Approach Ballyvolane from Bridesbridge and park at the entrance to the forest. Cross Ballyvolane Bridge and approach Ballyvolane House.

Ballyvolane House was the family home of the Barry family of Ballyvolane.

Thomas Barry was one of the few Catholics in the area to retain possession of his land following the defeat of the Confederacy forces in the 1640's.

However, his support for James II during the Williamite wars ensured that his lands were finally confiscated following the Treaty of Limerick in 1691.

The property was subsequently held by Andrew St. Ledger, but in 1730, he and his wife Jane were murdered as they slept in their beds; Andrew was shot, while Jane was stabbed to death - the murderer, an employee of the family named Tim Croneen was eventually arrested, following the offering of a £100 reward for his capture. He was tried and executed at Cork in January, 1731. Ballyvolane House is now in the possession of Jeremy Greene and his family. It is an exclusive Guest House and is open for public visits.

Continue for a further 500m up the gently rising hill until you come to a 'T' junction, turn right at the sign indicating Britway (1km). At Britway school, take the left fork and continue for another 500m to Britway Church and Graveyard.

An old Celtic church lies in Britway Graveyard. The church itself is made of yellow sandstone and measures 31ft x 18ft. The surrounding graveyard dates from the Medieval period and contains the graves of Fr. Cornelius O'Brien, who was parish priest of Castlelyons from 1670 to 1720, and Liam Rua Mac Coitir, a locally famous poet who lived between 1675 and 1738.

Also located within the graveyard is an interesting Ogham Stone which dates from between the 4th and 6th centuries. This demonstrates that Britway was an Early Ecclesiastical site. Britway is also the site of a holy well, which is still visited for prayer rounds every August. The well is located on a farm owned by Patrick Regan.

At the church junction, take the right fork continue straight on to the Dungourney road, keeping left at the first fork. The road rises up for approximately 2km. At the yield right of way sign pause, and take in the view. From the west are the Ballyhoura mountains with Corrin in outline above Fermoy.

East of the Ballyhoura's there are magnificent views of the full range of the Galty Mountains and the full sweep of the Knockmealdown Mountains. This is a lovely view, so take your time and rest after the long climb up from Britway. Continue left at the yield right of way sign for 200m and take the first turn left.

Continue on this road for 2km and take the first turn left directly across from an entrance to the woods.

On this road note the lovely thatched farmhouse on your right. Continue straight through the cross-roads and after 200m turn right at the 'T' junction. At this point you re-join the short walk (4.2). Note the dormer style Georgian windows on the very old house which is at this corner.

Take the first left and follow the road until it gradually rises. At the peak of the road pause, and observe the view of Corrin, the Galtee and Knockmealdown mountains, Britway and back towards Dungourney.

This is a most unusual 360 degree view of the countryside. Follow this road via Ballymacsimon for 4km and at the 'T' junction turn left past Ballyvolane Wood and take the first right back to your car at Ballyvolane House