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5 DOG FRIENDLY WALKS IN WEST CORK
Glengarriff Woods, Glengarriff
Glengarriff Woods boast some of the most beautiful native Irish woodland around. The giant ancient Irish Oak trees that line the clearly- marked and dog-friendly paths are truly spectacular to gaze at on your walk.
Follow along the meandering river walk, with lots of spots for dogs to jump in for a refreshing swim!
There are a number of walks to choose from with the Big Meadow Loop Walk a firm favourite. Your dog will thank you!
During the summer months and some holiday periods there are also a number of funky food vans that gather in the village at Quill’s Carpark to grab some great food and coffee with a element of chic.
There are also two great pubs in the village that are both dog friendly and generally great craic and usually playing live music - The Blue Loo and Bernard Harrington’s.
2. Rinneen Forest Walk, Myross
Rineen Forest walk is another great dog-friendly walk in West Cork. This time the path takes you and your dog along a beautiful coastal native forest path.
This route has lots of wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly for those who enjoy spotting sea birds - egrets, herons, oystercatchers, but to name a few.
Be aware that, unlike Glengarriff woods, the trails here can be a little slippery and uneven underfoot. Wear good sturdy shoes. The full loop is 3.9km.
Take a short drive after your walk for a much deserved coffee at Nolan’s Coffee House in Union Hall.
3. Lough Hyne Lake - Country Road Walk and Knockomagh Hill
Located near the charming seaside village of Balitmore, this is a great dog-friendly local trail.
It is relatively short, but a very steep up-and-down route - it offers some of the most spectacular views out to the Atlantic Ocean and offers a bird’s eye view of the unique West Cork topography below.
The uphill workout is worth it - but do make sure that you are wearing a sensible pair of shoes for the walk as it can be slippery when wet and the ground is quite uneven. However, the dogs will love it!
Follow the tarmac road around Lough Hyne to the sign for the Knockomagh Nature Trail. It is 3.2km there and back. Let your dogs go for a quick dip in Lough Hyne (a very unique seawater lake - steeped in ancient folklore and home to a unique ecosystem!)to wash off any mud.
Why not take a short spin down to the charming seaside village of Baltimore to watch the boats and grab yourself a seaside drink in one of the generally dog friendly pubs - Bushe’s Bar, Jacob’s Bar or The Algiers Inn.
4.Lúb Slà na Sléibhe, Gougane Barra
One of the marked trails in Gougane Barra - a natural forest park and heritage site in the Shehy Mountain range, located just outside Ballingeary. This is the home of the iconic West Cork image of the pretty little stone oratory built on an island on a lake.
The Lúb Slà na Sléibhe is one of the dog friendly trails in the park. It is considered quite strenuous but it takes you up in the mountains for some beautiful views of the valley below. (2.5km).
Do take note that parking costs €5 here.
After your walk why not pop into the Cronin’s Cafe for a delicious and nourishing bowl of soup and brown bread or for more a real foodie treat, why not spoil yourselves and book at table at the Gougane Barra Hotel.
5. Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty
If your dog loves running on big long sandy beaches then Inchydoney Beach is the dog walk for you and your dog!
When the tide is out, even when it’s in, there is a huge expanse of beautiful sandy beach to walk and run along. Tidal pools and a river estuary at the end of the beach mean that there are still lots of paddling options even when the sea has gone all the way out.
This is truly a spectacular beach. Even on the windiest and wettest of days, the enchanting wildness of the Atlantic sea spray and rolling white washed waves is really something special.
Warm up with a hot drink at Inchydoney Hotel - located at the top of the beach.
