Total distance around Ireland so far : 5,227km (3,248miles)
Welcome to my Blog! You can read my story so far below and also see the plan ahead for July and August. All welcome to join me on any run, or even for part of a stage.
Stage 142: Friday 10 July: Carrigaline to Kinsale
Stage 143: Saturday 11 July: Rest day (just a parkrun nearby)
Stage 144: Sunday 12 July: Carrigaline to Cork City
Stages 145-147 Probably on days between Monday and Thursday 13-16 July
Stages 148-149 Probably 28-30 August
June 2026: Stages
139-141: Co. Cork: Rosscarbery to Kinsale
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. Since March 2026 I've been tackling the coast of Co. Cork (as per planned stages above) See also earlier blogs for full story since the very 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 later €2,500 for Rosedale Special School 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 Gabriel's 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
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 139 Co. Cork: Clonakilty to Rosscarbery: Friday
12 June 2026: 32.6km or 20.2miles
We are very thankful to Maureen’s in-laws, Maeve and Killian Hurley who are allowing us to stay in their beautiful house in Inchydoney, about 4k south of Clonakilty. Such amazing views from the front room across the beach - and with the turning tides, the scenery changes all the time.
 |
| View from house we're staying in at Inchydoney |
This morning my Garmin watch tells me it’s 6.34am as I start today’s run. Inchydoney was once an island and in an 1840’s Ordnance Survey map you can see it had been surrounded by water with just a causeway linking it to the mainland. After the Battle of Clonakilty in 1642, six hundred of the Irish forces fled towards the island to take refuge; but with the tide setting in at the time, they all drowned before they could reach it.
The Hungerfords were the original owners of Inchydoney and didn’t take too kindly when others tried to get across to the island in the early 1900’s. ‘Gates were left open and animals strayed away’, the Hungerfords complained. The locals were not impressed and felt that they were denied their access rights, especially as the Irish name for the island was ‘Inse Duine’, translated as the people’s island. They retaliated by tearing down the island gates. There was further irritation and embarrassment for the Hungerfords when some clever character wrote a song ‘Who broke the island gates’, which became very popular in this area at the beginning of the 20th century.
It’s a misty morning as I follow the coast road south around by Rineen. I’m running for a few miles when suddenly a runner overtakes me. Of course I can’t have that. I catch him up and we run together for a while. I think he said his name was George Flanagan and we keep going until we reach Duneen Bay Beach.
 |
| With George Flanagan |
 |
| With Maeve Williams at Duneen Bay Beach |
Here I get chatting to a lady, Maeve Williams, who despite the early morning mist,
has been swimming in the sea with her son Jack. It can also be rough in this
area because in 1867 a storm drove the Italian ship ‘Captain Garibaldi’
onto the sands.
After leaving Duneen, I have to come inland but shortly I’m back down to the coast at ‘Daniels Crossroads’. As I run down to the shore, the mist suddenly disappears. It’s like mother nature has woken up from her morning slumber and the whole landscape brightens up in front of me. It’s a long-crooked and winding lane through the trees to a small harbour. The area is called Brownstown and this wonderful country lane with grass in the middle continues along the shore. It then climbs steeply to display beautiful views over Clonakilty Bay.
 |
| Coast road at Brownstown |
I continue and soon arrive in ‘Red Strand’. There is some speculation that there was an ancient blood battle fought on the beach, but I suspect that it got its name from the colour of the sand. It is more brown than red and reminds me of Lanzarote.
 |
| Red Strand |
I follow the L4008 after leaving the beach. The road comes
inland but then I take a left and run along ‘the long arm of Galley Head’
as Peter Somerville-Large called it during his coastal travels of West Cork. He
used a bicycle on his adventure when he cycled around the coast in 1972. I’m
beginning to envy Peter on his bike and can imagine him freewheeling down these
hills.
