For those intimidated by the many formidable peaks that fringe the Ring of Kerry, there is a nice little hill, Slieveagh, just outside Cahersiveen that provides big mountain views with very little effort; in fact, an ideal afternoon or evening walk far from the tourist crowds.
It is a splendid walk up a narrow country road with impressive views of the cliffs at Cuas Croum.
A tall impressive ruin dominates the end of the road. This is the remains of the Slieveagh Peat Works, which was opened in 1851 and employed 600. The mill made compressed peat by the use of steam and would have been similar to the modern peat briquettes. Surrounded by Silver Birch, it is a striking and unique sight.
It marks the start of the Kimego Loop Walk. The main attraction for me is that a short distance up the forest road, a spur track leads out on to Slieveagh, which provides a superb panorama of Dingle Bay bounded on the north by a view of the peninsula running all the way from the gleaming sands of Inch Beach to the outermost of the Blasket Islands.
Down towards to the edge of the cliffs is what could possibly be the largest blow-hole in the country. To our knowledge it is the only one large enough to appear on an Ordnance Survey Map.
Map: Ordnance Survey. Discovery Series. Sheet 83
Start and finish: Large car park at Cuas Croum Harbour. Grid Reference: 445 816. You can also park at start of the Loop Walk at the top of the road.
How to get there: Cahersiveen is on the N70. Cross over Cahersiveen Bridge and turn left at the cross roads. Cuas Croum is signposted about 3Km along the road.
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 8km
Total Ascent: 400m
Suitability: Route is easy