The Comeragh Mountains offer wonderful walking opportunities with mountain ,moorland ,woodlands and Corrie lakes. There are also coastal walks close by along the cliffs, coves and beaches of County Waterford.
The Nire Valley is an ideal base for walkers as there is a great choice of walks and waymarked trails accessed directly from the Nire ; whether you fancy a walk in the woods beside the Nire river or more adventurous trek up to one of the lakes, or ridge walk with spectacular views across counties Tipperary and Waterford. It’s also well positioned to access other walks slightly further afield.
The following walks are recommended:
- Coumdula Looped walk (9km) 3.5-4.5 hours or shorter routes available e.g blue route to the spillage lakes or through the Comeragh Gap – all accessed from the Nire Valley car park
- Colligan Wood Greenane Loop ( near Dungarvan) this is a lovely walk beside the Colligan river and is particularly nice in autumn
- The Greenway ( Dungarvan – Waterford City) This 46 km old railway is Waterford’s most popular new attraction to tourists and locals alike.It offers the chance to walk or cycle through spectacular scenery with points of interest along the way. Don’t miss the the Ballyvoyle tunnel and the tropical feeling gorge that leads up to it, or the viaduct at Kilmacthomas. (www.deisegreenway.com)
- Lough Mohra loop (1.5 hours/ 6 km) and Rath Beag Loop (1 hour /4 km) (Rathgormack) Rathgormack is the starting point for many walks up into the Comeraghs and when accessed from this side the feeling of wildness is enhanced by the imposing scale of the peaks.
- Mahon Falls walk is near Kilmacthomas and the waterfall is spectacular at anytime of year .There is a short 4 km walk from the car park or the falls can be included in a longer looped walk.
- Glenshelane Forest Trails and looped walks (Cappoquin) These looped walks (4-10 km) follow the river along a peaceful woodland glen, in spring bluebells are abundant.There are numerous scenic spots to picnic along the way.
- Cunnigar/An Coinigear sand dune walk (Ring) This walk is along a thin peninsular of sand dune that pertrudes into Dungarvan Bay.When the tide is out it reveals a huge stretch of sand and panoramic view back to the Knockmealdowns and Comeragh mountains.
- Ballysaggartmore Towers Folly Loop (2 km) Lismore. This is a short walk to a hidden folly set in woodland with a stream running underneath.It is a beautiful spot to stop and picnic in and looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.
- St Declan’s Way Walk – (90 km) Ardmore to Cashel
- Ardmore Cliff walk (1 hour /4 km) Ardmore cliff walk although short is exhilarating for its cliff side trail and views out to sea.There are also other historic attractions like the round tower and folly which make it interesting.
See OS maps 74/ 75 for the Nire Valley (maps and packed lunches can be supplied.) The tourist office also provide walking cards for specific trail heads in the area with a map and directions and details of terrain/distance time needed.
The Nire valley has a popular autumn walking festival with guided walks for all abilities .This occurs in the second weekend in October and also includes social events such as music in the local pubs.
The Nire Valley is like stepping back in time , and the scenery is spectacular throughout the seasons , lush and green in the summer and the mountains purple with heather in the autumn.Even on days when the mountains are shrouded in mist this only adds to the atmospheric impact.
The glamping lorry has a number of lovely short and long walks on the door step, guests are spoilt for choice whether it’s a stroll after dinner to the Nire river or a hike up to the Nire Lakes and mountain ridge above.
For more information; discoverireland.ie walking and hiking section or irishtrails.ie