Daryl's Journal

What Happened Today? Thursday 08/18/2005 Sneem, IR Day 3665 (Ireland Trip, Day 11, Part 7)

DAY 11: SNEEM TO KENMARE

HIKING INSTRUCTIONS

From Blackwater Bridge

Be careful crossing Blackwater Bridge, as the road is very busy, but take time to enjoy a view of the cascading river below. Once across the bridge turn right on the main road, leaving the road after 200m to join the forest road to the right. There is a barrier across the track, property of Coillte, the Forestry Management Commission. This road is not marked. This leads through Dromore Wood and the Kerry Way continues to the right on a grassy path along the coast, where you will have spectacular views across Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula.

Continue through these woods on a series of paths and minor forest roads, which bring you around the land belonging to Dromore Castle (private). When you have passed this (you will see some private houses to you right). Turn right and begin to descend on the forest paths towards Cappanacush Castle. From here the path continues left and up the main road. Be very careful on this road- the main Ring of Kerry Road- as you come into Templenoe village. There is a pub (Pat Spillane’s) if you need refreshments, and a telephone.

What Happened Today?

DAY 11: SNEEM TO KENMARE

HIKING INSTRUCTIONS

From Blackwater Bridge

Walk on the main road through Templenoe for 2 km on the main road, passing Pat Spillane’s pub, the Country Club, the Catholic church and turn left the crossroads. There is a sign here, but it is hidden in the ditch. Walk up the tarmac road for 300m until you reach a stream. Turn right, over the very old stile, and follow the path, with the stream to your left.

We have been advised that this part of the route has changed due to renovation work on the old cottage. Follow the track for about 600m, passing houses on your left. Go through the gateway and continue up the hill- the track is signposted left, cross the stream and head uphill to the ridgeline ahead to the next marker at the high spot ahead of you (100m). Turn right and follow the ridge, heading for Lacka Wood.

The path now goes between the trees: this part of the route is very wet underfoot and the ground is uneven. Continue on the track and as you begin to descend you will come to a fence. Cross the fence, and follow the track, which is cut into the surface of the bog, to the right and then left downhill. Cross through to the next field, turn immediately left and at the bottom ditch, there is a stile. Cross the bridge to a wooden footbridge over the Reen River. Take the path across the open hillside for 600m to meet a fence. Cross the fence onto the minor track at GR876715. Turn right onto the yellow road as marked.