(13 Feb 2009)
Download a PDF map of the trail here, and refer to the letters as you follow the route.Trail:
Carron Loop WalkTrailhead: Cassidy's Pub, Carron Village, Co. Clare
Services: Carron, Corofin (12km), Ballyvaughan (15km), Co. Clare
Dist/Time: 9km/3-4hrs
Difficulty: Difficult
Terrain: Mix of minor roads, animal tracks and green lanes
To Suit: Higher than average levels of fitness
Min. Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks, mobile phone
The trailhead is located at Cassidy's Public House in the village of Carron.Directions to Trailhead.Starting from the town of Ennis, follow the N85 towards Lahinch and turn off onto the R476 for Corofin. Continue on the R476 for 7km before turning onto the R480 near Lemenagh Castle. After 1km turn right for Carron - the trailhead is located at Cassidy's Public House in the village.
A-B. With Cassidy's Pub at your back, turn right and follow the purple arrows downhill through the village of Carron. Pass the church and primary school and after 600m turn right onto a surfaced laneway following the signpost for Templecronin Church.
B-C. At a sharp left bend near the end of the laneway, the loop enters a field via a concrete stile - still following directions to Templecronin. After entering the field, the loop veers left. At this point you are quite close to the site of the church - if you visit it,remember to return to this junction.
C-D. After passing through a stone stile the loop joins a tractor trail and ascends onto the western shoulder of Termon. At the top of the ascent the loop joins the top (right) side of a stone wall which is a feature of this beautiful landscape.
D-E. Keeping a long straight stone wall on your left, the loop crosses a number of smaller stone walls to reach the top of the Clab Valley - and turns sharp right.
E-F. Now the loop follows the top edge of Clab Valley (on your left) and after crossing through some stone stiles descends to reach St Fachtnan's Holy Well.
F-G. From the well the loop travels parallel to a roadway to exit near the Carron Research Station.
G-A. The loop follows the tarred surface for approximately 200m before turning left onto an old laneway which takes you towards a 'turlough' (an area which floods annually in wintertime but disappears in summer). A short uphill trek takes you onto the main road within 100m of the trailhead.