Park Loop is a 3km easy loop walk near the town of Kilcormac, in Co. Offaly. The loop passes the 'standing timbers' sculpture, a metal footbridge and the large stone Boora Pyramid.
The Ricket's Rock Loop is an easy 6km walking route near Clonaslee in Co. Laois. The loop passes the heritage centre and Ricket's Rock which is a stoney waterfall.
The town of Ennis is situated on the N18 between the cities of Galway and Limerick. From Ennis, take the N68 in the direction of Kilrush and Kilkee. After 25km turn right onto the R484 signposted Kilmihil. Pass through the village of Kilmihil and after 9km turn left onto the R484 – signposted Doonbeg. After 4km you join the N67 and follow the signpost for Doonbeg only 3km away. The trailhead is located at the church on the far side of the village.
The Waterfall Loop is a 7km moderate walking loop located near Clonaslee in Co. Laois. The loop, which takes you through Glenbarrow Woods, encompasses the Clamp Hole Waterfall.
The Mesolithic Loop is a 9km moderate walking route in the beautiful Lough Boora Parklands, Co. Offaly. The loop passes the Mesolithic site, standing timbers, the large stone Boora Pyramid, and a partridge farm.
The Farmlands Loop is a 7km easy loop walk located near the town of Kilcormac, Co. Offaly. The loop takes you by a wooden birdhide, the base for the Model Aeroplane Club and through farmland with cattle and sheep.
The Giant's Grave Loop is a 14km hard walking route which starts in the village of Cadamstown in Co. Offaly. The loop takes you by the Giant’s Grave, Purcell’s Brook and a beautiful weir on the Silver River.
The Glinsk Castle Loop is an 8km moderate walking loop near Kinnitty Village, Co. Offaly. The loop takes you onto a faint woodland trail to the ruins of Glinsk Castle.
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903