This is the fifth of a series of 8 caches on and occassionally off the Ballycuggaran loop. Many people visit the Two Mile Gate picnic area without realising that a great forest trail with some amazing views is nearby.
This cache is at on the official red loop and is at about 250m where you have the option of continuing on the red loop to Ballycuggaran 7 – Mossy Forest or taking the yellow East Clare Loop path up to the Ballycuggaran Six -Feenlea Summit at 385m.
If only visiting this cache park at the parking area and follow the red arrow signs, it will take about 50 minutes each way, you might as well do the full loop.
Please take extra care when returning the cache as you can see it was hard to find a well hiden location, thanks.
Overview: This loop walk is located in the townland of Ballycuggaran, the homeland of the O'Cuggarans, an important family at the court of Brian Boru. The walk overlooks Lough Derg, the Annacarriga valley and the hills that stretch from Caherhurley to Ogonnelloe.
This Coillte Forest Park is situated on Crag Hill on the lower slopes of the Slieve Bernagh Mountains overlooking Lough Derg. On the southern side of Crag is a fort, dating to the early Christian period which was the original home of the O’Briens and the reputed birthplace of St. Flannan. Aoibheal’s Rock, the legendary abode of Aoibheal, fairy queen of the O’Briens, is at the highest point of Ballycuggaran. The great oak woods that originally clothed these hills were cut down to fire the iron furnaces of east Clare as well as for shipbuilding.
The main tree species to be seen in this forest are spruce, larch, fir, oak, beech and ash. The higher slopes consist of heather, rush, broadleaved scrub and bracken. There is a large diversity of fauna in the area including badger, fox, woodcock and pheasant. Wild goats can be seen on the upper slopes of Slieve Bernagh.
The loop walk is part of the network of Shannon Region Loop Walks and is marked using the standard red Shannon Region Trails directional arrows. The trail is marked in both directions
Tips: Directions to Trailhead / Parking area.
Start from the village of Killaloe which is on the R463 from Limerick City and continue on the R463 in the direction of Ogonnelloe and Scarriff. After approximately 4km the trailhead is located on your left at Rinnaman Point (Two-mile Gate). This is a very spacious and popular lakeside public amenity area on the shores of Lough Derg located near the University of Limerick watersports and adventure centre and is signposted from Killaloe.
The Two-mile Gate amenity area is a renowned beauty spot which provides one of Lough Derg's two Blue Flag Beaches. As well as being a safe bathing area, it is a popular location for wind-surfing and sailing. This is a lovely area for a picnic and also provides pleasant family-friendly walks around Rinnaman Point
Services: Killaloe, Co. Clare (4km)
Time: 1hr 30mins - 2 hrs for the red loop, 3 hrs if all caches are visited
Terrain: Mix of minor roadways, laneways, forestry roads and tracks
To Suit: Medium level of fitness
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksack, fluid, snacks and mobile phone.