The Comeragh Mountains: Top 3 Hikes

Disclaimer: The Comeragh Mountains do not see as much footfall as other ranges in the country. Due to this, paths may not be so obvious and way markers may be missing. It is advised that you check the weather forecast before heading into the Comeragh Mountains. Hiking with a map and compass is also advised.

1. Crotty's Rock

Crotty’s Rock  

 

Crotty’s Rock is a hidden coum, only a stone throw away from its neighbour Coumshingaun. 

 

The area gets its name after the infamous highway man William Crotty, a Robin Hood esque character who would steal from the rich and give to the poor. It was said that it was here, at the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains, that Crotty would keep his gold.

 

The trail up to the lake is an old forest road, which now wears a blanket of Grass. The trail is steep enough, but there are plenty of resting points along the way, with beautiful views overlooking Slievenamon and beyond.

 

From the lake, there are many options to explore the coum. The trails take a bit of getting used to as they are sheep trails and will become more obvious with more food fall.  For the competent hiker, I recommend taking the trail to the upper cliffs. From here, you can take in amazing 360 degree views of the Comeragh Mountains.

 

Note: All the trails and facilities at Crotty’s Rock are privately funded and maintained by the Cullinane family at Crotty’s Rock. 

Hiking Comeragh Mountains

Facilities

Free Parking

Drinks available on a donation basis.

8km away

Yes.

Car: Enter Crotty’s Rock into Google Maps. The entrance is located on road L7061.

Bus: There are no bus services running to this location.

 

 

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2. The Boola Lakes

The Boola Lake Trail Hike

 

The Boola’s trail takes you through some of the Comeragh Mountain’s most beautiful scenery. There is ample parking at the starting point and from my experience the parking, while isolated, is very safe.

 

The trail itself is very well waymarked (for the Comeraghs), although fallen markers are not uncommon.

 

The trail takes you through Coum Larthar where you will pass three lakes, each with their own character.  The middle lake is a beautiful sight during the mid summer months, when it is home to a colony of dragonflies.

 

If you are looking for an extra punch to your hike then I’d recommend combining this walk with a part of Knockanaffrin ridge. 

 

Rathgormack: The closest town is Rathgormack where you can pop into the Comeragh Stores for some fresh pastries. 

The Boola Lakes Walk
Visiting the Boola Lakes on a guided tour

Facilities

Free Parking

Rathgormack

10km

Showers & toilets

NO

Starting Point: 

Follow the pin below. It will bring you to a farmyard at Curragheen. From here, follow the way markers towards the lakes.

 

Location Pin: CLICK HERE

 

 

 

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Coumshingaun Loop: Waterford

Coumsingaun Loop

One of my favourite trails in the country! If you haven’t hiked Coumshingaun then this should be next up on your tick-list.

 

Coumshingaun is a corrie lake that was carved out during the last ice age. It is said to be Europe’s most impressive corrie lake and it is easy to see why. Standing on the southern ridge it feels as through you are standing in the land of giants.

 

The starting point is at Kilclooney Woods, located between Carrick-On-Suir and Dungarvan. From the woods, you link up with a trail that takes you onwards to Coumshingaun. For some, a simple visit to the lake is enough, but I recommend taking in the 4-hour looped walk.

 

Route Information:  Click Here

Facilities

Free Parking: (Height Barrier).

Lemybrien

8km (Lemybrien)

No

There is a car park at Kilcooney Woods, which is the start of the trail. The car park has a height barrier.

 

Location Pin: Click Here

Comeragh Mountains Expedition

If you want to explore the Comeragh Mountains, then why not join us on the Wild Summits overnight expedition.
2023

Disclaimer: The Comeragh Mountains do not see as much footfall as other ranges in the country. Due to this, paths may not be so obvious and way markers may be missing. It is advised that you check the weather forecast before heading into the Comeragh Mountains. Hiking with a map and compass is also advised.

1. Crotty's Rock

Crotty’s Rock  

 

Crotty’s Rock is a hidden coum, only a stone throw away from its neighbour Coumshingaun. 

 

The area gets its name after the infamous highway man William Crotty, a Robin Hood esque character who would steal from the rich and give to the poor. It was said that it was here, at the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains, that Crotty would keep his gold.

 

The trail up to the lake is an old forest road, which now wears a blanket of Grass. The trail is steep enough, but there are plenty of resting points along the way, with beautiful views overlooking Slievenamon and beyond.

 

From the lake, there are many options to explore the coum. The trails take a bit of getting used to as they are sheep trails and will become more obvious with more food fall.  For the competent hiker, I recommend taking the trail to the upper cliffs. From here, you can take in amazing 360 degree views of the Comeragh Mountains.

 

Note: All the trails and facilities at Crotty’s Rock are privately funded and maintained by the Cullinane family at Crotty’s Rock. 

Hiking Comeragh Mountains

Facilities

Free Parking

Drinks available on a donation basis.

8km away

Yes.

Car: Enter Crotty’s Rock into Google Maps. The entrance is located on road L7061.

Bus: There are no bus services running to this location.

 

 

Sign Up

Ireland’s top adventure newsletter!

2. The Boola Lakes

The Boola Lake Trail Hike

 

The Boola’s trail takes you through some of the Comeragh Mountain’s most beautiful scenery. There is ample parking at the starting point and from my experience the parking, while isolated, is very safe.

 

The trail itself is very well waymarked (for the Comeraghs), although fallen markers are not uncommon.

 

The trail takes you through Coum Larthar where you will pass three lakes, each with their own character.  The middle lake is a beautiful sight during the mid summer months, when it is home to a colony of dragonflies.

 

If you are looking for an extra punch to your hike then I’d recommend combining this walk with a part of Knockanaffrin ridge. 

 

Rathgormack: The closest town is Rathgormack where you can pop into the Comeragh Stores for some fresh pastries. 

The Boola Lakes Walk
Visiting the Boola Lakes on a guided tour

Facilities

Free Parking

Rathgormack

10km

Showers & toilets

NO

Starting Point: 

Follow the pin below. It will bring you to a farmyard at Curragheen. From here, follow the way markers towards the lakes.

 

Location Pin: CLICK HERE

 

 

 

Join our newsletter for 15% Off!

Coumshingaun Loop: Waterford

Coumsingaun Loop

One of my favourite trails in the country! If you haven’t hiked Coumshingaun then this should be next up on your tick-list.

 

Coumshingaun is a corrie lake that was carved out during the last ice age. It is said to be Europe’s most impressive corrie lake and it is easy to see why. Standing on the southern ridge it feels as through you are standing in the land of giants.

 

The starting point is at Kilclooney Woods, located between Carrick-On-Suir and Dungarvan. From the woods, you link up with a trail that takes you onwards to Coumshingaun. For some, a simple visit to the lake is enough, but I recommend taking in the 4-hour looped walk.

 

Route Information:  Click Here

Facilities

Free Parking: (Height Barrier).

Lemybrien

8km (Lemybrien)

No

There is a car park at Kilcooney Woods, which is the start of the trail. The car park has a height barrier.

 

Location Pin: Click Here

Comeragh Mountains Expedition

If you want to explore the Comeragh Mountains, then why not join us on the Wild Summits overnight expedition.
2023

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