Map

Cahermurphy Loop Walk

The start of the loop walk is located in the townland of Cahermurphy in the parish of Flagmount, Co. Clare. The loop walk is part of the network of walks under the Shannon Region Trails Programme and is marked using the standard red Shannon Region Trails directional arrows.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting from the village of Flagmount travel north of the village for approximately 2km in the direction of Gort and take a left at the signpost for Cahermurphy Forest.   The trailhead is located approximately 1km from this junction on the northern shore of Lough Graney.

A – B. Starting from the car park at the trailhead in Cahermurphy Forest, the loop follows the sandy path to the right along the Lough Graney shoreline.  The loop continues along this rough path with Bleach River on the left, until it reaches a gap on the right which enters the forest. The loop follows this track through the forest along a series of footbridges until it reaches a forest road where it turns left. 

B – C. After 400m (approx) you reach a ramp on the left taking you back on to a forest track. The loop follows this forest track (beside forest road) for 500m (approx) until it reaches a minor road. There are deer inhabiting this forest so keep an eye out for them in their natural environment.

C – D. After exiting the forest turn left on the minor road. For a short distance here you are also on the East Clare Way (marked with yellow arrows and the familiar trekking man logo).  The loop walk continues on the minor road keeping to the right at Bleach Bridge junction (leaving the East Clare Way which turns left).  The loop follows this minor road for 1.5km (approx) until it meets a junction to the right on to a very minor road.

D – E. The loop continues along this minor road (mostly uphill) for 2km (approx) through Corlea Beg and eventually reaches the highest point of the walk (150m) overlooking Lough Graney and the village of Flagmount. 

E – F. At the top of this road you will re-join the East Clare Way turning right at the junction on the minor road. Follow this section of minor road and after a short distance turn right again at a small water plant which takes the loop downhill to Flagmount along a green path with several stone wall stiles.

F – A Turn rigth at Flagmount village and follow the loop walk (and the East Clare Way) for 2km (approx) along the Gort Road with Lough Graney on your left.  At the entrance to Cahermurphy Forest turn left (leaving the East Clare Way again) and continue along the forestry road for a further 1km (approx) back to the trailhead.

Downloads

Cahermurphy Loop Downloadable Map