Ballyhoura Way - Moor Abbey Loop

Walking Trail · Tipperary

Ballyhoura Way - Moor Abbey Loop is a 3 km moderate waymarked loop in Tipperary, starting near Galbally.

Distance
3 km
Climb
100 m
Shape
Loop
Time
1 hour 30 minutes

Grade

Activity Grade Difficulty Time
Walking Moderate Moderate 1 hour 30 minutes

Getting there

Starts at Moor Abbey, near Galbally.

Directions to the trailhead

Trailhead coordinates
52.40236, -8.27839
Irish Grid reference
R 81103 27872
Ordnance Survey sheets
Discovery Series Sheet 74

The National Trails Register's own latitude and longitude fields are empty for all 1,186 trails on it. This trailhead comes from Sport Ireland's separate Trailheads dataset, matched to this trail on its register ID.

Before you arrive

Dogs allowed strictly on a leash - Livestock on route.

About the trail

This 3km loop walks starts and finishes at Moor Abbey. Donnchad Móir Ó Briain, King of Thomond (1210-1242), founded this Franciscan Friary in the 13th century. Historical evidence suggests that in 1471, a new church was constructed at the site, but the following year it was destroyed by fire. The buildings that survive today date from this period. From the Abbey, follow the blue arrows, which take you down a small road parallel to the river. After approx. 500m, turn right and follow the fenced path along the banks of the Aherlow River for 1km. Here you can take time out to enjoy the beautiful views of the Galtee Mountains and the tranquil river. Continue along this path until you meet a road that you will need to cross. Go over the stile and follow the path up a slight hill with an old lime kiln on your right. Form here you walk through open pastures, continue following the blue arrows onto the farm road where you will meet the road that brings you back to the Abbey.

Before you go

Waymarking issues

Waymarking
Blue arrow
Dogs
Yes

Who manages it

Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment CLG

Ballyhoura Heritage and Environment CLG, Main St., Kilfinane, Co. Limerick. Tel: 063-91300 E-mail: [email protected] Web:www.ballyhouracountry.com

Conditions and closures change. The operator is the authority on both, not this page.

Trails nearby

Measured trailhead to trailhead, in a straight line.

Common questions

How long is the Ballyhoura Way - Moor Abbey Loop?

3 km, recorded as a loop on Sport Ireland's National Trails Register. It climbs 100 m in total. Sport Ireland estimates 1 hour 30 minutes.

How hard is the Ballyhoura Way - Moor Abbey Loop?

Sport Ireland grades it Moderate. Grades are set against national criteria, so they are comparable with other registered trails.

Where does the Ballyhoura Way - Moor Abbey Loop start?

Starts at Moor Abbey, near Galbally. The trailhead is at 52.40236, -8.27839 (Irish Grid R 81103 27872).

Can you bring a dog on the Ballyhoura Way - Moor Abbey Loop?

Yes. The register records dogs as allowed. Much of the Irish trail network crosses working farmland, so keep a dog under close control near livestock.

Who manages the Ballyhoura Way - Moor Abbey Loop?

Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment CLG. They are the authority on current conditions and closures, not this page.

More in Tipperary

Trail data from the Sport Ireland National Trails Register, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Trailhead coordinates from the companion Trailheads dataset. Snapshot taken 2026-08-13.