Overview
The Comeragh Mountains (Na Coiméaraigh) form a rugged, glaciated range straddling the border of County Waterford and County Tipperary. Twelve distinct peaks rise from the surrounding farmland, culminating at Fauscoum (792 m), the range’s highest summit and the second-highest point in Waterford. The mountains sit just inland from the historic port of Dungarvan, accessible via the N25, and extend westward toward Clonmel. Foothill villages including Kilrossanty, Kilmacthomas, Lemybrien and Rathgormack serve as traditional gateways for walkers, cyclists and photographers seeking a landscape that feels worlds away from the nearby coast.
Landscape & History
The Comeraghs are a textbook example of glacial geology. During the last Ice Age, massive ice sheets carved deep, steep-sided valleys and left behind a string of corrie lakes (locally called coums) in their wake. The most dramatic of these is Coumshingaun Lough, a classic bowl-shaped basin surrounded by cliffs that rise over 365 m above the water.
The range has long functioned as a natural barrier between the coastal settlements and the inland farming communities. For centuries, the upland pastures were used for summer grazing, and the name Fauscoum derives from Fásach Cum, meaning “wild ridge,” a fitting description for the heather-covered summit plateau.
Human history in the mountains runs deep. The Matthewstown Passage Tomb (c. 2500–2000 BC) sits on an exposed ridge near Fenor, part of the Scilly-Tramore group of Neolithic monuments. In the early 20th century, the mountains took on a more solitary character with Jim Fitzgerald, a World War I veteran known as the “Hermit of Lackendara,” who lived in a cave on the edge of Coumshingaun. Today, the Comeragh Mountaineering Club maintains many of the routes, and the annual Comeragh Mountains Walking Festival in October celebrates the region with guided walks, trail runs and cultural talks.
Walking the Comeraghs
Fauscoum: The Highest Peak
Fauscoum (also known as Kilclooney Mountain) is the logical goal for those wanting to tick off Waterford’s second-highest point. The ascent begins from a turn-off on the N25 near the Lismore-Dungarvan junction. The path climbs steadily through open, heather-covered moorland before reaching a wide, windswept plateau. On a clear day, the views stretch from the Copper Coast and the Atlantic Ocean in the south to the Nire Valley lakes and the Galtee Mountains to the west. The ascent is moderate and suitable for fit walkers, though the exposed summit can be cold and windy.
Knockanaffrin Ridge
For more experienced hikers, the Knockanaffrin Ridge offers one of the most dramatic ridge walks in the southeast. Starting from the Nire Valley Car Park, the trail follows green-arrow waymarks through the boggy Nire Valley before climbing to The Gap (2.5 km from the car park). From here, the route scrambles along the 755 m ridge, offering sweeping vistas over the Suir Valley, Lough Mohra, Coumduala and the distant Knockmealdown Mountains. The ridge section involves some exposed scrambling and requires a head for heights. The round trip covers 4–5 km and typically takes 2–3 hours.
The Nire Valley Lakes
The Nire Valley is the heartland of the Comeragh lakes, accessible from the main car park on the N25.
- Lough Mohra Loop: A 7 km circuit that climbs through Glenpatrick Woods to the glacial basin of Lough Mohra. The ascent is 460 m, and the trail passes ancient ring forts before reaching the lake. In calm weather, the water often creates “infinity pool” reflections against the surrounding cliffs. Allow 2½ hours.
- Coumduala Loop: A 5.5 km circuit marked with purple arrows. This route is steeper and more rugged than the Mohra loop, climbing through a sand road and mountain terrain to a pear-shaped lake sitting 500 ft below the ridge. The surrounding black-rock moraines and quartz-speckled sandstone make for striking photography. Suitable for experienced walkers.
- Coumshingaun Lough: One of Europe’s finest classic corries. Access is via a steep forest track from the Nire Valley. The sheer cliffs rising 365 m above the lake are impressive, but the approach involves exposed sections and is best reserved for confident hikers comfortable with boggy, uneven ground.
Mahon Falls
Not all Comeragh walks require high-altitude scrambling. Mahon Falls, located near Lemybrien, is an 80-metre waterfall fed by the granite slopes of Fauscoum. A short forest walk from the Lismore-Dungarvan road leads to viewing points framed by native oak woodland. The walk is easy to moderate and makes a pleasant addition to a day exploring the lower foothills.
Matthewstown Passage Tomb
Located on an exposed ridge roughly one mile north of Fenor, the Matthewstown Passage Tomb is a significant Neolithic site. The monument measures approximately 4.5 m by 1.8 m and is oriented to the east. It sits in a striking, open location that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is an ideal cultural stop after a ridge walk, connecting visitors to the ancient reverence for these high places.
Practical Information
- Getting There: The mountains are accessed via the N25 between Dungarvan and Waterford City. The main trailhead is the Nire Valley Car Park, well signposted from the N25. Public transport reaches Dungarvan, from where local taxis or bike rentals can cover the distance to trailheads.
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Nire Valley Car Park. The site includes a gated forest entrance, an information board and clear trailhead markers.
- Waymarking: The Knockanaffrin Ridge is marked with green arrows, and the Coumduala Loop uses purple arrows. The Fauscoum ascent follows standard Irish mountain-trail markers.
- Season & Weather: Late spring to early autumn offers the most reliable footing and longest daylight hours. Mountain weather changes rapidly; waterproof clothing, sturdy boots and a map or GPS are essential.
- Safety: Several routes involve steep scrambles and exposed ridges. Hikers should honestly assess their fitness levels, carry a first-aid kit and inform someone of their intended route. Mobile reception is limited or non-existent in the higher valleys.
- Facilities: There are no permanent facilities on the peaks. The villages of Kilmacthomas and Lemybrien offer cafés, pubs and accommodation ranging from B&Bs to self-catering cottages.
- Events: The Comeragh Mountains Walking Festival in October is a highlight of the local calendar, featuring guided walks, trail runs and cultural talks that showcase the heritage of the Nire Valley.
Photography Tips
The Comeraghs provide rich material for photographers, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when the light brings out the deep greens of the heather and the subtle grey hues of the quartz rock. The mist-shrouded cliffs of Coumshingaun at sunrise, the mirror-like surface of Lough Mohra on a still day, and the dramatic vertical drop of Mahon Falls are standout subjects. Carry a lens that can handle wide landscapes, and be prepared for low-light conditions in the deep corries.
Check the Dungarvan Tourism website for current trail conditions before heading out, as the Nire Valley tracks can become heavily boggy after prolonged rain.