Walk the Bawnlahan Trail
A 1.1 km waymarked loop (about 30 minutes, moderate, blue grade) skirts the coastline and traces the old estate boundary, taking in the lime kiln along the way.
Rineen Woods
4.6 (74)
About
A tucked-away coastal wood on the eastern shore of Castlehaven inlet, where a short trail links a famine-era wall, a shoreline lime kiln and long views down the water to the Atlantic.
Things to Do
Follow the Fairy Trail
Children can hunt for tiny fairy houses hidden along the woodland path - some say this is where the tooth fairy lives. Allow 30-40 minutes at child's pace.
Find the Famine Wall and Lime Kiln
The wood once formed part of the Salter Townsend estate. A sturdy stone 'Famine' wall, built to keep deer in, still stands, and a coastal lime kiln sits right on the sea shore where lime quarried up the inlet was burned.
Take in the Coastal Views
The wood looks out along the 4 km inlet towards the Atlantic, with a narrow point called the Narrows where the shores are only 50 metres apart.
Picnic by the Car Park
There is a picnic site with tables beside the car park. Bring your own food, as there are no shops on site.
Join the Saturday parkrun
Castlehaven parkrun is a free, volunteer-run 5k held weekly: two clockwise laps on the wood's gravel and trail paths, with a short flight of steps each lap.
Drive the Coast Road
The coastal drive between Glandore, Union Hall and on to Castletownshend is spectacular and makes an easy extension to your visit.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: No set opening hours. Coillte has an open forest policy, so you are free to visit at any time; car parks may close at short notice in heavy snow or ice, and you should not enter a forest during a Red wind warning.
- Admission: Free - no admission charge
- Parking: There is a car park on site, but spaces are limited, so arrive early at busy times. Coillte charges a parking fee only at some forest parks.
- Food: No cafe or shop on site - bring your own refreshments and use the picnic site by the car park. The nearest food and drink is in Union Hall (about 3 km away) and Castletownshend.
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