Trail: Clare Glens Loop Walks
Trailhead: Clare Glens, Murroe, Co Limerick
Services: Murroe (5km), Co. Limerick
Dist/Time: Nature Loop (Green Loop) 2km / 30mins - 1hr Glen Loop (Purple Loop) 4km / 1-1hr 30 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland Paths
To Suit: Medium level of fitness
Min. Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks, mobile phone
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. The Glens consist of a picturesque red sandstone gorge through which the Clare River flows and displays numerous waterfalls. These loop walks are part of the network of National Looped Walks and are marked using the standard National Looped Walk directional arrows.
Start from the village of Murroe (Moroe) on the R506 between Limerick City and Cappamore. Follow the signs for Clare Glens which take you north out of the village. Follow this road for approximately 5km to reach the trailhead at a car parking area on your left. Both loops start and finish here. [Note: The trailhead is signposted from Murroe].
A-B. Leaving the trailhead both loops enter the glens via a metal kissing gate at the left of the bridge over the Clare River. Turn left onto a narrow trail following the purple (and green) arrows - the green arrows are for the shorter Nature Loop. The loop gains ground away from the river and stays to 'upper' paths to pass a stone footbridge, before veering right and downhill to reach the riverbank at a wooden footbridge. The Nature Loop turns right here, crosses the Clare River via a wooden footbridge and returns to the trailhead. The Glen Loop proceeds straight ahead.
B-C. The longer Glen Loop takes the walker uphill again and follows woodland paths through mature woodlands to reach another footbridge near the Clare Falls. This footbridge marks the farthest point of the loop. Cross the bridge (passing from County Tipperary into County Limerick!) and turn right.
C-D. Continue to follow the purple arrows along a sandy woodland path to reach a path joining from your right. Here you rejoin the Nature Loop (green arrows).
D-A. Continue to follow the sandy path along your return to the trailhead.
Clare Glens Loop Walks Downloadable Map
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903