Skibbereen to Kilcoe Linear Walk
| Type of Route | Arrows | Distance | Grading | Estimated Time | Total Climb |
| Linear Walk | Red | 12 km | Moderate | 3 – 4 hrs | 100 m |
This linear walk begins at the Heritage Centre in Skibbereen. It follows rural back-roads, passing the Ilen River and key landmarks like the Great Famine Plot, eventually reaching the Kilcoe Trail Head. Covering 12 km with a moderate difficulty level, the estimated completion time is 3-4 hours. Alternatively, walkers can choose between two other trail options, toward the Lisheen Trail Head or the ‘Cnap’ Loop.
Take Note
🥾This walk is graded as Moderate
🐕🦺Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Walking Guide
After leaving the Heritage Centre carpark (1) turn right. Walk for 1 km and cross the Ilen river over the Five Arch Bridge (2), take care crossing the N71, then note the Great Famine Plot in the Abbey Cemetery (3). Here take a sharp right turn and head North for a short distance, left turn at the T junction, then after about 1 km go left at the four cross road by the Old Abbey School (4) and walk onward through the townlands of Rossnagoose and Gurteenroe for 2.5 km. At this junction (5) for option 1 follow the Purple Arrows, toward the Lisheen Trail Head. To stay on the Kilcoe trail take a right turn, indicated by the red arrows, onto the Reenmurragha road for 1 km, then take a right for a short distance and immediately go left at the T junction to Rahine. Shortly afterwards, at the next junction (6) you can turn right and follow the Green Arrows for option 2 – the ‘Cnap’ Loop. To continue to Kilcoe, go west, for 3km through Foherlagh townland which is overshadowed by the two large Standing Stones or Galaun (7). Turn left at the T junction (8) through Prohoness and walk for 2.5 km to arrive at Kilcoe Trail Head (9) next to the Meen Bridge and Kilcoe Church.
To walk the Mizen way follow the Blue Arrows along the old Kilcoe to Ballydehob road, as indicated on the Kilcoe Map Board.