Total distance around Ireland so far 

5,004km (3,109miles)

Welcome to my Blog! Read my story so far below. Here is is the plan for May and June 2026. All welcome to join me.

Stage 137: Friday 22 May: Castletownshend to Baltimore

Stage 136: Saturday 23 May: Skibbereen to Baltimore (after 'Rineen Woods' parkrun)

Stage 138: Saturday 24 May: Castletownshend to Ross Carberry

Stage 139: Friday 12 June: Clonakilty to Ross Carberry

Stage 141: Saturday 13 June: Timoleague to Old Head of Kinsale (after Clonakilty parkrun)

Stage 140: Sunday 14 June: Clonakilty to Timoleague

May Bank Holiday 2026: Stages 134-135: Co. Cork: Schull to Skibbereen

‘The summer sun is falling soft on Carbery’s hundred isles’ Thomas Davis

 I was longing for some summer sun after the cold wind and rain over St.Patrick's weekend and during the Easter break. At least our journey to West Cork didn’t take too long. Last time there were petrol shortages and fuel protests. It must have taken us nine hours to get back home to Bangor, Co. Down. This time we are staying four nights in a good old-fashioned B&B just outside Ballydehob.

The village is called the gateway to the Mizen Head peninsula. In any case I don’t think we will be bored as our visit here coincides with the Ballydehob Jazz Festival. Also, for me it’s a kind of ‘Islands of Adventure’ this weekend as I spotted lots of small and large pieces of land sitting out in the ocean. This whole area is known as ‘Carbery’s Hundred Isles’ and I can even use one of my favourite words to describe it all. It’s an archipelago of islands. Reminds me of south Connemara and the area known as ‘Ceantar na nOilean’, the islands district. 

How it all began: Remember the crazy idea is to run around the whole coast of Ireland - and strictly by the COAST. Up to now I've achieved this by running once/twice/three-times a month since it all started back in Feb 2017. After completing the whole coast of  ULSTER (2017-2019), I've since run around the coast of CONNACHT (2020-2023). I'm now in the province of MUNSTER (2024-2027). I've already completed Co. Clare, Co. Limerick and Co. Kerry. From March 2026 I'm tackling the coast of Co. Cork (as per planned stages above) See also earlier blogs for full story since the beginning of this adventure. In the past, my run has been dedicated to Clifton Special School in Bangor, Co. Down where my son Brian attended for fourteen years. I raised £Stg3,688 for Clifton School and €2,500 for Rosedale in Galway. I'm going to continue this trend of supporting Special Schools in all four provinces in Ireland. (see Justgiving link below) and now I'm supporting Saint Gabriels School in Cork. Also, there are still signed copies of my books available in Charlie Byrnes in Galway City or you can get a book, directly from me (where I live) in the Bangor/North Down/Ards area (free delivery). WhatsApp me on 00-44-(0) 7725613308 for more details or buy book through Amazon. All profits to Special Schools in Ireland.

Raising funds for Special Schools - see link below

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/maureen-oboyle

If you are thinking of joining me or want more information please email me on gerry@oboyleaccounting.com or ring/text/WhatsApp me on 00 44 (0) 7725613308.

Read story so far (below) and/or donate to Special Schools www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/maureen-oboyle

  

Stage 134 Co. Cork: Ballydehob to Schull: Friday 1 May 2026: 25.3km or 15.7miles

 ‘’ Take your body to the floor, shake it till it's sore.

Out from Schull to Baltimore. It's the West Cork flow by Craic Boi Mental

 

This weekend we’re staying in a lovely guest house called ‘An Carraig Ard’ just 2k east of Ballydehob. It’s run by Christina Hickey who, not only serves up a delicious breakfast (and tea in the evening) but also shares some local knowledge that helps me on my adventure. Christina tells me about the unique climate in Co. Cork and to watch out for the ‘Scairbhin na gCuach’ (the rough weather of the cuckoo) which can lead to a dramatic seasonal change in weather conditions in late April and early May.  

I start early and head to nearby Skeaghanore or Sceach an Óir (golden bushes). I thought I could make it down to Reen Point by following the narrow lane at Skeaghanore East but as Christina warned me there was quite a lot of cattle in the vicinity. Yes, I heard plenty of mooing and bellowing from what looked like hundreds of cows. Maybe my timing at 7.30am during feeding time was not the best. I decided to turn back and went the long way around to reach the pier on the west side of the peninsula. 

