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The Blackwater Way (Avondhu) is richly varied in terms of topography and features, and includes contouring sections along mountain flanks with great views, passing by ancient monuments such as standing stones, stone circles and cairns, and more modern monuments such as cillins (infant burial grounds) and holy wells.
Along the way the towns of Fermoy and Mallow and the villages of Kilworth, Ballyhooly and Mourneabbey are encountered
The route consists of quiet tarmac roads, forestry tracks, bog roads and moorland and field paths. Although these off-road sections are never far from a public road, on higher ground the route frequently passes through quite isolated mountain areas of forestry.
Dogs are not permitted on the walk.
This is a Moderate Trail. Trails will have steeper gradients, may have rough underfoot conditions, with protruding roots and natural features. Strong footwear recommended.
109km
6 Days
Walkers along the Blackwater Way (Avondhu) will come across the hidden gem of Ballard Waterfall on the Muchnagh River.
Knockananig Reservoir is located just outside Fermoy. There is a short loop walk of approx 1km surrounding the reservoir. Visitors can expect sepcatular views of the valeey and the Galtee Mountains, Cregg Castle and Castlehyde, home to the ancestral family of Douglas Hyde the first President of Ireland and is now owned by Michael Flatley of Riverdance fame.
On gaining higher ground, walkers are rewarded with some excellent views over the Blackwater Valley, which extend as far as the Ballyhoura Mountains and Galtee Mountains.