Park at the Grotto on the Fermoy side of Castletownroche, just before the Mill.

Take the road left leading to Shanballymore and after 1km take the left fork, follow the road which meanders northwards with a splendid view of the Ballyhoura Mountains in the distance and parallels the Awbeg river.

The road then enters a low lying glen. Keep left at the next fork and continue on to Ballywalter Cross Roads, 5km from Castletownroche and 17km from Mallow. Turn left and after 1km take the left fork.

At this fork you will see a blue and yellow waymarker which is part of the walks associated with the Kildorrery Loops. Continue across the bridge over the Awbeg river, keeping Annesgrove Gardens on your left.

Annesgrove demesne, known in the 18th century as Ballyhilmock, was originally an estate of the Grove family. In the late 18th century it became the property of the Hon. Arthur Grove Annesley, as a consequence of the marriage of his uncle, the first Earl Annesley, to Mary Grove.

His descendants have lived here ever since. Annesgrove Gardens are worthy of a visit.

They follow the glen of the Awbeg river and were designed by the late Richard Grove Annesley, in the Robinsonian manner i.e. the interplanting of native and exotic species into a natural setting.

The road travels between the estate walls and passes the entrance gates for visitors.

The gardens are open between March 17th and September 30th, Monday to Saturday 11 am - 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm - 6 pm.

Continue in a southerly direction overlooking the Awbeg River until you arrive back at Castletownroche and the Old Mill and grotto.

The Mill is fed by the Awbeg river and has been refurbished. On the wall of the bridge is a plaque which commemorates T. P. Keenan (stage name Tommy Conway), the Composer of the famous melodies; 'The Old Rustic Bridge by the Mill,' 'Patsy Fagan,' 'The Boys of County Armagh' and 'When you and I were young Maggie'.

His remains lie in the graveyard overlooking the Mill.