The Nire Valley
Comeragh Mountains and Nire Valley Drive
A drive through the Comeragh Mountains and along the Nire Valley will bring you through several hidden gems that not a lot of people know about. Leaving Dungarvan behind in your rear view mirror, heading east, you will eventually happen upon the sleepy village of Lemybrien which lies at the foot of the Comeragh Mountains. Turning left at the entrance to the village on the Carrick-on-Suir road will bring you into the heart of the mountain range.
Amongst several breath-taking features of the Comeraghs is the lake at Coumshingaun, one of Ireland’s best examples of a corrie lake, incidentally formed by the movements of glaciers during the stone age.
Whilst in the Comeragh mountain range, why not stay for a visit to the sensational Mahon Falls where you can witness the water cascading down a 150m high waterfall into the natural splash pools below.
You can also take in the famous ‘Magic Road’ which is very close to the village of Kilrossanty. The trick is to stop your car at the fairy tree, turn off your engine and watch as your car rolls uphill. Of course, it is an optical illusion caused by the panoramic view of the mountains.
For the history buffs among you, a trip to Mothel Abbey, close to the village of Rathgormack. Although now lying in ruins, the abbey was once home to a large group of monks who owned much of the land in the middle third of the county. However, their power was diminished when Henry VIII came to the throne and much of their land is now under the ownership of the nearby Curraghmore, the home of Lord Waterford.
After you leave this part of the county and travel through the valley, you will pass close to the village of Kilbrien. This area in particular is littered with ancient historical points of interest including cairns, Fulachta Fiadh (ancient cooking pits) and fascinating standing stones.
For the more active person, the equestrian centres at Colligan and Kilgobinet offer a wonderful opportunity to take in the spectacular sights on horseback and at a leisurely pace.
Driving Routes
