[RWD version 1 ] St. Finbarr's Way is a Pilgrim Paths route, way-marked as Slí Barra. The official trailhead is actually Top of the Rock, W 128 469, near Drimoleague. From there, the route follows the cascades upstream on the Ilen River for 5km to Castledonovan. After another 1.4 km, the official trail departs westwards from the Ilen River, then north and east, i.e. a semi-circular route over Mullaghmesha. (it is possible to take a short cut by going straight ahead instead of the semi-circular route). It then heads north into the Mealagh Valley, crossing the Mealagh River via a newly constructed footbridge, and then northwest to Kealkill, the end of the first half of the Pilgrim Path. Some sections of this route are on minor roads, particularly at the beginning and end. The northern section of the Mullaghmesha circuit and the descent from there into the woods is very boggy and slippery, and best left until the drier months of the year, and to be avoided after heavy rain. Regarding signage, whilst the Slí Barra signs are very clear, there are other signs on the same route which can be confusing - Sheep's Head Way, Deelish Cascades, etc. There is also an alternative route pointing towards Kealkill. Despite the very poor underfoot conditions in several places, the scenery including the views of Bantry Bay and Beara Peninsula was excellent.