Drimoleague to Mealagh (East)
This stage of the Sheep’s Head Way (East) starts in Drimoleague, and passes the Old Railway Yard and Drimoleague Church. It then heads north to the Top of the Rock and Ahanafunsion Bridge. From here the path follows the Deelish Cascades walk along the river and quiet roads to Castledonovan. The walk then needs up Mullaghmesh, with stunning panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see east to Dunmanway, the Fastnet Rock to the south, Sheep’s Head and Beara to the west and the mountains of Kerry to the north. The walk then descends from Mullaghmesh to Mealagh Hall.
Interactive map
The Drimoleague to Mealagh section of the Sheep's Head Way is shown below as a solid yellow line. The main walk is yellow and dashed-black, and the loops and linear walks are different solid colours. The loop and linear walks start at major and minor trail heads, shown as walking person icons on the map. The map has many useful features and you can learn about them here.
Drimoleague to Mealagh Details
Distance | 14.5 km |
Grade | Strenuous |
Estimated Walking Time | 5.5 hrs |
Ascent | 514 m |
Descent | 479 m |
Min. Height | 450 m |
Max. Height | 60 m |
Drimoleague to Mealagh Description
Starting in Drimoleague car park, head east passing the Old Railway Yard, and turn left passing Drimoleague Church. Then follow the path to the Top of the Rock and further to Ahanafunsion Bridge. From here the path follows the Deelish Cascades walk along the river and quiet roads to Castledonovan. Here you can take a quick detour to visit the remains of the O'Donovan Castle. The walk then heads up Mullaghmesha, with stunning panoramic views all around. On a clear day, you can see east to Dunmanway, the Fastnet Rock to the south, Sheep's Head and Beara to the west and the mountains of Kerry to the north. The walk then descends from Mullaghmesh to Mealagh Hall.