Old Railway Bridge in Ballydehob

When I reach the village of Ballydehob I take the impressive nature walk along the fabulous ‘Twelve Arch Bridge’. Trains crossed over here between 1886 to 1947. What a lovely journey that must have been.

Crossing old railway bridge in Ballydehob 

Once I cross the bridge and leave Ballydehob, I stick to the coast road heading south towards Greenmount, Foilamuck and Cappaghglass. Apparently, a lot of celebrities live in this area but over the next few hours I hardly saw anybody else.

I came to a junction and decided to take a left turn, hoping I was running down to Rossbrin Harbour. I could see the sea in the distance, so I was confident I was heading in the right direction. However, when I reached the coast, it looked different to my OS map. It was only when I saw a memorial plaque dedicated to Clarissa McCarthy that I realised I was not in Rossbrin Harbour. I was actually in Audley Cove.

Audley Cove: I had already read about the murder of three-year-old Clarissa by her father (or as some might call it a murder-suicide) but I had no plan to visit the cove as I thought it was too sad a place to see. Also, I knew I’d have to retrace my footsteps back up the hill again if I did come here. Strange then, that by taking a wrong turn I ended up somewhere that I had not planned to visit. After being here, this tragic story has haunted me a little. I have since read more about it and seen interviews with Clarissa’s heart-broken mother, Rebecca Saunders. My heart goes out to Rebecca and all she has been through. I’ll never forget this place. 

Audley Cove

On my way back up from Audley Cove, I had a scary experience when suddenly a big dog ran out of a house and jumped up on me. In fairness, the owner passed me later in his car and stopped to apologise. He also pointed me in the right direction as I was taking another wrong turn! Taking wrong turns seemed to be my story of the day. Although in fairness, even with my detailed OS map, sometimes it was difficult to find the right road on these country lanes.

Once I could see Rossbrin Castle it was easier to get my bearings and run along the shore road. The castle was originally the home of Finigin O’ Mahony who managed the ‘Scoil Mhuire’ school in Schull. The word Scoil (or School) is where Schull got its name. It’s another strange anglicisation of an Irish word to an English one that has no connection to the original Irish meaning. 

Gillian sitting on family bench at Derreennatra Pier

I had to stay inland for a while but then headed for the coast again and ran all the way down to the sea at Derreennatra Pier. There I met a lady called Gillian. The two of us got chatting and made a connection as she also has a special needs son. She was definitely a local as she showed me a bench that was dedicated to her father, Raymond O’Neill and her uncles.

I continued running and was able to follow the ‘Derreennatra Loop’ that brought me along a coastal route to Schull.        

I then joined the ‘Old Butter Road’ for the last few miles. I could have taken this shorter inland route all the way from Ballydehob. It is part of the ‘Fastnet Trails’ that I’ve seen a few times in the West Cork area. These are very useful walks that usually take you off the busier roads. This Butter Road was used by farmers in the 1700s and 1800s to transport salted butter in oak barrels (or firkins) to the big market in Cork City.   

 
Even though I’ve never been to this area until this year, I have a family connection to Schull. I know that my two aunts, Mary and Delia who emigrated to New York in the 1920’s married two west Cork men. Both were called Daniel and their surnames were Harrington and Hennessy. Also, I read that Bing Crosby’s grandfather was born in Schull.

Compared to the last time, I’ve been lucky with the weather today. No rain at all. Once again in Schull, I headed for Amar’s Coffee. A coffee and a fresh fruit scone were just what the doctor ordered.  

 

Stage 135: Co. Cork: Ballydehob to Skibbereen: Saturday 2 May 2026: 38.6km or 24miles:

‘I loved our native land with energy and pride until a blight came on my land, my sheep and cattle died. The rent and taxes were to pay; I could not them redeem. And that's the cruel reason why I left old Skibbereen. From traditional song ‘Dear old Skibbereen’

 

Surprise, surprise it’s a beautiful morning. I’m heading east and facing the rising sun. After about 2k at a wee crossroads I head down to Kilcoe Castle. It is now the home of the actors, Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack and they have restored the 15^th century castle from a complete ruin. It’s on a tiny island; Mannin Beg and back in 1601 inhabitants were able to defend the castle for two years after the ‘Battle of Kinsale’. This was a turning point in Irish History, as after the defeat the old Gaelic system was broken and the Irish aristocracy fled to continental Europe (Flight of the Earls). 