As I get closer to Galley Head I can spot the Lighthouse at the end. It looks interesting so I’m looking forward to visiting it. I’m thinking, maybe I’ll have a break – might even get a coffee there – except, believe it or not, there is no access to the Lighthouse. A sign says ‘Private Property, no trespassing’ so I have to turn around.
 |
| No entry to Galley Head Lighthouse |
At least I don’t
have to run back the whole way. At the first crossroads I can take a left and
spot a beach in the distance. It’s called Long Strand. At first, it doesn’t seem
to live up to its name but once I start running, I wonder will I ever reach the
other end. It is about 2km long and not safe for swimming because of strong
currents. It is so good to run on a beach again. I haven’t had much opportunity
in West Cork so far but I’m making up for it this weekend with lots of
opportunities. It gives me a chance to use my favourite running phrase that the
ancient Greeks used, ‘sand for the feet of the runner’
It gets even better because right at the end of Long Beach there is a wee Café or Beach Hut called the ‘The Fish Basket’. It’s the perfect place and time to stop as I’ve run 25k already this morning – so 75% of today’s run completed.
 |
| Cathlyn at The Fish Basket |
I am in the greater Castlefreke (or Rathbarry) area which is called after the Freke family who were known as ‘The Barons of Carbery’. They owned 13,700 acres in this area. That is a lot of land, about 55 square kilometres, so quite a big farm! Somerville-Large describes Lord Carbery Freke as someone who ‘was mad on shooting, married to three different wives, and one of the first Irishmen to fly his own plane’
 |
| Maureen and I - exactly 40 years ago! |
Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s there were three hotels and two caravan parks in Owenahincha that were always full from June to August. It was a popular place with families from Cork City. Maureen and I were actually here in the 1980’s and we stayed at the Owenahincha Hotel. I remembered that I kept a diary at the time and after searching through our attic I found my 1986 Diary. As it turned out our first visit to Owenahincha was on the 12th June – so exactly 40 years ago to the very day. Amazing coincidence.
 |
| My diary entry 12 June 1986 |
 |
| Owenahincha Hotel - no longer there any more - was behind this windmill |
Unfortunately, the
hotel we stayed in, is no longer there. As the Irish economy grew in the 1990’s
people had more money and could afford to travel outside the country. Coastal
resorts like Owenahincha suffered.
 |
| Maureen and I on Owenahincha Beach today |
I follow the cliff path. It has turned out to be a beautiful morning and it’s still only 10.30am when I reach ‘Warren Beach’ or Craggane Strand as its sometimes called.
 |
| View from cliff to Warren Beach |
The tide is out so I can run on the beach and after taking off my shoes
and socks, I am able to paddle across the river onto Rosscarbery Pier. I then
make my way into Rosscarbery village.
 |
| After crossing Rosscarbery River at low tide |
While I’m waiting
for Maureen and Brian, I notice that there is a plaque commemorating
Rosscarbery’s finest runner Timothy J. O Mahony. Not only was he the fastest
Irishman in the 400 metre (or quarter mile) in the 1880’s but he also beat the
USA champion at the time. Unfortunately for him, the modern Olympics didn’t
begin until 1896, so he was never officially recognised, even though in the 1880’s
he was the de facto World Champion. He was known as ‘The Rosscarbery
Steam Engine’
 |
| Timothy O'Mahony's (Rosscarbery Steam Engine) |
When Maureen and
Brian arrive, we return to Owenahincha Beach to re-enact our 12 June 1986
picture. Exactly 40 years, to the day (see earlier)
Circling Inchydoney Island: I am almost reluctant to mention this but later this evening, Maureen, Brian and I set off for a walk along the east strand on Inchydoney. I was curious to see if it was possible to walk around the whole island. As it was low tide again, we kept walking anticlockwise.
 |
| Maureen & Brian - circling Inchydoney Island |
However,
the sand got softer and there were a few streams to either avoid or jump over - but
we kept going. We then tried to leave the soft sand and reach the proper
shoreline. At this stage the sand wasn’t just soft any more. It was also wet, slippy and
swampy. Also, Brian’s and Maureen’s shoes got stuck in the soft sand, but we made
it to land ok. However, in our exertions we lost one of Brian’s shoes. We ended
up walking back to our house, about 2k away, Brian wearing my shoes and me in
my bare feet. At least I can now say I walked around the whole island.
Stage
141: Co. Cork: Timoleague to Kinsale: Saturday 13 June 2026: 39.4km or 24.5miles:
‘The
eagle shelters not his nest from hurricane and hail,
More bravely than he guards my breast, the Boatman of Kinsale’. Thomas Davis
It’s Saturday morning so
once again I feel obliged to do the nearest parkrun which is in Clonakilty,
about 4k from our house in Inchydoney. After yesterday’s long run and the
fiasco of circling Inchydoney Island, I’m wondering why I’m bothering doing the
parkrun at all. It’s just delaying my long run today. I should explain that in
my local running club in North Down, there is an unofficial award to the person
in the club who does the parkrun at the furthest point from Bangor. It’s called
the ‘Tourism Award’. There are no trophies or medals awarded but
it is always a bit of an honour to read Chris Downey’s report to see if you have
won it. Usually, someone needs to be overseas to get it, so I wasn’t feeling very confident.
