Cloontabonniv Bog Walk

Cloontabonniv Bog Walk is an easy point-to-point walk in County Clare that covers 3.7 km / 2.3 mi with just 20 m / 66 ft of climbing and 41 m / 135 ft of descent. Allow about 45 minutes to complete it. The route stays low, reaching a highest point of 100 m / 329 ft.

The route

The walk begins on the R474 and finishes near Clare, following a short line through the Cloontabonniv area rather than returning to the start. Its modest distance and gentle profile make it suitable for walkers looking for a straightforward outing, but as a bog walk it is still worth expecting damp ground, soft sections and uneven footing in places. Waterproof footwear is a sensible choice even on a short day out.

Getting there

The start lies on the R474. Connolly is a useful base for reaching the walk by road. Public transport in this part of Clare is centred on services from Ennis, with Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link providing county connections, so Ennis is the main hub for planning an onward journey toward Connolly and the R474.

Landscape and local character

This walk explores the bogland edge near Connolly, an area of mature forestry, open peatland and quiet rural roads. Connolly is known as a gateway to the uplands around Slieve Callan. The setting is more about close-up texture than big ascent: peat underfoot, conifer shelter, open patches of bog and a strong sense of the West Clare countryside.

Nature and heritage

Bog landscapes in Clare are valuable habitats, supporting specialised plant and insect life and holding an important record of the county’s peatland heritage. The walk’s setting reflects that wider peatland character, and local community interest in the area continues, including support for the Cloontabonniv Bog Walk through peatland engagement funding. Walkers should help protect the ground by sticking to the line of the trail and leaving gates and boundaries as they are found.

Practical preparation

Because this is a point-to-point route, transport planning matters more than on a loop: walkers may want to arrange a lift, leave a second car, or be prepared to retrace their steps if needed. The route is short and easy, but boggy terrain can feel slower than the distance suggests, especially after wet weather. Carrying a light waterproof layer and using HiiKER for navigation will make the outing more straightforward.