Overview
Coumshingaun Lough (also spelled Coumshingaun Lake) sits in a natural amphitheatre carved by the last Ice Age, about 35 minutes north‑west of Waterford City and 20 minutes from Dungarvan. The lake lies at the base of sheer granite cliffs that rise roughly 400 m above the water, creating a striking bowl‑shaped basin that mirrors the sky on calm days. The loop trail begins at Kilclooney Wood Car Park, a small but popular car park that fills quickly on fine weather.
Background
The lake is one of Ireland’s finest surviving glacial corries. Around 12 000 years ago, a glacier sculpted the Old Red Sandstone and granite of the Comeragh range, leaving a sweeping crescent‑shaped hollow that later filled with water to a depth of about 50 m. The surrounding landscape is dotted with moraine deposits, knife‑edge arêtes and scattered glacial erratics, offering a textbook example of corrie formation. Local folklore adds a layer of intrigue – the hermit Jim Fitzgerald, a WWI veteran, is said to have lived in a cave on the lake’s edge in the early 20th century.
What to See & Do
- The Ridge – The narrow, exposed ridge provides the most panoramic views of the lake and the wider Comeragh range. Photographers favour this spot for sunrise shots that capture the lake’s mirror surface.
- The “Castle” – A serrated rock formation that resembles a fortress; it marks a key navigation point on the clockwise circuit.
- The Mast – A tall marker that signals the approach to the summit plateau.
- Flora & Fauna – Spring brings bright gorse blooms, while summer reveals the rare St Patrick’s Cabbage and saxifrages. Birdwatchers can spot meadow pipits, skylarks, ravens and, on rarer occasions, white‑tailed eagles. Otters and mountain goats are occasional lake‑side visitors.
- Swimming & Fishing – The lake’s water is cold year‑round but swimmers do take a quick dip on warm days. Anglers can target brown trout and northern pike, though local regulations apply.
- Nearby Attractions – After the hike, consider a short drive to Mahoon Falls (15 min), the quirky Magic Road (15 min), the Waterford Greenway (20 min) or a seafood dinner in Dungarvan (20 min).
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Trail length | 6–8 km loop (shorter 1.8 km out‑and‑back option) |
| Difficulty | Hard – steep ascents, rocky scrambles, exposed sections |
| Estimated time | 3–4 hours (full loop) |
| Elevation gain | ~630 m |
| Opening hours | Open daily; best accessed in good weather |
| Admission | Free of charge |
| Parking | Kilclooney Wood Car Park (limited spaces, arrive early) |
| Nearest town | Dungarvan (20 min) |
| Emergency contact | South Eastern Mountain Rescue – dial 112 or 999 |
| Phone (local info) | +353 58 41741 (Dungarvan Tourist Office) |
Getting There
From Waterford City, follow the R676 south‑west for about 35 minutes to the Kilclooney Wood Car Park. GPS coordinates are 52.250539, ‑7.524765; entering “Kilclooney Wood Car Park” into Google Maps or AllTrails will guide you directly. The car park sits beside a small picnic bench that marks the trailhead.
Trail Choice
Most guidebooks recommend a clockwise direction: the steepest climb is tackled first, followed by a gentler descent. The anti‑clockwise route involves a steep, slippery scramble on the return leg and is best avoided unless you are very confident on exposed rock.
Safety Notes
Fog can roll in quickly, obscuring the narrow sections after the forest. Loose rock and exposed ledges demand sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Offline maps and a compass are advisable; the trail is poorly marked in places, especially after the ridge. In the event of an accident, identify your location as “Coumshingaun Loop, Comeragh Mountains” when contacting rescue services.
Camping & Leave‑No‑Trace
Camping is permitted near the lake, but fire bans and litter‑free policies apply. Use established sites where possible and pack out all waste.
Resources & Further Reading
- Detailed guide and safety notes: The Irish Insider – Coumshingaun Lake
- Trail map and user reports: The Irish Road Trip – Coumshingaun Loop Walk
- Official Waterford tourism page: Visit Waterford – Comeragh Mountains
Enjoy the solitude, the echoing cliffs and the crystal‑clear water of Coumshingaun Lough – a true glacial gem in the heart of Ireland’s wild west.