A moderate 7 km loop through Glenanair Forest in the Ballyhoura uplands, following the Ogeen River across the Cork–Limerick border with woodland paths, a hidden Mass Rock, and sweeping mountain views.
The main event: a 7 km (2–2.5 hr) waymarked loop starting and finishing at Glenanair Forest car park. Follow blue arrows on a white background along forest tracks, woodland paths, and riverbank. Moderate difficulty with 120 m of ascent. Look for the natural well along the left bank of the Ogeen River, and in May the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells.
The trail crosses two footbridges over the Ogeen River, which marks the county boundary. You pass from Cork into Limerick, then back into Cork — a rare chance to walk between two counties in the space of a few hundred metres. Keep an eye out for the standing stone between the footbridges.
Tucked along the forestry road section on the right-hand side, a well-preserved Mass Rock dating from penal times is still used for occasional outdoor masses. It's one of the trail's most evocative features — and easy to miss if you're not looking.
After the Mass Rock, the trail turns east through Ballintlea and opens up fine vistas over the Blackwater Valley and across to the Nagle and Knockmealdown Mountains. The highest section of the trail has sheer drops alongside — take care and keep dogs on leads.
Hen harriers frequent these hills, and the Ogeen River has rock pools worth exploring. The mixed woodland and riverside habitats make this a rewarding spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
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