Ballycroum Loop

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.7 miles / 7.5 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: The parish of Feakle in Co. Clare is a translation of the Irish Paroiste na Fiacaile which means parish of the tooth! There is a legend that the tooth of the patron saint (Mochonna) fell out at the spot - on which he afterwards erected his church! The village of Feakle was the birthplace of Biddy Early (1798-1874), a famous herbalist who specialised in folk cures. Brian Merriman author of The Midnight Court was also a native. Ballycroum is a townland of the parish and is noted for a holy well called Tobar Ghráinne (Grania’s Well) placed in the middle of a bog, with a large flag over it. This loop passes the well to which large numbers of people still flock for the cure of diseases and, in particular, sore eyes! The loop also incorporates a number of wedge tombs - supposed to be giant’s graves, and used for mass during the prevalence of the cruel penal laws. For example, Altoir Ultach was said to be named from an Ulster priest who served the mass there in the 18th century

Tips: Directions to Trailhead
Start from the village of Feakle on the R468 between Scarriff and Tulla. Exiting the lower end of the village veer right at the junction (opposite direction to signpost for Limerick). Follow this secondary road for approximately 3km, and turn right at a crossroads onto a narrow minor road. The trailhead is located on the right after approximately 2km. The trailhead is signposted from Feakle Village.

Trail Summary
Ballycroum Loop Trailhead: Ballycroum Forest, Feakle, Co Clare
Services: Feakle Village (5km)
Distance: 9km
Time: 2.5hrs - 3hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mix of forestry, commonage and old laneways
To Suit: Medium level of fitness
Minimum Gear:Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks and mobile phone.

Points of Interest

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Ballycroum Trailhead

The trailhead is approximately 4km from the village of Feakle. Starting from the car park follow the purple National Loop arrow across the stile and into forestry. You are also on the East Clare Way – a long distance walking route marked with yellow arrows and the familiar trekking man logo. Follow the forestry road for almost 1km to reach a forestry track on your left. Turn left here following the purple (and yellow) arrow.

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Turn Left from Forestry Path

The loop emerges from the forestry shortly afterwards and follows a well-worn track across open ground. Watch out for the wedge tombs on your right.

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Open Moor

Here the walk opens up into an open moor, with great views over the surrounding mountains.

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Altoir Ultach

Altoir Ultach is a tomb used as a Mass Rock in penal times. It is said to be named from an Ulster priest, Fr. Ultach, who served the mass there in the eighteenth century because the nearest magistrates were more tolerant than those of the north.

Continue to follow the track as it takes a wide sweep left - but then crosses a stile perched high on a dry ditch on your right. After crossing the stile the loop descends through a field to join an old laneway. Turn left here.

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Maghera River Valley

Hop over a stile, out of the bog and down into the deep-green valley of the Maghera River. Follow a beautiful green lane as it takes you past reminders of times past - ruins of farmhouses and outhouses that were typical of homes in this rural area. Eventually, the laneway zig-zags it’s way to a conclusion at a gateway onto a tarred road. Exit via the stile and turn left.

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Maghera River Crossing

After only 200m the loop leaves the tarred road - crossing a stile on the right and entering a field. Follow the field boundary, pass through a gap, and cross the Maghera River via a footbridge. Shortly after crossing the river you join another old laneway where you turn left into the townland of Clonnagro. Again, enjoy the trip down memory lane as the hedged laneway twists you to a 3-way junction where the East Clare Way turns right but you turn left onto a tarred roadway.

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Cross Footbridge

You are now following a straight section - continuing straight at a 3-way junction - and eventually reach another footbridge which, in previous times, was a ford crossing. After crossing the footbridge you join a narrow laneway which ends at a T-junction with a tarred road. Turn left at the junction and enjoy the 300m back to the trailhead.