Ballinspittle / Garrettstown
Overview
Garrettstown or Baile Ghearóid as it is in Irish can be translated to “The town of Garrett”.
This woodland was formally part of the Frank’s Estate and covers an area of approximately 200 hectares. The Northern section of the wood is one elevated ground overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. To the Southern end, one can enjoy views of the sandy beaches and surfers at Garretstown and the Old Head of Kinsale beyond. To the West, is Courtmacsherry bay and the wild beauty of the Seven Heads.
Scenic drive: This wood is located on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Things to do
Walk: Within the property, there are two waymarked woodland walks and a spur trail to Templetrine Church.
The Kilmore loop starts here at the trailhead and guides you under mature tree species including Sycamore, Douglas and Grand Fir. Along the way, look out for young Oak that has been planted intermittently. There is an option to take a short spur trail to Templetrine church (Teampall Na Trinoide), also know as the Church of the Holy Trinity. The first record of the church built here dates back to 1302. It is surrounded by a cemetery for both Catholics and Protestants. The Loop returns to the forest entrance by way of an old track the is a remnant of the Frank’s estate days.
The Old Deerpark Loop also starts here at the forest entrance and takes you further into the ‘working forest’ along forest roads. You will pass the reclaimed ‘Deer Wall’, a legacy from the estate days. Continue on up to the forest barrier onto the country road, taking due care, follow the blue arrows which will direct you back into the forest at the opposite side. Loop back along the path on to the county road and re-enter the main forest block before tracing back to the trailhead.
Don’t miss our hidden gem
Meet the hidden wildlife of Kilmore woods using our augmented reality trail experience; Wanderly. This project was funded and is maintained by Ballinspittle Tidy Towns & Courcey's Intergrated Rural Development Committee (CIRD). Download the Wanderly app, open the Kilmore Woods trail, and find up to ten Wanderly markers on the 1.5km Kilmore Loop. For more information: www.worldofwanderly.com