Ballinruan Loops - Ballinruan Loop
Grade
Moderate
Length
10.4 km
Time
3 hours 30 minutes
Format
Loop
Ascent
60 m
Dogs Allowed
No
Waymarking
Green arrow
Start Point
Ballinruan Village
Finish Point
Ballinruan Village
Nearest Town to Start
Crusheen
Grid Ref.
R 444 896
Lat. and Long.
52.95479, -8.82762
This trail offers pleasant walking on minor roads, forest tracks, forest and bog paths through a variety of landscape, including farmland, evergreen and deciduous woodland and blanket bog. The expansive bogland at the highest point is a good example of cutover and recovering blanket bog and also provides extensive views in all directions including towards the Slieve Aughty Mountains and the Burren while the Hen Harrier and Merlin are resident in the general area.
Maps and other information
External Links
Trail Management
Clare Walks, Main Street, Tulla, Co. Clare, V95 C4E0.
Email: info@clarewalks.ie
Web: www.clarewalks.ie
Facilities
Car parking available at trailhead.
Shop, restaurant and toilet facilities available in Crusheen
OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheets 52 and 58
Public Transportation
Karen O'Neill from Galway
I did this trail on a bike, it is a little bit of a climb as you leave Ballinruan Village. Once you turn right onto the lesser road it is downhill and levels off. I really enjoyed the location of this trial starting in Ballinruan village, and yet you are very much in the heart of the countryside. Beautiful views of the Clare hills and very few houses. Also fabulous view of the lake from Ballinraun. I would recommend, walking or cycling it. Bring a bottle of water as there are no shops.
Deidre from Clare
Pleasant walk on a dry day. Good views of the Burren & beyond. 80% of the walk was on roads but quiet ones fortunately. Tracks over the bogs would probably never dry out so be prepared for very wet bits A good walk to discover a new area.
Ian Betts from Clare
With some map work it is possible to vary it to create an even larger loop that can include a spur to visit the mass rock on the maghera mountain bog.
The only negative thing for me is that no dogs are allowed. I couldn't see anywhere on the route where they might have been a problem.
Generally on Coilte land dogs are permitted on leash, so I am guessing this restriction applies to the sections that cross the open mountain/bog.
Even so I saw no livestock nor any gates or fences that would have prevented livestock from wandering onto the public roads or disappearing into the forestry, so a bit puzzled and disappointed by this restriction.
Still it's a great wee trail.