(PS On the Sunday morning I discovered I did win it – beating 94 others who
completed various parkruns, including my Clubmate Glen Frazer who ran in
Harrogate, Yorkshire). Everyone at Clonakilty parkrun was so friendly and encouraging to me on my crazy adventure.
 |
| Finishing Clonakilty parkrun |
I had also arranged
to meet Pat Mulcahy in Clonakilty (the connection was that Helen Byers had met him
at the Tokyo Marathon). Pat had kindly agreed to drive me to Timoleague after the
parkrun. Interesting to chat together and share our running exploits.
It was 11.00am when
we arrived in Timoleague and I have to admit that I was not enthusiastic about
today’s run, even had a lonesome feeling. In the local Centra Shop, Pat bought
me a bottle of water and some ice cream for his children. I felt like having my
own ice cream and just enjoying the rest of the beautiful day with Maureen and
Brian.
Also, I have decided
that I’m only going to run as far as Ballinspittle today as I feel it would be
too tough to go all the way to Kinsale. I just don’t have the motivation or
energy to run too far today.
Anyway, I start my run along the north shore of the River Arigideen and follow the R600 which hugs the north shore for about 8km as far as Garranefeen Strand.
 |
| Garranefeen Strand |
Crossing the bridge
over Coolmain Bay I adjourn to a quieter road. I’m heading for Howe Strand.
Along the country lane I get chatting to a man who shows a lot of interest in
my adventure. He suggests that instead of finishing today in Ballinspittle that
I should run as far as Garrettstown Strand. He advises me that there is more
going on at this vibrant resort. He also tells me about nearby Coolmain
Castle – once home of Roy Disney, nephew of Walt Disney.
I ring Maureen
and I tell her about my change of plan, and we arrange to meet in Garrettstown
Strand at 2.00pm.
In the meantime,
I run down towards Howes Strand. On the way I meet a girl who recognises me from
Clonakilty parkrun earlier. It’s Lynn Frost, and her married name is Howe, like
the strand!
 |
| With Lynne Frost |
These two
encounters with friendly people have cheered me up and I wonder should I try to
carry on all the way to Kinsale, after a good break in Garrettstown Strand.
At Howe’s
Strand, there’s hardly anyone on the beach, but I do spot the old Coastguard Station
on the hill. In July 1920, during the War of Independence there was an attack
on this building. These coastal stations were primary targets as they were viewed
as potential barracks for British military. Apparently, this was considered one
of the most daring attacks in Co. Cork.
 |
| The old coastguard station at Howe Strand |
I’m not really
too disappointed about by-passing the village of Ballinspittle, famous for
moving statues! I find it embarrassing that in 1985 people believed this. Two
women said they witnessed the statue moving while praying at the grotto. People
came in busloads and it started a phenomenon of other moving statues all over
Ireland.
Instead, I run
down to Garrettstown Strand. While I’m waiting for Maureen and Brian, I take
off my shoes and socks and rest my feet in the salty water. It feels good. I
have a coffee and more water when they arrive. I put on some more sun cream and decide
to continue running all the way to Kinsale.
 |
| Maureen & Brian at Garrettstown Strand |
Not far along
the coast is another beautiful beach called, White Strand or ‘Garylucas Strand’.
I did wonder who Gary Lucas was
and why a beach was called after him. I googled and found out that he is a
famous guitarist and has released over 25 albums to date. Rolling Stone
Magazine called him ‘one of the best and most original guitarists in
America’
 |
| White Strand or Garylucas Beach |
Anyway, it turns
out that it’s not Gary Lucas’s beach after all. The name is derived from the
Irish ‘Garrai Lucas’, the garden of Lucas, so nothing at all to
do with the famous guitarist.
I follow the R604 out towards ‘Old Head of Kinsale’. It’s a tough climb but the perfect day to be looking out onto the Celtic Sea.
 |
| Old Head of Kinsale |
However, it’s disappointing not to be able to get to the end of the peninsula. There is a private golf course on Old Head with a sign saying, ‘Members & Guests only’. So, I have to turn back.
 |
| No entry to the top of Old Head Peninsula |
At least I can loop around a different road (L3233)
and run downhill.
