Mealagh to Kealkill (East)
This stage of the Sheep’s Head Way (East) starts at Mealagh Community Hall, then travels north to Kealkill, passing Kealkill Stone Circle.
This section is 18 km in length, and the terrain changes from quiet country roads to hillside north of Kealkill. Starting from Mealagh Community Hall, we recommend an interesting detour using Mealagh Valley Loop. Along this route you can explore the historic Mealagh Valley and visit Barnagowlane Wedge Tomb.
Interactive map
The Mealagh to Kealkill 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.
Mealagh to Kealkill Details
| Distance | 18 km |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Estimated Walking Time | 6 hrs |
| Ascent | 491 m |
| Descent | 560 m |
| Min. Height | 19 m |
| Max. Height | 236 m |
Mealagh to Kealkill Description
This section of the walk starts at Mealagh Community Hall and continues to Kealkill. There are two loop walks to the north of Carriganass Castle; Póc an Tairbh Loop and Srón na Gaoithe Loop. The main Sheep's Head Way (East) runs from Kealkill around these loops back to Kealkill.
From Mealagh Community Hall follow the markers north to Kealkill. You will pass Kealkill Stone Circle on the way, and see wonderful views down Bantry Bay to the west, Cnoc Baoi to the north and the Sheha Hills to the east. From Kealkill, follow the castle road along the river bank. After a few minutes you will cross a bridge and at the junction beyond the bridge which leads to a connection with the Beara Way.
The word Carriganass in Gaelic means the Rock of the Waterfall and this accurately describes the splendid setting of the most enduring castle of the O’Sullivan Beare Chieftains. Perched elegantly on an outcrop of rock on the north bank of the Ouvane River, this noble monument to Gaelic Ireland stands tall against a picturesque backdrop of the Caha Mountains with Cnoc Baoi (the highest peak in Co. Cork), the Sugar Loaf, and Hungry Hill in the distant skyline. The cascading waterfall underneath with naturally sculptured rock adds to the grandeur of the location. The history of the castle records the fortunes of the O’Sullivan Beare Chieftains, traces the decline of the old Gaelic Aristocracy and was directly influenced by the struggle for supremacy between England and Spain in the 16th century. Carriganass Castle has strong links with the Desmond Rebellion, the Battle of Kinsale, and the Flight of the Earls. The castle was built in 1540 by the O’Sullivan Beare Chieftain, Dermot of the Powder so called because he blew himself up with gunpowder in 1549.The most famous occupant of Carriganass was Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare who commanded the Munster forces on the Spanish side at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. According to local folklore, his wife Aoife was murdered at Gougane Barra by St. Leger, an English settler and military commander. The story of the vengeance of Donal Cam is the subject on an epic poem, “The Revenge of Donal Cam”. St. Leger met his death in the rocky torrents of the Ouvane River having been thrown from the tower of Carriganass by Donal Cam who got access to the captured castle disguised as a monk.
Trail Marker
