Cork: Stepping it out in magical Long Strand

RATHBARRY, CASTLEFREKE AND THE LONG STRAND (CLONAKILTY)

THE R598 takes us to our trailhead, the car park across the road from the beach at the western end of Long Strand. Behind us, is Lough Rahavarrig. With this on our right, we set off on a rough path parallel to the road, passing along an old stone wall. The path swings right, through a picket fence, and climbs steeply until we reach level ground under big pines where the path divides.

We take the left fork, finger-posted High Cross, continuing uphill and passing through a gap in the old estate wall to Croghna Hill. An impressive Celtic Cross stands on the summit. Erected in 1902 by Mary, Lady Carbery, in memory of her husband, Algernon William George, the 9th Baron, it stands 30ft (9.5m) tall and is the highest memorial cross in Ireland.