The Blackwater way is split into two sections, beginning (for me, it seems like the whole of Ireland works from Dublin out and I am going against some sort of tide by doing the walk towards the capital) with the Dunhallow Way between Shrone and Bweeng.
Map stolen from here, and the excellent irishtrails.ie.
The Dunhallow Way is named after the Norman Barony created in the 12th Century. Apart from this there is little information that I can find about the route itself. It is interesting to note that the Barony is still a legal region within Ireland which, though with a much reduced administrative role, still forms some part of governance such as in planning.
As mentioned, the largest challenge of the Blackwater way will be the lack of accommodation and the distances that I have planned to travel to minimise this problem. This is epitomised by the Dunhallow Way where there are no (that's right no) clear options for a walker to find somewhere to rest their head in comfort! I hope to rush through this part of the walk in two nights, but I shouldn't grumble to much wild camping is nothing if not cheap!
There are no settlements of note that I will pass through, though I suspect that a pop into Millstreet for provisions will happen. But excitingly, there are a number of historical and geographical features on the way! :)
Fertility seems to be the name of the game for the start of this section as it starts with Cathair Craobh Dearg - Pre-historic Stone Fort otherwise called The City where cattle were driven to as a protection from ailments. And The Paps - Two hills said to be a 'manifestation' of the Celtic goddess Aine with nipple-cairns at the top. One person has included The City within Aine's manifestation as her navel. I will look forward to finding how... errm... realistic this is. Christians now use the City as a pilgrimage site.
There are two stone formations on the route. The first is Knocknakilla Stone Circle and the second is the Sinner's Stone also named Kilquhane.
Finally in terms of structural history there are the ruins Castlebarrett, in view after leaving Ballynamona (on the way to Bweeng).
"Castle Barrett was built around the 13th century. It was originally known as Castle More or Castlemore. In 1439 it was taken over by the Earl of Desmond. The Barrett family acquired the castle in the 17th century. The castle was damaged in 1645 by Oliver Cromwell's army. After the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, John Barrett who fought on the side of the Jacobites lost to the Williamites. Castle Barrett was destroyed and 12,000 acres of Barrett land was forfeited." LINK.
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