Hillwalking in Ireland
Lisheen Castle is surrounded by mountains and hills and offers a range of hiking and walking options for the walking enthusiast such as:
Visible from many of the windows of Lisheen Castle, the Devil’s Bit hill walk brings the walker on a moderate effort 5km walk through sandy lane-ways, forestry tracks and hillside paths to enjoy amazing views across to the Galtee Mountains. You will also visit some historic sites along the way such as an ancient mass rock; a remnant of a time when Catholics were forced to practise their religion in secret.
A selection of wonderful hillwalks are on offer from Upperchurch, only 27km from Lisheen Castle. These walks have been created to allow the walker to enjoy the wonderful countryside and untouched natural beauty of the area. Walks range from 2km to 6km looped walks, and a guide who will tell some interesting tales of legendary characters of the area including a Robin Hood-style figure “Eamonn a Chnoic” or “Ned of the Hill” can be arranged for groups on request.
If you are interested in nature, woodland, wildlife or just walking, then Glengarra Wood is an ideal place to visit during your stay. It is situated less than 1 hour’s drive from Lisheen Castle and extends upwards on the southern slopes of the Galtee Mountains. Parts of the woodland have been developed to cater for visitors. The facilities provided include car parking, 5km of pathways, log bridges, picnic tables, and information boards providing the names of the different tree species, etc. There are many fine specimen trees, including the giant California Redwood, which were planted during the time when the area was part of the Lismore estate. In the early summer, the rhododendron flowers make a fine display. There are two waymarked walking routes on offer at the Glengarra Woods. An easy 2km route and a more challenging 7km route, the Millennium Route allows the walker some stunning views of the southern-lying lowlands and the Knockmealdown Mountains.
The Glen of Aherlow is a quiet country valley, secluded but not isolated. It stretches south of the famed town of Tipperary, through sixteen miles of unspoilt countryside affording some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. The Glen sits between the Galtee Mountains on the South and the Slievenamuck Ridge on the North. The Galtees, Ireland’s highest inland mountain range, boast five spectacular corrie lakes, dominated by a variety of magnificent peaks at Galteemore at 3,018 ft. The many streams cascading down the face of the mountain further enhance this expansive vista. The foothills are forested, as is the entire 12 miles of the Slievenamuck ridge, providing the walker with a variety of delightful woodland trails. The mountain climber and serious hill walker will enjoy ample challenge on the upper slopes of the Galtee Range.
Check out other activities around Lisheen Castle.