Castlefreke Castle loop walk - West Cork Weekends

Take a trip with us on one of our favourite West Cork walks. There is no shortage of fantastic things to do in West Cork but if we were to pick one of our top easy treks this could be it - Castlefreke loop walk and forest recreation park right near Long Strand beach in Rosscarbery. The main parking to the woodland is right next to Castlefreke but we park near the beach and walk towards the Rosscarbery rowing club. Where the roads breaks off to the left and right, in the corner will be a wooden gate entrance and here is a great place to start. There is a short climb up but soon you will be overlooking Longstrand beach and the Atlantic. After approximately 1 kilometer of walking you start down the hill with the beautiful blue Kilkeran lake right in front of you. A flat path takes you through an easily marked field into a tree lined stretch with a small stream running alongside you. This route will bring you up to the road that leads to the Castlefreke parking areastraightahead. Cross the road and take the trail on the left until you are between the castle and the parking area, look deep into the woods. Take one of the many footpaths into the forest and keep walking until the remains of a church bell tower appears through the branches of the trees. You have just discovered the ruins of an old Roman Catholic church and graveyard which looks across Rathbarry Castle and Castlefreke Castle to the Left. Be sure to take notice of the detailed mosaics tiles with the legend “Until He Comes” written on the back wall. When you are ready, return to the walkway near the main road and continue walking towards Castlefreke. There is a wooden gate and a small hill where you can get a pretty decent photo of Castlfreke castle, its towers and the surrounding rolling green hills. Further up the road is a car park where you start the last part of your journey and what better way then a big hill! What awaits is simply amazing. Lady Carbery’s High Cross and believe it or not it is Ireland’s tallest high cross. At 9.2 metres (30ft) tall and built in 1902 by Lady Mary Carbery in memory of her husband the 9th Baron of Carbery. From this celtic cross high point you can see all the way to Galley head lighthouse, sweeping views over Long Strand, and pretty much your entire walk of the Castlfreke estate and grounds. You are overcome with so much powerful history of the place. Take the hill straight down to the entrance of Long Strand beach where you will be greeted with the Fish Basket restaurant (the food’s amazing!!). That wraps up the Castlefreke loop walk so I suggest if you still have some more walk in you then take up the Hill on your right keeping to your left side. About halfway up is a non-descript drive with a path down to a secluded beach cove with some terrific rocks to climb on and nice sandy patches to yourself to take some rest. You have just completed the Castlfreke loop walk and well done!!
Please keep in touch with us and tell whats fun, cool out there to do in beautiful West Cork.

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West Cork Weekends (westcorkweekends.ie) is a travel and events website dedicated to showcasing the best of West Cork, Ireland. The site provides comprehensive information about the region, including its history, culture, and attractions, as well as practical information for visitors, such as travel tips, accommodation options, and local events. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, West Cork Weekends is an excellent resource for discovering all that the area has to offer. The site also features an up-to-date events calendar, highlighting the latest festivals, concerts, and other happenings in West Cork, making it a great resource for those looking to experience the local culture and meet the friendly locals. So whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, be sure to check out westcorkweekends.ie for all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to West Cork, Ireland.

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