9 winter walks in Cork where you can warm up with a coffee
Trails This Coffee To In Winter Stop Here Of Some Are Enjoy A The — Have All Which Best Of Cork Nearby
The cold snap has well and truly arrived in Cork, and in the spirit of embracing the change in the seasons, people are hitting the trails to appreciate the crisp, cold winter air.
And what makes a winter walk in the cold even more fulfilling? Warming up with a hot cuppa or refuelling with a tasty treat from a local coffee shop.
We have scoped out some of the best trails in Cork to enjoy this winter, all of which have a nearby coffee stop.
The Blackrock Castle Loop is a beautiful spot for a stroll, even on a winter’s day, with lots of coffee stops to choose from.
The main attraction along the route is the 16th-century Blackrock Castle Observatory which has a planetarium and observatory and is home to the Castle Café where people can get a coffee before exploring the trail.
There is plenty of parking available in the car park by Blackrock Castle, making it the perfect spot to begin the loop from.
The trail is easy-going, flat, and suitable for walking, running, and cycling and offers lovely views out onto Cork Harbour from Blackrock Castle all the way to Jacob’s Island where you can refuel with a coffee and treat from Cuppa Joe’s.
From Jacob’s Island, you can cross the bridge to Rochestown and continue along the Cork Harbour Greenway all the way to Passage West or continue along the loop and take the old Blackrock railway line section of the greenway back towards Blackrock.
Come off the greenway at the former Blackrock railway station and walk to Blackrock Village where you can stop off at The Natural Foods Bakery, popular for its sweet treats, before walking the last 850m stretch to the starting point at Blackrock Castle.
The Carrigaline to Crosshaven walk is a 5km greenway route that people can begin at either end — from Kilnagleary Car Park near Carrigaline or the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven.
The trail follows the old Cork railway line and is suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists. The short trail offers beautiful views along the Owenabue River which is home to a variety of wildlife and birds.
A well-known attraction along the route is Drake’s Pool — a cove used as a refuge by soldiers in 1587 — which makes for a beautiful spot for photos.
Another 2.5km further along the trail, you will find Priory Coffee in Crosshaven where you can enjoy Badger & Dodo coffee and freshly prepared, locally sourced food.
The 6.5km-long Clogheenmilcon Sanctuary walk is located just outside Blarney and is a lovely option for a stroll on a winter’s day.
Starting at the car park along Shean Lower (L2796), follow the path alongside the road to Blarney playground, where you’ll be able to cross the road and continue along the footpath on the opposite side, entering the Clogheenmilcon Sanctuary.
The walkway runs parallel to the road and eventually leads to Blarney River and follows the lane further along for a couple of fields before the walkway ends, sending you back the same way you came.
Cúpla Café is located along the route, serving Maher’s Coffee and gluten-free treats every Saturday and Sunday.
Blarney Castle and grounds is another attraction worth exploring when in the area but check opening times ahead of your visit.
Farran Forest Park is a lovely woodland escape outside Cork City with lots of paths along the river bank that are popular for running and walking.
There is plenty of parking available on-site and two walking trails to choose from — the enclosure trail which is 1.1 km in length and considered an easy trail taking visitors around the perimeter of the deer enclosure and the woodland loop which is a 3km moderate walk giving people the opportunity to explore the whole park including Inniscarra Lake.
Farran Forest Park is also home to Zipit outdoor activity centre and Perked Up Coffee where people can warm up with a cuppa after exploring the park.
A walk up Knockomagh Hill which overlooks Lough Hyne Nature Reserve is well worth it on a dry winter’s day.
A real gem in West Cork, Lough Hyne is a saltwater lake that's home to a variety of marine plants and animals and is known for the bioluminescence that’s usually visible between the months of April to October.
The 8.5km trail along the lough and up Knockomagh Hill offers stunning views down onto Lough Hyne, as well as out to the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day.
Some sections of the trail are muddy and the higher you get on Knockomagh, the more exposed you are with little protection from the weather. Good waterproof footwear, warm layers and a waterproof jacket are recommended for this trail.
Once you have finished admiring the view from the top, head back down along the trail and stop off at O’Neill Coffee Shop in Skibbereen to warm up and get cosy.
The Scilly Walk is a coastal route that stretches from Kinsale to the heritage site of Charles Fort and offers unique views of James Fort located across the water.
Loved by locals and tourists alike, this 6km round-trip walk is a must-do when visiting Kinsale and is known for its flat terrain which makes it suitable for the whole family.
The ‘lower route’ trail remains flat for the majority of the walk, taking you along the water’s edge before inclining on approach to The Bulman Bar and Restaurant and again on approach to Charles Fort.
Be sure to take some time to take in the view from the fort or take a tour of the fort before returning to Kinsale via either the ‘lower route’ or the High Road which offers panoramic views of Kinsale Harbour.
Once you reach Kinsale, warm up with a coffee and some freshly baked treats from a wide choice of coffee shops and cafés in the town including O’Herlihys Kinsale (OHK Cafe), The Collector or Wild + Tame.
The Ballyannan Woodlands Walk is an off-road walkway along the riverside which loops into Midleton town and Ballyannan Woods.
The 2.3km Ballyannan Loop takes in the perimeter of the wood, combining flat and moderate gradients of old carriage paths and forest trails and offering views of the estuary.
A Badger and Dodo coffee from Zuni Coffee at the Bailick Road car park where the walk begins will fuel you for exploring the surrounding trails.
The Whitegate trail is an easy out-and-back trail near Corkbeg along the eastern shores of Cork Harbour.
The 8.9km trail is popular for running and walking but is a peaceful spot during quieter times of the year.
Other attractions in the area include Rostellan Lake where people can spend the afternoon birdwatching and Rostellan Woods where there are lots of trails to explore.
Corkbeg Coffee in Whitegate, which serves up brews by Bell Lane Coffee, is the perfect spot to grab a coffee on the go or to sit and take in the views over the harbour with a cuppa in hand.
If you’re looking for a beachfront walk and views of the sea then the Eco Boardwalk in Youghal is the job.
The Youghal Eco Boardwalk is a 1.9km coastal walking route developed by Cork County Council which connects three beaches in Youghal.
The hardwood panelled beach walkway runs from Front Strand Beach to Claycastle Beach and finishes on Redbarn Beach. The walkway is disability-access friendly and has seating dotted along the route.
Boardwalk Coffee’s location at Claycastle Beach serves coffee roasted by owner Ger Flanagan and his son Ray.