Red Trail — Heritage & Fairyland Walk
A 5km mostly-flat linear walk along the Crag River, past heritage information boards, a mental-health-themed Kindness Rocks trail, and the family Fairyland facility. Easy to moderate; allow 1–2 hours.
12 O'Clock Hills
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About
A community-run hill-walking haven in East Clare, where three waymarked trails climb through forest, heritage ruins, and bogland to panoramic views across Munster — all anchored by a quirky compass-sundial at the summit.
Things to Do
Blue Trail — Summit & Panoramic Views
An 8.5km looped walk climbing to the 309m summit of Knockanuarha. A compass-sundial at the top helps identify distant peaks across all Munster counties, plus the Shannon Estuary and Burren on clear days. Moderate to difficult; 2–3 hours.
Purple Trail — The Full Challenge
A strenuous 13km loop adding Loughavarra Hill (252m) to the 12 O'Clock Hills. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Display maps at both hilltops help you pick out lakes, castles, and distant mountain ranges. Difficult; 3–4 hours.
Fairyland — A Family Adventure
A 3.8km return walk on hard-cored buggy-friendly paths leading to a whimsical Fairyland facility designed to get young children into hill walking. Follow fairy signage from the Belvoir car park. Easy; 1–2 hours return.
Heritage Sites Along the Trails
All trails pass echoes of a once-thriving hill community: the restored Crag River Bridge, partly-restored Mary Anne's stone cottage, famine road remains, Dysart Lyons and Brohan's homestead ruins, Mion Rua bog, the Mass Place, and Stepping Stones.
Sunyata Buddhist Centre
The Blue Trail passes the Sunyata Buddhist Centre, a peaceful retreat nestled in the hills. Walkers can pause here on the return leg to the car park. Guided group walks can optionally include a visit.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, seven days a week
- Admission: Free admission; voluntary donations welcomed towards trail maintenance
- Parking: Free. Belvoir Trailhead (Eircode: V95 YKN5) has two levels with space for 90+ cars and a height-restriction barrier (call ahead for bus/coach access). Snaty Trailhead has roadside parking for about 16 cars and no toilets.
- Food: A food van operates from the Belvoir car park most weekends and bank holidays. For groups, catering can be arranged through Ger McErlian's Rustic Table (enquire at 087 969 1415). Kilkishen village, about 5km away, has shops and pubs.
Getting Around
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