Trail Summary
Way: East Clare Way
Trailheads: Killaloe, Broadford, O’Callaghan Mills, Tulla, Freakle, Flagmount, Whitgate, Mountshannon and Scarriff
Services: Available at each trailhead
Distance: Approximately 172km in length and ascends some 3000 metres (10,000 feet)
Time: It can be comfortably walked in 8 days with stage lengths ranging from 20 to 30 kms
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Steep climb approaching kilbane
To Suit: To suit people of medium level of fitness
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs. Rucksack, fluid, snacks and mobile phone.
The East Clare Way follows a 172km circular route through some of the region’s most spectacular and varied scenery. The Way crosses the Slieve Bernagh Mountains before descending to the Clare Lakeland areas around Tulla and Feakle. Circling Lough Graney, the route then climbs again over the rugged boglands of the Slieve Aughty Mountain back towards Lough Derg. The Way returns through the hills towards Scarriff and on to complete its circuit back at Killaloe. For the more casual walker, there are many well-signposted local loop walks of varying length centered on each of the towns and villages along the route.
Directions to the East Clare Way Trailheads
The East Clare Way is best accessed at one of nine key trailheads, which provide information map boards and car parking. The trailheads are located reasonably close to other services and facilities, such as shops, accommodation, restaurants and public transport. The trailheads are located as follows:
Trailhead 1 – Killaloe/Ballina
Killaloe/Ballina is located on the R463, 28km from Limerick City. This trailhead is located at the Riverside Car Park on the Killaloe side of the River Shannon and is situated close to the Tourist Information office.
Trailhead 2 – Broadford
Broadford is located on the R465, approximately 20km north of Limerick, and 30km from Ennis.
Trailhead 3 – O’Callaghan Mills
O’Callaghan Mills is located on the R466, 37km from Limerick and approximately 23km from Ennis.
Trailhead 4 – Tulla
Tulla is a rather large village situated off the R352 Tulla to Ennis road and is 16km from Ennis, 30 km from Limerick and 29km from Killaloe.
Trailhead 5 – Feakle
Feakle is located on the R468 and is approximately 30km from Ennis and 44km north of Limerick.
Trailhead 6 – Flagmount
Flagmount is located off the R461 beside Lough Graney, and is approximately 55km from Limerick, and 42km from Ennis.
Trailhead 7 –Whitegate
Whitegate is located on the R352, and is approximately 58km from Limerick and 48km from Ennis.
Trailhead 8 – Mountshannon
The village of Mountshannon is located on the R352 and is 54km from Limerick and 43km from Ennis.
Trailhead 9 – Scarriff
Scarriff is located on the R352 beside Lough Derg and is approximately 46km from Limerick City.
With thanks to Shannon Region Trails -
www.shannonregiontrails.ie