Ballyhoura Way facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballyhoura Way |
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|---|---|
| Length | 89 kilometres (55 miles) |
| Location | Ireland |
| Designation | National Waymarked Trail |
| Trailheads | St John’s Bridge, County Cork Limerick Junction, County Tipperary |
| Use | Hiking |
| Elevation gain/loss | 1,560 m (5,118 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Season | Any |
The Ballyhoura Way (Irish: Slí Bhealach Eabhra) is an exciting long-distance trail in beautiful Ireland. It's a fantastic route for hikers and adventurers! This trail is about 89 kilometers (55 miles) long. It starts at St John’s Bridge, which is near Kanturk in County Cork. The journey finishes at Limerick Junction in County Tipperary. Most people take about four days to complete this amazing walk.
The Ballyhoura Way is officially known as a National Waymarked Trail. This means it's a special, well-marked path for walking. The National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council has given it this important title. Ballyhoura Fáilte helps manage and look after the trail. The trail was first opened in April 1994 by President Mary Robinson. She was the President of Ireland at that time.
Discover the Ballyhoura Way
The Ballyhoura Way offers a wonderful adventure through different landscapes. It's a great way to explore the Irish countryside.
Your Journey on the Trail
Your adventure on the Ballyhoura Way begins at St John’s Bridge. This is a crossroads about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) north of the town of Kanturk. From here, the trail follows quiet, smaller roads. You will walk through charming areas like Liscarroll before reaching the village of Ballyhea.
After Ballyhea, the trail becomes even more exciting! It crosses the Ballyhoura Mountains. These mountains give the trail its name and offer stunning views. You will then reach the village of Ballyorgan. The path continues through the mountains, leading you to Kilfinane and Ballylanders. Finally, you will arrive at Galbally.
From Galbally, the trail enters the beautiful Glen of Aherlow. This is a famous valley known for its scenic beauty. The path then takes you to Tipperary town. The final part of the journey follows a road to the end of the trail at Limerick Junction.
Connecting Trails and History
The Ballyhoura Way is part of an even bigger project called the Beara-Breifne Way. This is a huge walking and cycling route that is still being developed. When finished, it will stretch all the way from the Beara Peninsula in County Cork to Breifne in County Leitrim.
This long route follows a famous historical journey. It traces the path taken by Donal Cam O'Sullivan Beare. He was an Irish chieftain who led his followers on a long march in 1602. This march happened after a big historical event called the Battle of Kinsale. The Ballyhoura Way also connects with another trail called the Multeen Way in Tipperary town. This means you can continue your hiking adventure on different paths!
