TAKE 4: Underrated and unforgettable Cork day hikes to plan this summer
Ready to step out of your comfort zone?
If spending more time outdoors is high on your agenda, hiking is a top-notch way to team it with some heart-pumping exercise and life-affirming views.
If you’re living in Cork and you’re looking for a good stroll to get you out and into the wilderness, there’s a wealth of places to explore. Our picks for beginners range from coastal walks to scenic climbs and cliff trails; all are easily accessible loops that even have parking.
From easy jaunts to longer climbs, we’ve rounded up the best day hikes in Cork that we know you’ll love too.
Here are top four day hikes to plan now:
1. Gougane Barra Sli an Easa Trail
This short but strenuous 1.8km loop walk near Ballingeary isn’t for everyone but the views are 100% worth the effort.
It’s only 1.8km but the incline is steeper than your favourite heels, ascending and descending 65 metres.
Starting and ending at the lower car park in Gougane Barra Forest Park it’s perfect for a small day trip. It only takes about an hour and you’ll get to pass cascading waterfalls before you reach the divine panoramic views beneath the peak of Tuarin Beag
As long as you’re chill with regular breaks, this is an excellent loop to make you feel like you’ve done some good exercise without going on all day.
And did we mention how phenomenal the scenery is?
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2. Ardgroom – Pulleen loop (part of the Beara Way)
The Beara Peninsula is often unfairly overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. The Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Sheep’s Head and Mizen Peninsulas tend to grab all of the attention, but Beara is just as gorgeous.
This 5k loop starts at the pier at Cuas Quay near Bird Point and takes roughly two hours.
Halfway through at Dogs Point, a small beach and sea cave provide the ideal location for a short break, maybe even a sneaky dip before making your way back along the coastal section.
There are spectacular views of the coastline and for those feeling the adventure, the renowned Coosmore sea cave system is only 250m from the trailhead.
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3. Old Head of Kinsale Loop Walk
If you’re local you’ll definitely know this one, it’s one of the best day hikes in Cork, no doubt. However, it’s also a very good shout for newbies so start here if you’re heading out on your first hike.
The loop itself is fairly straightforward. It’s about two hours worth of a decent 6km, flat land.
The most common starting point is at the Speckled Door Bar. You can park in their car park and pop in for a feast afterwards (this day out plans itself).
Besides the natural beauty of the land, which let’s face it, Cork has in spades, there’s are plenty of sights along the Old Head of Kinsale walk, from a castle to the infamous lighthouse.
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4. The Ballycotton Cliff Walk
The Ballycotton Cliff Walk is arguably one of the best day hikes in Cork. It’s a spectacular 8km walk with staggering views.
However, it does run along the clifftop so it won’t be ideal for anyone with mobility issues.
The trail is literally non-stop scenery with picnic tables and benches dotted alongside it – perfect for a rest or to balance that tripod for a decent group pic. It’s flanked by meadows too if you fancy a frolic, and let’s face it who doesn’t love a good frolic?
Start the walk in Ballycotton village by the lifeboat station and finish at Ballydreen Beach. It’ll take most people two hours and about 5k. Grand.
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