The Shournagh runs from the eastern foothills of the Boggeragh Mountains in the west of County Cork southwest of the village of Bweeng.

It then flows southwest through the grounds of Muskerry Golf Club and then southeast to the village of Carrigrohane where it joins the River Lee.

It passes through the following townlands — Meenahony, Commeenaplaw, Gowlane South, Knockyrourke, Lackabane, Garraunredmond, Coolmona, Curragh, Fornaght, Firmount, Ballyvodane, Bunkilla, Knockane, Kilclogh, Ballycraheen, Gilcagh, Courtbrack, Loughane West, Gortdonaghmore, Cloghphilip, Loughane East, Killowen, Kilnamucky, Boolypatrick, Bawnnafinny, Dromasmole, Coolflugh, Coolatanavally, Woodside, Carrigrohanebeg and Coolymurraghue.

An article in 1898 for rail travellers said, "The scenery along the lovely valley of the River Shournagh to Healy's Bridge is most charming.

Among the plants found were Osmunda regalis (royal fern), Pinguicula grandiflora (large-flowered butterwort) and Drosera rotundifolia (round-leaved sundew).

[8] The Official Handbook of the Cork Incorporated Chamber of Commerce, published in 1919, considered the Shournagh Valley to be "famous", referring to it as "beautiful" and "deserving of special mention".

[10] The Shournagh Valley is a proposed National Heritage Area [11] and as such is considered "of significance for wildlife" and "subject to limited protection".