Kilcoe Castle, near Ballydehob

There is also an old graveyard and remains of church here which was interesting to investigate, as long as you're not too tall! Nobody knows the proper name of it but it's been in a disrepair state for over 400 years. We know this fact because it was actually mentioned in a Papal document in 1615 and referred to as a ruin.     

In the Church/Graveyard beside Kilcoe Castle

I leave the castle but stay on the lane which is called ‘Kilcoe-Ballydehob Walk’ and then cross over ‘Roaringwater Bridge’. There I find a secluded harbour which opens out into Roaringwater Bay. It’s such a calm day. Absolutely no wind and no roaring water. More like, silent-water bay!

Roaringwater Pier near Ballydehob

I head south and follow the sign for Cunnamore and Heir Island, passing through the townland of Lisheen, the home of the famous O’Donovan Brothers. They became world rowing champions in the Lightweight Double Sculls.

I keep running along a winding road until I eventually reach Cunnamore Pier. There is a ‘Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point’ here. It is a long way down and off the beaten track for anyone driving the WAW – much longer if you’re running! At Cunnamore I’m looking out at the islands of Skeam East & West. Just a few hundred metres across the sea is Heir Island (or Inis Ui Drisceoil). Christina from our Guest House tells me that there is a restaurant on the island that seats twelve people. Not sure if they serve breakfast as it’s just coming up to 9.00am - and I’m getting hungry.  

Cunnamore Pier with Heir Island behind

 Anyway, I stay on the mainland and run back up the crooked road. This time I divert down to another Pier, called Turkhead. 

On my way down to Turkhead Pier

When I reach the harbour, the sun is shining and sea is calm. Not a soul in sight and I can see some islands in front of me. I pause and have time to appreciate the beauty of the whole area. What a special place to have all to myself. Sandy Island is to my right, which apparently has no sand. Behind that is the huge Sherkin Island. It once had a population of 1,000 and even today over 100 people have their home there. In the distance I can see the bright coloured Baltimore Beacon or the ‘Pillar of Salt’ as its nicknamed. 

Islands view from Turkhead Pier 

Turkhead Pier: A magical place to pause

I don’t have to go back up the whole way. After a while there’s a turn to ‘Bechers Walk’. Another island, Ringarogy is on my right and soon, I’m running by the shore. There is an old graveyard and church here, St Matthew’s of Aughadown and evidence of an ancient church here since 1199 – imagine 827 years ago! 

St Matthew's graveyard and castle

I like the fact that this burial ground was used for all religions. The grave of Colonel Becher who fought for King Billy at the Battle of the Boyne is here (Becher’s Walk is probably called after him) and also resting in the graveyard is Patrick McCarthy of the old IRA who died from wounds he received during the Irish Civil War.      

At it is now low tide, maybe there was a possibility of crossing the bay at this point and taking a shortcut to Ardraly but then I notice the name of townlands, Glebemarsh and Goleenmarsh. The common suffix of ‘marsh’ in the names, gives me a warning, it would be foolish to risk it. 

Following the shore road near Church Cross, west of Skibbereen

You see everything on my coastal adventure

Instead, I follow the shore lane and then take a right turn to Ardraly. I loop around this area but eventually I have to come back to the main road. I wasn’t looking forward to running along the busy N71. It is disappointing that there is no proper river path along the river for pedestrians. I was glad when I eventually reached a footpath just beside the ‘New Bridge’. The bridge has been here since 1822 so I’m not sure why it’s called ‘new’. It’s got five arches and it is often nicknamed, ‘Five Eyes’ bridge. However, I stay on the footpath on the north side of the River Ilen and shortly arrive in dear old Skibbereen. It's such a nice afternoon in the town and a buzz about the place and shortly Maureen and Brian arrive to meet me. 

Maureen & Brian meet me at my finish line