A sprawling Coillte woodland along the Douglas River near Kilworth village, criss-crossed by walking trails, rich with bluebells in spring, and threaded through by the long-distance Blackwater Way.
A network of forestry tracks and paths winds through this large woodland. The trail splits about 2 km in: the right fork leads towards Mountain Barracks and can be extended to Ballard Waterfall, while the middle fork forms a loop — but note it borders a military firing range. The Kilworth Glensheskin Wood Long Loop covers 7.5 km (moderate, ~2h 40min, 120 m ascent), and a shorter 5 km loop is also popular. The woods host the annual IMRA Halloween trail races.
Tucked into a bank just off the walking path, this spring-fed well is protected by a semi-circle of stone blocks. The water is exceptionally cold and fresh — locals still use it. It's not an official holy well, but it has a quiet, tucked-away charm.
Glensheskin forms part of the Avondhu section of the Blackwater Way, a 168 km long-distance walking route that is part of the European E8 trail. Follow the yellow Avondhu way-markers from Kilworth village square to pick it up.
Just across the bridge from the car park there's a picnic area beside the Douglas River — a peaceful spot to eat before or after your walk, with the sound of running water.
Visit in late April to May for carpets of bluebells along the riverbank and under the opening tree canopy — one of the woods' seasonal highlights.
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