Ballyhoura & Golden Vale
Limerick
About This Route
South Limerick is Ireland's dairy heartland - the Golden Vale of rich pastures and historic towns. The Ballyhoura Mountains offer adventure trails, while villages like Kilmallock preserve medieval Ireland.
Why This Route?
Ballyhoura and the Golden Vale offer:
- Ballyhoura Mountains - Ireland's largest trail network
- Medieval Kilmallock - "The Barrack" of Munster
- Golden Vale - Rich dairy farming country
- Lough Gur - Prehistoric lakeside heritage
- Quiet countryside - Undiscovered Limerick
The Route
Starting from Limerick City
Head south through the Golden Vale.
Lough Gur
One of Ireland's most important prehistoric sites:
The Lake
Horseshoe-shaped lake with:
- Megalithic remains
- Stone circles
- Crannog sites
- Atmospheric setting
Grange Stone Circle
Ireland's largest stone circle:
- 113 stones
- 50m diameter
- 4,000 years old
- Free access
Heritage Centre
Exhibition explaining:
- 6,000 years of history
- Archaeological finds
- Interactive displays
Bruff
Small market town:
- Traditional character
- Gateway to Lough Gur
- Local services
Hospital
Town with a strange name (from Knight Hospitaller connection):
- Knights Hospitaller connection
- Quiet village
- Historical interest
Kilmallock
Medieval walled town:
The Town
"The Barrack" of Munster:
- Town walls (surviving sections)
- Collegiate Church (impressive ruins)
- Dominican Friary
- Medieval streetscape
Collegiate Church
15th-century ruins:
- Round tower remnant
- Gothic windows
- Atmospheric setting
Museum
Local heritage centre with medieval artefacts.
Ballyhoura Country
Mountain and forest area:
Ballyhoura Mountain Trails
Ireland's largest network:
- Mountain biking (98km of trails)
- Walking trails
- All abilities
- Forest setting
Activities
- Cycling
- Walking
- Archery
- Orienteering
Ardpatrick
Quiet village near the Cork border:
- Round tower remnant
- Ancient site
- Traditional character
Kilfinane
Heritage town with:
- Outdoor education centre
- Ballyhoura access
- Traditional pubs
Return via Bruff
Through rolling farmland to Limerick.
Lough Gur
Why It Matters
The area has been occupied for 6,000 years:
- Neolithic houses
- Bronze Age settlement
- Iron Age forts
- Medieval castle
Key Sites
- Grange Stone Circle - Largest in Ireland
- The Spectacles - Neolithic tombs
- Knockadoon - Promontory with remains
- Bourchier's Castle - Medieval tower
Visiting
Free access to most sites. Heritage centre has admission charge.
Ballyhoura Mountain Biking
The Trails
Purpose-built network:
- Green (easy)
- Blue (moderate)
- Red (difficult)
- Black (expert)
Facilities
- Trail head at Ardpatrick
- Bike wash
- Parking
- Café nearby
Walking
The Ballyhoura Way long-distance trail passes through.
Medieval Kilmallock
History
Second most important town in Munster after Limerick:
- Walled in 14th century
- Desmond stronghold
- Declined after 1600s
- Much survives
What Survives
- Collegiate Church (roofless but impressive)
- Dominican Friary (atmospheric ruins)
- King's Castle (tower house)
- Town walls (sections)
Practical Tips
- Lough Gur - Stone circle is free; heritage centre charges
- Ballyhoura - Bring/rent bikes for trails
- Kilmallock - Allow 1 hour to explore
- Roads - Quiet country roads; agricultural traffic
- Facilities - Limited in smaller villages
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
