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Glenstal Wood Walking Loop

Ascent : 300m

Distance : 15km

Estimated Time : 3hrs – 4hrs

Grade : Moderate

Minimum Gear : Hiking boots, raingear, snack and fluid

Services : Murroe (6km)

Terrain : Forestry tracks and minor road way

Theme : Nature

About

The Slieve Felim region is an area between Limerick City (in County Limerick), Nenagh, Thurles, and Tipperary (in County Tipperary) – and so called because it is dominated by the Slieve Felim Mountains.
It is a place of quiet beauty and natural rural charm. Here the visitor can enjoy the numerous villages, or the unique Irish atmosphere in a small country pub – and get close to nature among the countryside rich in fauna and flora. The local people are proud of their area and welcome visitors with warmth and friendliness.
There is a choice of activity ranging from golfing, fishing, cycling, horse riding, touring, and walking to suit all tastes.
This loop gives fine views into north Co Limerick and South Tipperary and of Keeper Hill to the north. The return section overlaps with the Slieve Felim Way – a long distance walking route which stretches almost 36km from Murroe in County Limerick to Silvermines Village in County Tipperary. Near the end the loop descends into natural woodland where in Summer, the rhododendron is spectacular and forms a soothing finale.

Routes

A-B. With your back to the car park at the entrance to Glenstal Woods, start out along the surfaced roadway on your right. The road gently ascends towards Meentolla and, after 1km, reaches a crossroads where you veer right.

B-C. Travel 1km along this roadway to reach a barrier entrance to Glenstal Woods. Turn right here.

C-D. The loop now ascends gently for 1km before levelling out and giving fine views into north Co Limerick and South Tipperary. After descending into Gleno, it ascends again for 2km to reach its highest point at 350m – with spectacular views of Keeper Hill to the north (left). Shortly afterwards it swings south, circling the Slieve Felim Mountains and joins the long-distance Slieve Felim Way – denoted with the distinctive yellow arrows and walking man. Your loop overlaps with the Way on its return to the trailhead.

D-A. After a 4km stretch along the forested southern shoulder of Slieve Felim, the loop descends into more natural woodland where in Summer, the rhododendron is spectacular and forms a soothing finale to the walk

Directions to Trailhead

Start from the village of Murroe (Moroe) on the R506 between Limerick City and Cappamore. With the church on your left take the road to the left (following the signs for Thomond Scout Centre and not those for Glenstal Abbey). Follow this road for approximately 2km and turn left following the signs for the Slieve Felim Way. After 5km you reach the trailhead located at a barrier entrance to Glenstal Woods. [Note: The trailhead is signposted from Murroe.]