Labbacallee Megalithic Tomb near Glanworth (left) and Cross at Corrin Hill, Fermoy (right)

1. The Pike Loop

Start at The Grand Hotel, cross the bridge and take the first turn right at Charlie Brown's Public House. This is Frances Street which leads to the Promenade and Rathealy Road. Walk past the promenade which until the 1940's, contained a bandstand for military bands.

There was also a boating stage for excursions on the river. The building at the end of the field is that of the Blackwater Sub Aqua Club. This is the start of a lovely stretch of water (6km) which runs to the famous Careysville Weir, passing by some beautiful houses and under the viaduct which carried the railway over the River Blackwater.

Having passed the Sub Aqua Club take the first turn left into the Pike Road and walk for approximately 2 km. When you reach the main Dublin road (N 8) at the 'T' junction, turn left. Across the road is the former Fermoy army base known locally as the Aerodrome [30]. Proceed towards the town down the hill into Fermoy and back to your starting point.

2. Barnane Looped Walk

Go past The Grand Hotel - down past the Fermoy Rowing Club onto the riverside walk and reach St Bernards Well after about 500 yds. You can make a wish and throw a coin in, if you wish. Continue on through the stiles and the fields and woods by the bank and up by the stream that feeds into the river by "The Rock”. Exit at Glenabo Bridge. This will take you about half an hour. From Glenabo Bridge walk back in Duntaheen Rd to the Cross of Cork Road and back down to the Square and the Bank of the River again.

This adventure will take you over an hour if you don’t stop for refreshments but it’s much more fun if you do.

For Further Details of Walks in Fermoy and the surrounding areas see www.blackwatervalleywalks.com