The Trailhead located at Ballinaboola Woods, Ardpatrick lies at the foot of the north slopes of the Ballyhoura Mountains, on the edge of the Golden Vale. Ballyhoura is a walker’s paradise offering the beauty and tranquility of quiet country roads, riverbanks, rugged mountains, rich bogs, and mythical landscapes.

Directions to trailhead

A-B. Starting from the trailhead, follow the green (Knockduv) and purple (Ballinaboola) arrows uphill from the car park. After 300m you reach a crossroads from where the loop begins. You will return to here later-for now turn left.

B-C. Follow the forestry road for 800m to reach a 3 way junction where both loops veer right and uphill. Now follow a 1 km ascent along forestry road along which the loop is crossed by cycle tracks. At the top of the climb the loop swings right and after 100m is joined by the long distance Ballyhoura way (yellow arrows) at a 3 way junction. Continue straight at this junction, after 100m turn left and uphill.

C-D. Now the loop descends and after more than 1km you reach a y-junction where the Knockduv loop (green arrows) veers right and the Ballinaboola loop (Purple arrows) veers left and uphill.

D-A. Continue to descent and after 500m reach the crossroads from where you started the loop. Continue straight across, 300m back to the trailhead.

Walkers have the option of taking a longer trek by following purple arrows for Ballinaboola Loop (10km).