Easy hikes and walks around Uragh Wood

Blackwater Bridge is a compact 19th-century stone arch bridge on the N70, the main road of the Ring of Kerry. It spans the Blackwater River at a narrow point where the river winds its way through a green valley. The bridge is functional, but the combination of water, vegetation, and the gentle arch shape makes it photogenic.

A welcome bench stands beside the Kenmare River bank on this long section of the Kerry Way trail. A perfect place for a quick rest stop with great views across the channel and into the forest.

There are currently (Feb. 2025) two fairly large trees on the path that have to be bypassed through the undergrowth.

Barley Lake is a real insider tip in the Caha Mountains, nestled in a rugged, boggy landscape. The hike here takes you through a piece of almost untouched nature that has existed since the last Ice Age. The lake, surrounded by steep hills, appears tranquil and mysterious—as if time has stood still. If you set out, you should pack sturdy shoes, as the path is not always easy to find, and in wet weather it can get muddy. What I particularly liked was the isolation of the place. Up here, you hardly meet a soul, and you can concentrate fully on the landscape and the clear, dark lake. If you have a little sense of direction, you can even walk around the lake. You'll be rewarded with new views time and again—over the lake itself and all the way to Kerry. After rain, the ground here is often boggy. Pack some dry socks just in case you sink a little deeper. However, the view and the tranquility that Barley Lake exudes more than make up for this small challenge. The lake reminds you that nature has been carving its own path here for thousands of years. For me, it was a grounding moment—far from crowds and everyday life. It's a place where you should take the time to pause and simply feel the power of nature.

Nestled in a secluded valley, Gleninchaquin Park offers a landscape that manages to combine peace and wildness. The path takes you past clear mountain lakes and small streams that leave their mark through the greenery. The waterfalls that run through the valley give the place a special dynamic - the largest is just a short walk from the car park and rewards all those who take the time to look at it up close. As you drive along the route, there are always opportunities to dismount and explore the surroundings. Old ruins from the Stone Age bear witness to a time long past that has found its quiet place here. The narrow paths and small hills repeatedly allow views into the distance, where the valley spreads out further and the landscape tells its story. The mixture of mountains, water and places steeped in history makes the park special - not a place you just pass through, but one you experience. A tip: If you are looking for peace and quiet away from the main paths, it is worth exploring one of the smaller paths that do not lead directly past the main waterfall.

The circle sits on a small hill above Loch Inchiquin and offers a view of the surrounding lakes and mountains, which create an impressive backdrop. The approach takes you along a narrow dead-end road that already gives you a hint of adventure. When you walk the last few meters, time seems to move a little slower. The approximately three-meter-high monolith dominates the picture, while the smaller stones are arranged in a circle around it. The scene is particularly impressive when the sky is slightly cloudy, when the dark silhouettes of the stones stand out against the landscape. One look at the stone circle is enough to make you feel transported back in time. It is easy to imagine how this place was once used for rituals or gatherings. The surroundings exude a special calm that invites you to linger before getting back on your bike. And with a little luck, you will only share the moment with a few sheep that are grazing peacefully here.

Charge in June 2024: 5€

Great scenery of the Duragh Stone circle at Lough Inchiquin