View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Popular destinations
Donegal
Cork
Kerry
Mayo
Wexford
Waterford
Dublin
Explore more
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
Popular articles
DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Popular experiences
Walking and hiking
Car-free travel
Free things to do
Things to do
Festivals and events
See all results
View Map
View Map
Home
Destinations
Cork
Oileán Chléire (Cape Clear Island)
Cape Clear - Cnoicin’s Lo ...
Cape Clear - Cnoicin’s Loop
Couple walking on road with grass
Cape Clear - Cnoicin’s Loop
Oileán Chléire, Co. Cork
  • Free things to do
  • Walking and hiking
Free to visit
Cnoicin’s Loop - Clear Island. A-B. From the mapboard at the Information Office / Shop follow the green arrows (and red arrows for the longer Gleann Loop) arrow along the roadway to reach a roadway on your left.

A-B. From the mapboard at the Information Office / Shop follow the green arrows (and red arrows for the longer Gleann Loop) arrow along the roadway to reach a roadway on your left. This is the point to which you will return - for now continue straight.

B-C. Continue to follow the green and red arrows as the road ascends. After 200m you reach a 3-way junction where you keep left and shortly afterwards are treated to splendid views of South Harbour. After 600m you reach a 3-way junction near a hostel - the red loop continues straight on here - but you turn left.

C-D. Follow the roadway as it ascends gently and, after 500m, note that the red loop rejoins from your right. After only 200m watch for a marker which directs you left through a stone stile and onto what was an old Mass Path. Follow the red and green arrows as the track takes you across an area called the Cnoicins (the little hills) and exits onto a surfaced road where you turn left.

D-A. The road takes you back to the junction mentioned at B above - 20m from the island shop and restaurant.

Visit website

Trail details

Type:
Walking Trail
Location:
Cape Clear Island Loops
Grade:
Moderate
Format:
Loop
Length:
3.10km
Ascent:
200m
Dogs allowed:
Yes
    Time:1 hour 30 minutes
    Nearest town start:Cape Clear Island
    Start point:North Harbour - Tourist Office/Craft Shop
    Finish point:North Harbour - Tourist Office/Craft Shop
    Waymarking:Green arrow on white backgfround
map
map
Visit Website
Contact details
Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, Ireland
Experience as part of
Wild Atlantic Way LogoWild Atlantic Way
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp responsibly
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Protect nature from fire
Content provided by
Sports Ireland LogoSports Ireland
More to discover at this venue
Cape Clear Island - Cléire
Cape Clear Island - Oileán Chléire
On the waterCape Clear Island - Oileán Chléire

The Gaeltacht island of Cléire, or Cape Clear, is Ireland’s southernmost island and is a paradise of solitude and inspiration. West of the island stands the iconic Fastnet Rock and to the northwest stretches Mizen Head.

Image of Cape Clear - Gleann Loop
Cape Clear - Gleann Loop
Coastal escapesCape Clear - Gleann Loop

No trip to West Cork’s iconic Cape Clear is complete without a hike around the 5km Gleann Loop. Strenuous challenging, it’s a real breathtaker, with unmatched views of the wide and wild Atlantic your reward for hitting the trail and spending an hour or two in the great outdoors.

Travel inspiration to your inbox?

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.

Sign me up
Award IconMobile Excellence Award Winner
  • Wild Atlantic Way
  • Visit Dublin
  • Ireland’s Ancient East
  • Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Getting around
  • Terms of use
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy statement
Find accommodation
Failte IrelandFailte Ireland Logo© Fáilte Ireland. All rights reserved
Find and follow Discover Ireland
  • Home
  • Popular destinations
    • Donegal
    • Cork
    • Sligo
    • Kilkenny
    • Mayo
    • Waterford
    • Galway
    • Kerry
    • Limerick
    • Dublin
    • See all destinations
    Regions
    • The Ring of Kerry
    • The Burren
    • The Boyne Valley
    • Wild Atlantic Way
    • Ireland's Ancient East
    • Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
    Trip type
    • City breaks
    • Coastal escapes
    • Lakes & rivers
    • Islands
    See all destinations
    • Attractions
      • Arts & culture
      • Houses & gardens
      • History & heritage
      • Health & wellbeing
      • Food & drink experiences
      • Nature & wildlife
      • See all things to do
    • Activities
      • Adventure & sports
      • Horse riding
      • Golf
      • Tours
      • Cycling
      • Water activities
      • Greenways
    • Inspiration
      • Romantic breaks
      • Free things to do
      • Rainy days
      • Family fun
      • Car-free travel
      • Sustainable travel
    See all things to do
  • Guides
  • Festivals & events
  • Walking & hiking
  • Accommodation
View Map
Newsletter
Popular destinations
  • Donegal
  • Cork
  • Sligo
  • Kilkenny
  • Mayo
  • Waterford
  • Galway
  • Kerry
  • Limerick
  • Dublin
Discover Ireland Website
View Map
Looking for accommodation?
Find where to stay
See all results