Castlefreke Woods and Long Strand Walk

5.2 miles (8.3 km)

This circular walk explores Castlefreke Woods and Long Strand beach in the village of Castlefreke in County Cork.
It begins on woodland tracks that wind through Castlefreke Woods, an area of mixed broadleaf and conifer trees that surround the ruins of Castlefreke Castle, a 15th-century structure once belonging to the Freke family. The paths provide a sheltered route with birdsong and seasonal woodland plants adding interest along the way.
From the woods the walk continues towards the coast, where the trail emerges onto Long Strand, a sweeping Atlantic beach backed by dunes. The shoreline stretches for over a mile, with views across the bay towards Galley Head and its lighthouse. On clear days the headland is a striking feature on the horizon, and the beach itself is a known spot for seabirds and occasionally seals.
The route combines the quiet, enclosed setting of the forest with the open expanse of sea and sand, making for a varied and scenic loop. It provides a mixture of shaded woodland paths, sandy beach walking, and coastal vistas, giving a strong sense of both the inland and maritime landscapes of this part of County Cork.
You can continue your walking on the Galley Head Walk which visits the nearby Galley Head Lighthouse.

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