Pop a fiver in the honesty box to check out this stunning private hike park
There’s sunshine aplenty on the way.
And if your idea of a perfect day out involves fresh air, a bit of history, and the kind of views that make you forget your phone exists, then this hidden gem in West Cork might just be your next obsession.
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of the Shehy Mountains, Shehy Highland Park is the kind of place that feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret. Even better? All it takes is a fiver in the honesty box (you can also pay by Revolut) to get in.
This isn’t your average loop walk. The park sits on a working sheep farm just 4km from the stunning Cousane Gap, and offers three clearly marked trails that cater to everyone from casual strollers to seasoned hikers.
Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, lush woodland, and panoramic mountain views, but what really sets this place apart is the history hiding in plain sight.
A walk through thousands of years
Scattered throughout the trails are ruins and archaeological finds that date all the way back to the Bronze Age. Think ancient booley huts, standing stones, and a bullaun stone. There’s also a Mass rock — a quiet, powerful reminder of a time when religious ceremonies had to be held in secret during the 17th and 18th centuries.
And then there’s the intriguingly named “Secret Garden,” complete with a picnic table and located just across from the entrance.
Nature lovers are in for a treat. The park is teeming with wildlife, from red deer and foxes to badgers and mountain hares.
Birdwatchers will be in their element too, with everything from skylarks and kestrels to peregrines and even white-tailed eagles spotted in the area.
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All of this unfolds among native woodlands filled with oak, ash, and birch — basically a dream setting for anyone looking to properly switch off.
Vanlife approved
Overnight campervan parking is available right in the car park, making it a solid shout for a low-key vanlife escape. There are no on-site facilities beyond fresh water, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient — but that’s all part of the charm.
Imagine waking up surrounded by mountains, sheep grazing nearby, and not a traffic sound in sight.
Good to know
The park is open year-round, with slightly shorter hours in winter, and there are picnic spots dotted throughout if you fancy making a day of it. It’s also worth remembering that this is a working farm first and foremost, so respecting the land — and the sheep — is key. To that end, dogs are not allowed.
For the price of a coffee though, you get access to one of the most unique outdoor experiences in Cork — part hike, part off-grid escape. Whether you’re planning a chilled day trip, a proper ramble, or a night under the stars in your camper, this place ticks all the boxes. Find out more here.
