Walks
February 29th, 2008|
Walk 1 - The Route : Clonigulane(10) - Glenmore(14) - Cahermurphy(6) - Castlepark(8) - Kiltumper(9) - Clonigulane(10) Distance: 10 miles Clonigulane is the Irish for a meadow with a shoulder which suggests that it is at the fork of a river. This townland in olden times was composed of eight houses all of which were owned by the Mungovan family of whom there are none left in the area. The ruins of Cahermurphy Castle may be seen at point 14. In the time of the Black and Tans the castle may have been used for storing guns and ammunition. The road from Glenmore (14) to Cahermurphy (6) is quite long (4.5 miles) but is well worth the effort as it overlooks the whole parish of Kilmihil being of a high altitude (approximately 700 ft above sea level). The scene this viewpoint offers is truly panoramic. As one walks along this road in an area known as the Cragg, bare rockfaces may be seen indicating the origin of the placename. The road from Cahermurphy (6) to Castlepark is very much downhill. From Castlepark to Kiltumper the road is quiet with good views. Distance: 3.5 miles This is a relatively short walk and should be appreciated mainly for its diverse scenery. The walk starts from the village and passes the parish’s vocational school (built in 1966), and continues until the next crossroads, at which point one turns right. The walk up to this point provides good views of the surrounding countryside. The next part of the journey is characterised mainly by the revailing flat bogland. Some forestry is also visible during this part of the walk. At the next Crossroads (7) one turns right and continues back to the village. The latter part of the walk is through Knockmore and offers a lovely picture of the region. Wild flowers on this walk include Whitethorn (Sceach Ghael) and Buttercups (Blàthach). Distance: 5 miles This walk provides some local history, which when combined with its scenery makes it very enjoyable and interesting. The route, which takes in the areas of Lack West and Cahercanivan starts from the village passing the main parish graveyard on the way . Within this graveyard, there are the remains of a medieval church. The walk continues along the road through Lack West until the next Crossroads (4) at which point, one takes the right side road. This is the most quiet part of the walk and it affords lovely views of the surrounding country side to the east and west. The route continues on this road until point 3 where one turns right to go through Cahercanivan which has great views of the surrounding farmland. The start of this part of the walk is marked by the large amount of old trees that overshadow the road. The walk is finished when one returns to the village. Flora on this walk include the purple Loosestrife, Montbretia (notable for their vivid orange colour and height) and Fuchsia. Distance: 7.5 miles. This walk is interesting both for its scenery and as a test of endurance. The first stage of the walk from the village through Shyan is noteworthy for the excellent views which it provides of the local countryside. The walk then goes through Leitrim (after point 5) where the local primary school (built in 1951) can serve as a marker. The next part which encompasses Clonwhite South is a mainly up-hill journey. The bridge on this road adds to the peaceful air of the place and enhances the effect of the views. The final part of this walk is downhill through Castlepark and Clonakilla. There is another primary school, Cahermurphy National school (built in 1967) near the crossroads at point 6, to reassure those with a less than perfect sense of direction. At the next crossroads continue straight on and return to the village. Distance: 5.25 miles Starting at the village crossroads follow the sign to Doonbeg and go west. Continue straight for two miles and at the first T-junction, turn right. Follow the straight road for two miles to a crossroads and turn right again which brings you back into the village. The ealier part of this walk goes through Shyan which in old Irish folklore is known as the home of fairies (Si), where legend has it you can see seven forts from any one. This is an interesting and scenic route. The middle section is lovely, quiet and traffic free. Cahermurphy Lough may be seen to the north and is a striking feature in the centre of this flat countryside. The hedgerows in the summer season have a profusion of wild flowers such as foxglove (Muirin Puca) and Whitethorn(Sceach Gheal). Distance: 3.5 miles From the cross roads follow the sign post to Ennis. This is one of the most interesting and enjoyable walks that Kilmihil has to offer because it includes Knockalough Lake, an enormous source of local history and folklore. The walk starts from the village and passes St. Michael’s Shrine which was built in 1937. The story behind the Shrine extends back to 1632, when a Mrs. Mary MacGorman dreamt of going to Kilmihil Church where a holy well could be found under a clump of rushes. She did go to Kilmihil and was cured of her afflictions and thousands followed in her path, a process which culminated in the building of the Shrine. On the way to the lake one passes the former Lacken National School on the right. Knockalough Lake is one mile in length and half a mile in width, and contains an artifical island in its centre.This island is said to have been constructed by the Danes and used by them as a safe retreat. Much local folklore surrounds this island, especially in the history of its last inhabitant, Turlough Ruadh McMahon who was known as “Turlough Rua liar and deceiver : who by one stroke killed his wife and child”, (Toirdhealach Ruadh ; an fhill agus an eithigh. Do mharbh a bhean is a leanbh in aon fheacht). During the winter months the ruins of a castle and house are visible. Swans and other wildlife may be seen around the lake. The walk is completed when one returns to the village. Distance: 7.5 miles Start at the village crossroads and head west (following the signpost for Doonbeg). At the first crossroads (15) turn left. This section of the walk is mainly downhill giving beautiful views to a southern, eastern and western aspect. A small bridge traverses a quiet stream and could be an ideal spot for a rest. From point 13 to crossroads number 3 the road is relatively quiet and as one approaches the next fork in the road, many trees overshadow the road and provide shelter. The route from Cahercanavan back to the village is of a high altitude and provides a nice view of the low-lying regions. Distance: 10.5 miles This is a challenging walk encompassing many townlands. Much history is encountered on this route and the scenery is fantastic with views that could only be described as panoramic. The route from Knockmore to Kiltumper is a pleasant one, where forest plantation can be seen and the land is boggy in general. A large quarry can be seen to the left hand side of the road as well as a sheered rockface covered in purple heather. The area at point 8 is known as Kiltumper. Legend has it that the area is the last resting place of a ferocious giant called Thumper about whom extraordinary feats of strength and ferocity are told. Just past point 8 there is a holy well called Tobar Ri An Domhnaigh which is dedicated to the king of the Sabbath. At Clonigulane school (10) one ascends quite a steep hill. At the summit the views of the area are magnificent, which when combined with the nature all around both in the flora and fauna makes for quite a sight. A quarter of a mile past point 11 one comes to a Crossroads at point 16. From here the walker has the choice of either direction as both roads lead back to the village. If the walker wants to go by point 9, a Mass rock may be seen nearby, from where priests served Mass to the local people in Penal times. |