I come to ‘Old Head Pier’, and even though its high tide, I’m able to make my way along Bullens Bay Strand. It’s tricky trying to work my way through the country lanes but eventually I follow the Bike markers and make my way to Sandy Cove.
 |
| Sandy Cove, near Kinsale |
 |
| Kinsale at last |
Stage
140: Co. Cork: Clonakilty to Timoleague: Sunday 14 June 2026: 43.3km or 26.9miles:
‘I am flirting with the green waves, wandering the sand,
feeding reflection into the seaweed foam’ From ‘The Ruins of Timoleague Abbey’ by
Sean O’Coileain
Yes, I’m doing today’s run out of sequence as it was easier to get a
lift to Timoleague yesterday. It is 7.02am as I leave Inchydoney. Looks like
another beautiful morning and I follow the coast road to Clonakilty.
The town was founded by Richard Boyle in 1613 and his plan
for the village was that it was to be a Protestant or British town. For years
it was like that. There was an attempt in 1798 to start an Irish rebellion, but
it never took off like it did in the other three provinces. In that year, there
was a certain amount of success in Co. Mayo, Co. Wexford and Co. Down but
nothing in Munster. The 1798 Co. Cork encounter just outside Clonakilty was
known as the ‘Battle of the Big Cross’ but it was a short
engagement. It was reported that after their victory, the yeomanry troops
dragged the bodies of the dead rebels into the village and later dumped them at
a spot called ‘The Croppy Hole’.
 |
| Michael Collins House, near Clonakilty |
Almost one hundred years later in 1890, one of Ireland’s most famous sons, Michael Collins was born in Clonakilty. In his late teens he moved to London where he met a fellow Cork man, Sam Maguire (who the big cup is called after!) Maguire introduced Collins to the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) and as they say, the rest is history. However, it was a sad ending to Michael Collins’s life at nearby ‘Beal na Blath’, murdered in 1922 by his fellow Irishmen. We visited Michael Collins house on Friday afternoon.
Today from Clonakilty I follow the L4015 coast road or ‘Ring Road’ but called after the townland of Ring. I thought I’d have the west wind behind me today, but strangely its blowing from the east side to add to my difficulties.
 |
| At Ring Pier |
 |
| Near Ring Pier |
It’s a beautiful area down in this corner of Co. Cork. Lots of palm trees and wild grass. More hills to climb but then I have a long run downhill to ‘Ballinglanna Beach’. It is quite a secluded beach, so sheltered that there is no easy access. I climb down through the rocky cliff as I need to get to the other side of the strand.
 |
| Ballinglanna Beach |
Luckily it was low tide as I was able to
join a slipway that brought me onto a coastal road and eventually to a strange
named place called, Turkeyland. Didn’t spot any poultry at all along here.
 |
| Maloney's Strand |
 |
| At Maloney's Strand looking towards Seven Heads Peninsula |
Today I still can’t
find where this trail begins. I flag down a car and a lady stops. She’s a local
girl and is able to guide me towards the starting point. She tells me that I
need to get to ‘Carrigeen Crossroads’, marked on the OS map and
then head south to ‘Ballymacshoneen’. It didn’t help that there are
no markings on the country lanes to help you. In fact, the road down towards ‘Travara
Cove’ says ‘cul de sac’.
 |
| Start of 'Seven Heads Path' at Travara Cove |
 |
| Following the Seven Heads Trail |
Although it is a beautiful Sunday morning in June, I don’t meet anybody at all until I get much further north.
 |
| Broad Strand, near Courtmacsherry |
Eventually I reach Broad Strand, near where the explorer, Patrick Keohane was born. Keohane was part of Captain Scott’s ill-fated South Pole expedition along with a famous Kerryman, Tom Crean. I like the answer that Keohane gave to Scott when he was asked at the interview why he was volunteering for the Antarctica trip. Keohane replied….
‘I always
wanted to see what’s on the other side of the hill’
 |
| Patrick Keohane, Antarctica explorer |
 |
| The narrow Fuchia Trail, near Courtmacsherry |
Once I leave this narrow path I thought I could continue along the coast, but it didn’t seem possible. Anyway, I make it to the lovely village of Courtmacsherry.
 |
| Great to reach this long village |
I follow the R601
road along the river and finally cross the bridge into Timoleague. The village
is dominated by the huge 13th century Franciscan Friary/Abbey. The Abbey is on the site of
a 6th century monastic settlement founded by Saint Molaga, after
whom Timoleague is called. ‘Ti Molaga’, translates as the house
of Molaga.
 |
| Timoleague Friary |
 |
| Inside Timoleague Abbey |
