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

I’ve been lucky this weekend as it has finally stopped raining. There has been so much wet weather in the first ten or eleven days in June, and the island of Ireland has never looked so green. We noticed this as we crossed the country to reach Clonakilty where we were staying. It was an ambitious plan this weekend, running another three stages, one day after another. Thankfully it will be the last of my three-in-a-row runs. While I’m in West Cork, I try to cover as much of the coast as possible as it is such a long drive from Co. Down to the southwest of the country.

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

Stage 139 Co. Cork: Clonakilty to Rosscarbery: Friday 12 June 2026: 32.6km or 20.2miles

 ‘As the endless sea renews itself each day across the shining beach, this town will sustain itself’ Ian McMullan referring to Clonakilty

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 20^th 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’ 

 After I leave Long Strand, I continue on the coastal R598 and arrive at another beach. This one is called ‘Little Island Strand’ on the OS map and it, more or less, joins up with ‘Owenahincha Beach’.

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 12^th 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

View from Rosscarbery Pier

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 head north again and reach the scary sounding ‘Corpse Crossroads’. I think this crossroads was named as such because it was the direction that funerals took on their way to the cemetery. I see there is a church nearby, so it makes sense. 

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 

Lots of people here enjoying the fine weather and I’m able to follow the coast road (Ardkilly Ridge). The last kilometre into Kinsale was on the busy R600 but once I reached the bridge there was a footpath and Maureen and Brian were waiting for me on the other side. It has been a long day, but I do feel pleased with myself that I persevered.   

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

I carry on around Moloney’s Strand and then look out for access to the ‘Seven Heads Trail’ path. A few years ago, I read an article about a fourth-generation farmer, Harold Kingston, who oversees a long coastal path through his land. The trail runs all the way from the bottom of the Seven Heads Peninsula along the coast to Courtmacsherry. Harold doesn’t believe in compulsory purchase orders for greenways or hiking paths, and he argues that it is better to work with local farmers to agree access. In Ireland walkers (or runners) have no rights to roam like they do in Scotland and England. Sometimes this can be annoying for me. However, there are not many occasions when I feel I need to enter a farm without permission. I always respect a ‘no entry’ sign.

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

I’m so relieved to find the true start of the ‘Seven Heads’ trail. It even looks as if the grass has been cut especially for me. I enjoyed this run or hike. The only difficulty I had was that all the signs were geared towards someone going from north to south. It reminded me of the film ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ when the survivors had to make their way through an upside-down ship. 

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

On the northside of Broad Strand I follow steps and a very narrow path. I’m not sure if this is the ‘Fuchsia Loop’ I’d read about. Yes, I do spot some fuchsia bushes.

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

It is one of the longest towns or villages in Ireland, 2.5k – which is quite long, especially for me, after all the miles I’ve run this weekend. I pass an area called Siberia which today looks like the complete opposite of what we normally associate with Russia’s Siberia.   

I follow the R601 road along the river and finally cross the bridge into Timoleague. The village is dominated by the huge 13^th century Franciscan Friary/Abbey. The Abbey is on the site of a 6^th century monastic settlement founded by Saint Molaga, after whom Timoleague is called. ‘Ti Molaga’, translates as the house of Molaga.

Timoleague Friary

Amazing that this building is so preserved and still survives in good order 800 years later. When Maureen and Brian arrive, we walk through the ancient building. In 1620 the School of Philosophy was established in the Abbey – that’s still 400 years ago. I know the Greeks were into athletics and running but they were also the race that developed philosophy, the study of love and wisdom. Being close to this ancient Abbey I feel very young and happy that I was able to complete 115k (71 miles) in three days.

Inside Timoleague Abbey