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Cape Clear - Cnoicin’s Loop
Free to visit
Cnoicin’s Loop - Clear Island. A-B. From the mapboard at the Information Office / Shop follow the green arrows (and red arrows for the longer Gleann Loop) arrow along the roadway to reach a roadway on your left.

A-B. From the mapboard at the Information Office / Shop follow the green arrows (and red arrows for the longer Gleann Loop) arrow along the roadway to reach a roadway on your left. This is the point to which you will return - for now continue straight.

B-C. Continue to follow the green and red arrows as the road ascends. After 200m you reach a 3-way junction where you keep left and shortly afterwards are treated to splendid views of South Harbour. After 600m you reach a 3-way junction near a hostel - the red loop continues straight on here - but you turn left.

C-D. Follow the roadway as it ascends gently and, after 500m, note that the red loop rejoins from your right. After only 200m watch for a marker which directs you left through a stone stile and onto what was an old Mass Path. Follow the red and green arrows as the track takes you across an area called the Cnoicins (the little hills) and exits onto a surfaced road where you turn left.

D-A. The road takes you back to the junction mentioned at B above - 20m from the island shop and restaurant.

Trail details

Type:
Walking Trail
Location:
Cape Clear Island Loops
Grade:
Moderate
Format:
Loop
Length:
3.10km
Ascent:
200m
Dogs allowed:
Yes
    Time:1 hour 30 minutes
    Nearest town start:Cape Clear Island
    Start point:North Harbour - Tourist Office/Craft Shop
    Finish point:North Harbour - Tourist Office/Craft Shop
    Waymarking:Green arrow on white backgfround
Contact details
Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, Ireland
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp responsibly
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Protect nature from fire
More to discover at this venue
Coastal escapesCape Clear - Gleann Loop

No trip to West Cork’s iconic Cape Clear is complete without a hike around the 5km Gleann Loop. Strenuous challenging, it’s a real breathtaker, with unmatched views of the wide and wild Atlantic your reward for hitting the trail and spending an hour or two in the great outdoors.

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