19/08/2024
is the new social media campaign for the Dungarvan Tourist Office to show visitors to the area the vibrant and varied experiences to be had in West Waterford! Wild coastal views, rich history and local culture, there's so much to enjoy in the area while using Dungarvan as a base. Hiking has become a huge draw for the area, here are 4 trails for more experiences hikers.
🏠🏠🏠 Ned Currans Cottage Trail; Walk begins from a parking area a few hundred meters on the left beyond the main Mahon Falls carpark. Parking for 5/6 cars.
Cross the road and begin your ascent using the fence as a handrail. This section, while tough, is probably the steepest part of the walk. To your left (west) you will note Farbreaga and Seefin (marked by a square hut on the summit), while to your right is Knockaunapeebra. In the valley below, to your left, you will see Lough Tay, and further beyond the coastline of County Waterford from Dungarvan to Waterford City.
On reaching the boggy plane, you will continue for a short while to observe the Nire Valley and the Comalochas below you, while to the north you will see the distinctive shape of Knockanaffrin and The Gap. Continuing on your journey, you will descend towards Ned Curham's via Leacanthimlay, again using the fence as a handrail. The abandoned cottage is to your left, and you can head directly for this at any suitable exit from the descent. After lunch at Ned's, lulled by the rushing sound of the Tay river, cross via the stepping stones and continue via the green road towards and thru the forest, to eventually arrive onto the public road. Here you will turn left and climb the rather tiresome slope to return to your car.
Allow about 4 hours for this fantastic walk of just under 11 kilometres.
🌳🌳🌳Lough Moura; The Lough Mohra National Looped Walk is the longer of the two loops in Glenpatrick Woodsother being the ”Rathbeag” looped walk. The Lough Mohra Coum lies under the stunning and breathtaking Knockanaffrin Ridge. This coum is a marshy hollow created by glaciation. It’s really worthwhile spending some time in this serene place and enjoying the stunning views. On a clear day you will see the peak of the beautiful Slievenamon, the historic Kilcash on the eastern slopes of Slievenamon and Walsh Mountain in the gap between Slievenamon and the lower hills of Kilkenny. It’s truly spectacular.
From the village of Rathgormack on the R678 (distance from Clonmel: 12 miles, Waterford: 25 miles, Carrick on Suir: 6 miles, Dungarvan: 18 miles), follow the R678 in the direction of Clonmel. After a 5km straight stretch, the road swings left and reaches a downhill roadway on your right. Shortly afterwards the road turns right at a 4-roadway junction – turn left onto the forestry roadway. Travel for 500m to reach the trailhead where you can park.
⛰⛰⛰ Coumshingaun Lake; Nestled in the Comeragh Mountains near County Waterford, Ireland, the Coumshingaun Lough Loop is a challenging yet rewarding hike that encircles the pristine glacial lake known as Coumshingaun Lough.
The walk is a tough, 6.13km looped trail that poses a real risk to safety in places. Starting from the Kilclooney Wood Car Park, it takes you up a steep, grassy trail before passing through a trecherous section where you need to scramble. This is not for the faint-hearted, as it is rated extra difficult due to its steep and rugged terrain. The entire loop, which should be done in a clockwise direction, takes between 3 and 4 hours. It is extremely steep for the first 2.3km.
💧💧💧Mahon Falls trail; The Mahon Falls is a stunning 80-metre waterfall located in the Comeragh Mountains. This trail takes you to visit the wonderful site where the Mahon River cascades over the sandstone cliffs.
Starting from Mahon Bridge, follow the Crough Wood Walk along the meandering Mahon through the woodland. It’s a gravel track for the first section through the wood before continuing on a grass path. Along the riverside path, the terrain can be rocky and boggy at times, so come prepared with appropriate footwear. After visiting the falls, follow the same route back to Mahon Bridge. There are no facilities and support points on the way, so all the necessary equipment is essential, without forgetting water and food for a great adventure. Bins are not available, so bring your rubbish to a nearby bin to help preserve a biodiversity area. On the routes, dogs are welcome and must be kept on leads at all times.
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