A-B. Starting from the mapboard at the trailhead, follow the purple (and green) arrow as the loop starts away from the wooden bridge over Colligan River. The green arrows are for the shorter Inchadrisla Loop. Travel along the left bank of the river for 500m before swinging left and uphill through Inchadrisla Wood. Stay on the forestry roadway for almost 2km as it climbs gradually to reach a 3-way junction where both loops swing left.
B-C. The loop levels off as it follows the forestry road for 2km to descend and reach a 3-way junction at the picnic area from close to where you started. The shorter Inchadrisla Loop turns left here - but you swing right and begin the second section of the loop.
C-D. The loop now travels along the right bank of the Colligan River for more than 1km to exit at a surfaced road where it turns left and crosses Colligan Bridge. After only 50m reach a T-junction where you turn right.
D-A. After only 200m on the road watch a marker which directs you left (be careful crossing the road) and through wooden rails to re-enter forestry. The loop now ascends a woodland track for 400m to rejoin a forestry roadway. Enjoy the last 1km of the loop as it sweeps around Greenane Hill before descending to the carpark.
Colligan Wood: is situated in a scenic valley through which the River Colligan flows and enters the sea at Dungarvan Bay. The fertile soil (from old red sandstone) supports mixed woodland of conifers and broadleaves – including Norway spruce, Western hemlock, Japanese larch, Sitka spruce, oak, ash, beech, maple, and birch. The steep wooded glens on each side of the river still carry remnants of old woodland oaks. Some trees have been labelled for identification. Fox, red squirrel, badger, otter, stoat, rabbits, hares and fallow deer are often spotted in the forest and the Colligan river is a salmon spawning river with sea trout also to be seen. The proximity of the wood to the town of Dungarvan makes it an extremely popular amenity for walking.
Trail details
- Type:
- Walking Trail
- Location:
- Colligan Wood
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Format:
- Loop
- Length:
- 2.80km
- Ascent:
- 140m
- Dogs allowed:
- Yes
At trailhead: Car park