Gubbeen Loop Walk

This walk is along quiet country roads and takes in the view – so there are a few hills. From the mapboard, walk west up through the village following the green arrows. At the Y Junction at the end of the village (after Copperpoint), take the left for Gubbeen and walk west straight for about 2.5km. At a 5 road cross, turn sharp left and walk along the shoreline for 600m before turning left inland. Walk about 1km, and turn right to walk towards Colla Pier, and straight on to the graveyard on Colla Road. Turn right here and return to Schull via the coast walk past the pier and back to the car park.

Gubbeen Loop Walk route is marked with GREEN arrows which you need to look out for. 

Starting at the trailhead (1) opposite the hotel, follow the road west through the village passing the Bunratty Arms and the library. Press on up Air Hill until you reach CopperPoint housing development and immediately after that a country road branches off at a y-junction (2). 

Take the LEFT, climb steadily uphill past a farmyard and tractors and as you gain height enjoy the views back to Mt Gabriel and Schull harbour. Soon you pass roads going off left and right but you should keep straight on and eventually start to descend enjoying fabulous views out to the west. Can you see the Fastnet Rock and Lighthouse? You’ll pass Gubbeen Farm on your left and about 3km from your start point you will cross a small stream and reach an ochre coloured house on a cross roads (3). 

Here you turn LEFT and cross a bridge over a small stream. It’s worth a short detour to the right just to look back at the old clapper-style bridge constructed entirely from local stones. Continue alongside Croagh Bay with the water to your right and look out for wild birds, particularly in the winter months. Soon you reach a new house on the right hand side and see a junction opposite (4). 

Turn LEFT up the hill and climb steadily for about 1km enjoying the views out to sea on your right. Admire the massive stone walls on your left and soon you see an old farmhouse and buildings above and to your left and a junction is reached (5). 

Your route takes you RIGHT, down towards Colla Pier, although you could carry straight on to take a shorter route back to Schull (not marked with arrows). Continue down the hill round a few bends and you’ll see Colla Pier (6). A great place to take pictures, watch the fishermen and the Long Island ferry. 

As you continue along the coast, a road joins from the left (the old coffin road), linger here to enjoy the fabulous scenery. Continue to follow the coast road east taking care as the road is busier now and soon you’ll be walking alongside Long Island Sound. After about 1 km the road swings round Schull Point (aka Skull Point) and wanders through the fields till you reach the cemetery (7) on your right. 

Now turn RIGHT and follow the path down through the edge of the burial ground, across the field and then alongside the water (recommended). Alternatively, you can stay on the road where a footpath (pavement) will bring you past the school and library to reach the main street where many pubs, cafés and restaurants abound to reward your efforts.