Hiking

For the more energetic, let us pack you a wholesome lunch while you tackle one of the area’s many trails. Then, as dusk falls, return home to Longueville House for a relaxing bath, a delicious supper and an evening in our drawing room, sipping home-made brandy, cider or some artisan liqueurs in front of a roaring log fire.

For the more active, there are many designated longer-distance walking trails within 25 minutes, including the Duhallow Way, The Blackwater Way, The Ballyhoura Way, the Nagle Mountains and the Boggeraghs. Bike, walk or climb − the choice is yours.

Mountain Biking

Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Network is the largest trail network of its kind in Ireland and provides many options for off-road cycling in the mountains. Located on the Cork/Limerick borders, it is only a half hours drive from Longueville House. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty single-track with loads of ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits. The trails range from a moderate 6 kilometre Greenwood loop to the demanding Castlepook loop, over 50 kilometres in length! Read the detailed trail information signs at the trail head to pick the one most suitable for you. Tough forest road climbs are rewarded with swoopy, fast descents guaranteed to leave you smiling! The trails are laid out in as ‘stacked loops’ - this means that each loop leads onto the next and rejoins it on the way back. The loops are way marked in one direction – just pick the colour of the loop. Each of the loops here presents riders with a combination of narrow single-track and boardwalk sections and also has sections of forest road climbing over short or quite long distances – this means that the outward and inward legs of one loop forms the access and return to the next loop. The grading system used here indicates the minimum level of fitness and competence required for each loop.

The trail can be quite exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather – dress accordingly. The trail system, designed by one of the world leaders in the sport, is a challenging, one-way system constructed to give a challenging and rewarding ride. Please ensure you are equipped fully to undertake this adventure sport and respect other trail users at all times.