WHEN WE CAN FINALLY drive beyond a 5km limit, we're headed into quiet wooded areas in southeastern Ireland.
Lady Louisa's River Walk
We need to explore the vegetation and wildlife along the River Blackwater against the backdrop of the Lismore Castle, the cathedral, and Knockmealdown Mountains. In the springtime the canopy of trees is a chorus of birdlife. The next time we visit we will record a rich audio soundscape.
We start the 5km walk in a small car park on the Lismore side of the Blackwater. The shorter walk is signposted upslope to the right.
Dunmore East Woodlands
This is always a good family walk with fewer people on the trail. It's not as popular as the cliff walk from Dunmore East to Portally but it offers great views of the village and the harbour. You can spot dolphins and fin whales if you bring binoculars.
We use the Shanooan car park, Dunmore East, to start the 5.3 km walk. If rain threatens, we just turn around halfway.
The Cunnigar
We walk northwards towards the Ballincourty Lighthouse along the Dungarvan Bay. It can take up to three hours to cover the 6.8 km route.
[Bernie Goldbach needs to walk in quiet spaces under leafy canopies. Suggestions welcomed.]
