Kilbrannish South
Overview
Welcome to Kilbrannish South Forest. Three walking trails in this forest cater for the moderate walker including families to the more serious hiker.
Kilbrannish in Irish is either Cill Breatnais or Coill Breatnais meaning either Walsh’s Church or Walsh’s Wood. Kilbrannish offers many walks on forest roads, and magnificent views of the surrounding lowlands, Mount Leinster
Things to do
3 looped walks start from here, and something for the moderate walker to the serious hiker.
The Short Loop (6.5 km, 2 hours, Moderate, red markers) is the shortest loop and initially follows the tar road towards the Nine Stones before entering the wood to reach a large crossroad of forest tracks, then descending downhill to return to the road. Suitable for smaller children when using a sports type buggy.
The Medium Loop (9.5km, 3 hours, Strenuous, green markers) is a longer looped walk, that follows the gentle climb of the Short Loop until parting, turning sharp right and downhill, before following an old track steadily back uphill with good views. Rejoins the Short Loop to reach the road of your outward journey. Items of interest include the Gamekeepers Cottage, Grouse House and the Cup and Saucer Stone, a large square shaped stone boulder.
The Long Loop (10.5 km, 3.5 hours, Strenuous, blue markers) follows the gentle climb of the South Loop, until parting to follow a rougher forest road steadily uphill, before the track levels out. Good views of Black Rock Mountain and the Moats of Craan before descending by the Gamekeepers Cottages and the Cup and Saucer Stone and then climbing an old track steadily back uphill. Descends via the Short Loop.
DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON LEADS AT ALL TIMES.
Don't miss the hidden gems
View the RTÉ mast on top of Mount Leinster and the surrounding Blackstairs.
Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding lowlands of Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow.
View a fine example of a quartz boulder at Jim’s Rock, the Cup and Saucer Stone, a large square shaped granite boulder, the Gamekeepers Cottage and Grouse House, all synonymous with farming methods in former times.
Facilities
Car park with room for 20 cars
Nearby pit stops
Town of Bunclody