Trek: Kilcormac to Cadamstown
Trailheads: Riverside Park, Kilcormac, Offaly and Village Carpark, Cadamstown, Offaly
Services: Cadamstown, Kilcormac
Distance: 16km
Time: 4-5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mix of forestry tracks, riverbank paths and minor roads
To Suit: Medium levels of fitness
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs. Rucksack, fluid, snacks and mobile phone.
Trailhead 3 is located at the carpark on Cadamstown village (on the R421 between Clonaslee and Kinnitty).
Driving back to Trailhead 7. From the carpark in Cadamstown turn left and cross the bridge over the Silver River. Almost immediately take a right turn – following the signpost for Ballyboy. Continue to follow this road for 11km, veering left at Ballyboy, to reach the town of Kilcormac. Entering the town, turn right onto the N52 in the direction of Tullamore. After 200m, you cross the bridge over the Silver River – the trailhead is at the Riverside Park on your left.
A-B. Starting from the Riverside Park in Kilcormac, join the long distance – Offaly Way at a stile on the bridge over the Silver River. Follow the yellow arrows and trekking man logo along the banks of the river for 2km before exiting onto tarred roadway in the village of Ballyboy.
B-C. Turn right, and almost immediately turn left onto a minor road leading you away from the village. The route now takes you on a 5km trek through the townlands of Luganiska and Ballynacarrigg – until you reach a sharp right turn at Clonlyon Bridge. 200m afterwards you enter farmland via a gateway. Please close the gate after you.
C-D. Continue to follow the Offaly Way along the riverbank, and after 500m cross the river, and follow the opposite bank for 3km, crossing a number of stiles along the way. You leave the riverbank and join a tarred road where you turn left again into the Silver River Basin.
D-E. From the Basin, follow the right bank of the river – first into a field and then into woodlands through the spectacular Glendolan past wonderful weirs and waterfalls. Along this section you also pass the ancient Ardara Bridge. Less than 1km after this bridge you enter the village of Cadamstown at an old mill. Turn left on joining the tarred road and cross the bridge – the trailhead is at the village carpark on your right beside Dempsey’s Pub.
Kilcormac to Cadamstown Downloadable Map
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903