Time: 4.5 hours
Elevation: 630 m
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail: Clockwise
Waymarked: No
Starting Point: See below
Map: Click Here
Coumshingaun, Europe's finest corrie lake!
Coumshingaun is one of Ireland’s most stunning landmarks. It’s 400 metre back wall, towering over the mountain lake, will make you feel like you are standing in the land of giants. The aim of this guide is to give you all the information that you need in order to take on Coumshingaun with confidence!
This guide includes a route map, description and even covers some of the hazards you may meet along the way! So shine those boot’s and get hiking!
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Parking
The starting point is at Kilclooney Woods carpark, located between Carrick-On-Suir and Dungarvan.
Tip: Vans can park further down at the forest road gate.
Trail Description
The route is a horseshoe loop that circumnavigates the steep cliffs by the lake. Take the route in a clockwise direction.
The start of the trail is a “well-made” path which isn’t long-lived, as once you leave the forest edge you are onto a sheep/dirt trail. From here, follow the trail uphill. Don’t worry if you go off trail a bit. There are many sheep trails, and they all link back into the main trail. Just remember, keep going up.
Gain the mountain spur and follow the trail. There will be an option to split off right down towards the lake, ignore those and continue uphill. You will see a collection of rocks up ahead. Aim for these and keep going.
After this, the route is very self-explanatory. But here are a few things to note.
- On the ascent, you will be passing through many rocky outcrops (see below).
- Before reaching the top, there is a minor scramble.
- Watch out after the scramble. The path fades away for a few meters. In bad visibility, this can be an issue.
- The descent involves some very minor scrambling.
- The lake is god-damn cold, you’ve been warned.
Hazards
The scramble: This is not as bad as it seems, but there is a section where you need to use both your hand’s and feet. To the best of my knowledge, there have been no accidents here. But make sure your sticks and water bottles are stowed away.
Clouds: The Comeragh Mountains love some good cloud cover. It’s not uncommon for the sun to be shining in Dungarvan, while a blanket of clouds hangs above the Comeraghs.
Path Erosion: After the scramble, the path disappears for around 30 metres. This is due to the bog it passes through. In bad visibility, people have gone the wrong way and have ended up calling mountain rescue. Be mindful.
Need the skills to take on Lugnaquilla with confidence? Check out one of our skills courses!
Going for a dip?
Talk about wild swimming! One of the most atmospheric wild swimming spots in Ireland!
Accommodation
The Comeragh Pods
Dungarvan
Rock Climbing Coumshingaun
Coumshingaun is also home to some fantastic rock climbing. It doesn’t see many ascents and so the routes are often overgrown and a bit of vertical gardening is needed.
Comeragh Mountains Expedition
Final Words
Coumshingaun should be on the list of any avid hiker out there. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the Comeragh Mountains and gives you some of the most impressive views on the East Coast.
If you’re travelling a distance, then I recommend making a weekend out of it. There are many fantastic walks nearby, including Crotty’s Lake, which is a hidden gem, only a stone’s throw from Coumshingaun.
Check out our Top Comeragh Mountain Hikes
