The Comeragh Mountains
From the beating of the curlew’s wing to the beating of the bodhrán a visit to the Comeragh Mountains is a way of beating the stresses and strains of everyday life.
Just off the N25 between Waterford city and Dungarvan and miles from the Atlantic ocean, the Comeragh Mountains are Ireland’s answer to the Lake District and Waterford’s very own Great Outdoors.
A walkers’ paradise, this easy to access mountain range offers wonderful vistas across the county and down to the sea. Described by some as Ireland’s best kept secret, the Comeraghs offer everything from a dramatic waterfall down a cliff face to the mystery of the ‘magic road’ which runs through the gap of the range.
These mountains give visitors plenty to take in – from the dramatic scenery of the Nire valley to the spectacular Coomshingaun corrie lake. From delightful villages like Kilbrien and Rathgormack to the unique ecosystem of the moorland, the Comeragh Mountains have it all. The wonderful Mahon Falls is a must but everyone can find their own bit of heaven in the Comeraghs.
Walking
The choice is infinite for walkers: climbing Knocksheegowna and walking along Knockanafrinn ridge, wandering through quiet forests, discovering trails where it appears no one has walked for thousands of years – or staying on the beaten path and ambling along signposted looped walks…
The wonderfully named Knockaunapeebra (in Irish it's Cnocán an Phíopaire: The Hill of the Piper) stands at 726m, with two distinctive cairns at the top.
Cycling
Cyclists can experience the thrill of pedalling the hills and valleys where world-famous cyclist Sean Kelly’s bike once flashed over the cobbles or for those who want to pedal more serenely there are plenty of car-free roads too.
Driving
There’s a signposted driving route (The Comeragh Drive…what else!) for those who want a leisurely way of experiencing the force that is the Comeraghs.
Hostels
For groups and clubs visiting the Comeraghs hostel accommodation is an ideal choice. Ballymacarbry Hostel and Rathgormack Hiking Centre are two excellent options.
Comeraghs Mountain Forum
The Comeragh Mountain Forum which was founded in 2010 by Waterford County Council is part of an overall Comeraghs-focused project which aims to sustainably develop the Comeragh Mountains area into a widely recognised, high reputation, national amenity area. The Comeragh Mountains and the surrounding areas are renowned for the richness of their natural amenities and heritage and attract walkers and other visitors from all over the country and abroad. The Forum was established with the intention that future generations will continue to enjoy and benefit from this.
The forum comprises of representatives of the local community, farming group representatives and others representing tourism, economic and recreational interests in the Comeragh area.
A number of statutory bodies including Waterford County Council, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, Waterford Leader Partnership and the Heritage Council are also represented on the forum.
It is intended that the forum will develop an agreed strategy to maximise the economic potential of the Comeragh Mountains area. It will seek to address issues and concerns of the local community while optimising the potential for development – particularly tourism-related development.
