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Kinnitty Castle Loop Walk

2.49 miles (4 km)

Open Streetmap This circular walk visits Kinnitty Castle in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. On the walk you will enjoy views of a striking 19th century Gothic Revival castle and pass close to the Camcor River which runs just to the west of the property.
The walk runs for about 4km and includes some small climbs through the woodland of the expansive Kinnitty Forest.
You can start off from the parking and picnic area just to the south of the castle, off the R440 Road. Then follow the waymarked paths north west towards the castle that now operates as a hotel. You then loop round to follow alternative paths back to the car park.
On the way you will cross various mountain bike trails that run through this part of the forest.
The loop uses part of the Slieve Bloom Way an epic circular trail which visits some of the highlights of the area. If you were to follow it east it would take you to the Glenbarrow Clamp Hole Waterfall, a particularly scenic spot in the mountains.

Postcode

R42 CY50 - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Kinnitty Castle Loop Walk Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

On the way you could visit the hotel and enjoy some refreshments in the bar or the restaurant.

Dog Walking

The woodland trails are ideal for a dog walk. The hotel, however, does not permit dogs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To the north there's some local historic interest at Durrow Abbey. The interesting medieval site includes several notable ancient features, a picturesque walled garden and some peaceful woodland trails. It's also located near the town of Tullamore where you can enjoy an easy waterside walk along the Grand Canal on the Tullamore Canal Walk.
To the west there's the lovely grounds of Birr Castle to explore. The site include views of the River Camcor and an impressive telescope which was the largest telescope in the world for over 70 years.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

IMG KinnittyCastle0973

Kinnitty Castle. Over the years the castle has undergone significant renovations and continues to serve as a wedding and executive-level conference venue, as well as a 4 star hotel.

Kinnitty Cross 1

Kinnitty Cross

Slieve Bloom picnic area - geograph.org.uk - 1254059

Slieve Bloom picnic area. The first of the car parks and picnic areas on the R440 running into the Slieve Bloom mountains from the west. The area is all managed by Coillte, the Irish forestry agency. You can start the walk from here.

Camcor River valley - geograph.org.uk - 1254063

Camcor River valley. Looking south from the R440, across the valley of the Camcor River in the lower western approaches to the Slieve Bloom mountains.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Kinnitty Castle Loop Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)