Glenstal Woods and Slieve Felim Walk
This circular loop walk explores Glenstal Woods and Slieve Felim mountain in County Limerick.
The route begins in Glenstal Woods, where forestry tracks lead through stands of conifers mixed with pockets of native trees, providing shelter for a variety of birds and small woodland creatures. As the path climbs higher, the woodland gradually gives way to more open ground, with heather, rhododendrons, bilberry and grasses covering the slopes. The air is often filled with the calls of skylarks, and on quieter days there is a strong sense of peace in the surrounding hills.
Reaching the slopes of Slieve Felim, the walk offers wide views over the surrounding countryside, stretching across County Limerick and into neighbouring Tipperary. On clear days it is possible to see as far as Keeper Hill and the Silvermines Mountains to the north, with the Galtees rising in the distance to the south. The open upland landscape contrasts with the enclosed woodland of the lower sections, giving the walk a pleasing variety.
The descent follows a different section of forest track, completing the loop back through Glenstal Woods. The changing scenery, from shaded forestry to exposed mountain slopes and long-ranging views, makes this a rewarding route for walkers looking to explore a quieter part of the Limerick uplands while still enjoying the character of both woodland and mountain terrain.
To continue your walking in the area you could head to the the historic
Glenstal Abbey.
