A Walk in Little Island. Conservation Area Included

A Walk in Little Island
Conservation Area Included

Fifty years ago on sunny Sundays, families in the Little Island and the surrounding area would walk down the Clash Road to the shores of the estuary to enjoy the views, the waters and of course the sun. Just last week, I was back down that way again, to try out a looped walk. And it was very enjoyable, even if the sun was playing hide and seek. It is a walk of just over half an hour on a hard core pathway, with just a slight rise at one point.

When you leave the N25 (main Cork-Waterford road) for Little Island and come off the exit and go through the roundabout, turn left at the Topaz filling station. Then - you’ll have passed the church on your left - take the second turn right, into the Clash Road, a residential road, so drive easy! You’ll go past the former Harbour Point Golf Club and come to a playground and car park. If you have a dog, keep him on a lead as this is a conservation area.

Good solid pathway

From the car park, head south and you’ll see an old ruin on the foreshore. Across the estuary, you’ll recognise some of the buildings in Mahon. Indeed, you are now directly across from the Estuary Walk on the opposite shore. You can make a very short detour to the shore by the ruin, take in the views and come back to the main path.

There is now a gentle enough rise and this helps you get a better view, out towards Passage on one side and Rushbrooke on the other. As you continue around, you’ll see the railway bridge on the Cork-Cobh line and Fota Island and its folly (a tower).

Lots of mussel shells here

There is a facility (treatment plant) in the middle of the area and you now pass the gate. Turn sharply to your left and very soon you’ll see the boggy conservation area where there are ducks, herons, egrets and more.

Time for a break with a view.
Passage to left, Rushbrooke on right

And the big surprise for me was to see a swan sitting on its nest. Its mate, who I was told is very friendly (and may come out of the water, hoping for a handout of food) was swimming about. I was also told that it is best not to feed the wildlife here and of course keep your four-legged friend firmly on its lead!

A few minutes later, you’ll find yourself back at the car park. You may also do the walk in the other direction. Enjoy!