Harbour is nice port of call

A walk around Cork Harbour includes trips by bus, train and ferry, tea in a mansion and a visit to the zoo. Not bad for a day out, says TONY DOTHERTY

JOINED UP thinking, or more often the lack of it, is a concept that is bandied about a lot and it got me thinking that I should apply it to walking.

I have two favourite short walks close to Cork city: one along the southern shores of Lough Mahon in the inner harbour and the other a stroll around the grounds of Fota House. Studying the map, I saw that I could do both routes on the one outing and thus create a good example of joined up walking by using the diversity of transport options in the area.

The number 2 bus brings you from the city centre bus station to the little harbour at Blackrock which marks the spot where the banks of the River Lee open out into Lough Mahon.

Take the road that leads up to Blackrock Castle, one of Cork’s iconic buildings. A fort was built on the site in 1600 to “repel pirates and other invaders”. The present structure dates from 1827 and houses an observatory.

From the castle a path runs along the shore to where a causeway links it to the route of the Cork to Passage railway line which was closed in 1920. Turn left here over the metal bridge which spans the estuary and this brings you on to the main road at Rochestown.

This is a busy road but there is a wide footpath for the 200 meters it takes to get back on to the old railway walk which leads to Passage West. Mainly a satellite town of Cork now, it has a fascinating maritime history dating back to the 15th century. The Duke of Marlborough landed his troops from 80 ships here in 1691 to lay siege to the city of Cork and 230 years later Free State troops landed here to retake the city from republican forces who had occupied it at the start of the Civil War.

The southern end of the town opens out into an esplanade which gives you a view of the steep hills of Great Island and the Victorian villas of Rushbrook while the dalek-like cranes of the Verolme Dockyard dominate the skyline. Embark from here on the next link of the trip with a ferry ride across the harbour.

When you get to the far side, turn left and follow the main road for 800 metres to the tiny train station at Carrigaloe. It is not signposted so look out for a path on your right just after you reach the village. If you are unlucky with your timing don’t decide to head off along the road as it has sharp bends, no hard shoulder and fast traffic.

Fota station gives access to Fota House with its gardens and arboretum where you can wonder among the exotic plants. The cafe in Fota House is open all year and provides an excellent pit stop in elegant surroundings.

If you started out early enough you should have time to visit Fota Wildlife Park which provides an entertaining end to the day or you could visit it as an alternative to the gardens. Back in the city, Kent Station is only 750 meters from the start point.

So what did you have? A bus ride, a boat trip, a train journey, a 12km walk by the sea, an amble around a famous arboretum, afternoon tea in a Regency mansion and perhaps a chat with a Cork chimpanzee. How bad is that for a day out? Not bad at all, boy, not bad at all.

MAPOrdnance Survey. Discovery Series. Sheet 87.

STARTNumber 2 bus from Busáras, Parnell Place, Cork city.

FINISHKent Station, Cork city.

DISTANCE/TIMESBus from start to Blackrock: 4km. Time: 20 minutes. Service every 15 minutes. First bus on Sunday at 10.20am. Walk: Blackrock to ferry pier – 12km or two hours. Ferry: five minutes. Continuous service. If it has just left you will have a 15 to 20-minute wait. Walk: ferry to Carrigaloe station – 800 metres or 10 minutes. Train from Carrigaloe to Fota station takes five minutes. Train arrives in Carrigaloe at 36 minutes past the hour every hour, Monday to Friday. Sundays at 12.31pm, 1.41pm, and 2.56pm. Walk: Fota station to Fota Wildlife Park is 2.5km. Allow two hours. Train: Fota to Kent Station is 15 minutes. Train arrives in Fota at 40 minutes past the hour and there are half hourly trains at peak times. Allow a minimum of six hours to enjoy the day.

SUITABILITYRoute is easy, no special gear needed.

USEFUL SITESbco.ie; fotawildlife.ie; fotahouse.com.