Clonbeg

This walk traces ancient Christian tracks across the Glen of Aherlow starting at Clonbeg Eircode: E34 XT32 GPS Ref: 52.41657, -8.18897 taking in St Sedna’s Church, St. Sedna’s Holy Well at the rear of the Church and the early Christian Church founded by St. Kiernan. What’s known as the prettiest of country Churches was built by the Massey family between 1837 and 1838 as a memorial chapel. Situated in a mature, lawned graveyard, the churchyard contains the Massey family plot and the Givens family mausoleum.

Christ the King

After leaving Clonbeg the walk swings right on the Bansha road. After 500meters the Pilgrims trail turns left at the Glen of Aherlow Failte Society office and uphill towards the famous statue of Christ the King which has become a focal point and a well known landmark. The monument was erected in 1950 and commands the finest view to be had of the area. Placed on the side of the Slievenamuck Hill, and facing the Galtees, the statue's raised hand is said to bless all those who pass by it and live beneath it. The statue was irreparably damaged in 1975, but a new, identical sculpture was commissioned to replace it soon after.

The walk continues west along the road for 1klm to Rock on Tarabh car park. Take the forestry entrance opposite the car park and keep on the left trail.

Mass Rock

After twenty minutes you will see a sign marking the entrance to the ancient Mass Rock. The old address for this spot is Coill near Ardane in the Glen of Aherlow. Folklore tells us that on this the Mass Rock St. Benehed used to celebrate Mass. It was part of his dwelling house. More towards reality these Rocks were used as altar’s during penal times to say Mass. Scouts would be posted in strategic locations to warn if Government soldiers were coming. After leaving the Mass Rock turn left and continue on for another half hour to a large circular opening where you can relax for 5 minutes as your penance awaits you! This involves you climbing up a steep embankment for about 12 minutes bringing you onto the higher track on the Slievenamuck ridge.

Shrough Dolmen

Here you can turn right for 5 minutes to see the Shrough Dolmen, an ancient burial site of our stone age ancestors dating back over 5,000 years. Here you can have a good rest, enjoy some refreshments while listening to the magical chirping and singing of the birds all around Slievenamuck. The walker will head down again from the Shrough Dolmen 368M and continue on straight passing the original track on the left and continuing on for 30 minutes where a new track veers left. You will have fabulous views of the Galtee mountains, Sliabh Ri, Anglesboro and the Ballyhoura hills.

Giants Grave

This track leads us to the Giants Grave on our left hand side, another reminder of a burial spot of an important chieftain or someone held in high regard by our ancient Celtic relations. Now we are on our way downhill as we strain our eyes searching and peeping for the remains of the Franciscan Monastery better known as Mooreabbey.

Mooreabbey

ITM Coordinates: 581074, = 627912
Latitude and Longitude: 52.402404 - 8.278126
As we head away downhill from the Giant's Grave the tip of the old Franciscan friary will come into view. The final part of this track will lead you on to a narrow roadway where you will turn right and walk for about 30 minutes before you come to a T junction. Here you will turn left on the main road down to the remains of the old Franciscan friary better known as Mooreabbey overlooked by the Galtee Mountains. Founded in 1471, the friary was suppressed in 1540. A new new owner, the Earl of Desmond was friendly towards the friars and left them in peace until the friary was burnt in 1569 and 1570 by Sir Henry Gilbert originally from Devon and a half-brother of Sir Walter Raleigh. Returning in 1645, the friars were expelled by the Cromwellians, but returned in 1658, and inhabited the friary until 1748. The following year Fr. Dermot O’Mulrooney and two other friars returned to the friary, but were murdered by government forces.

Only the friary church and tower remain today. The church consists of a nave and chancel, a tall bell-tower. Beside the doorway in the north wall of the chancel is a stoup which contained holy water that would have served the friars entering the church from the sacrist. During the War of Independence, in 1921, the Royal Irish Constabulary attempted to blow up the church to prevent its use as a strategic position by the Irish Republican Army, but did little damage.

We hope you will enjoy walking the Glen of Aherlow Pilgrims Walk.