Lough Muskry | Tipperary

Overview

Lough Muskry (also written as Lake Muskry) sits at the foot of the Greenane peak in the heart of the Galtee Mountains, County Tipperary. At 493 m above sea level the lake stretches over 20 acres and is the deepest of the five classic corrie lakes carved by the last Ice Age. Melt‑water from mountain streams feeds the lake and it drains into the Shannon basin, making it an important aquifer for the region. Visitors arrive via the tiny village of Rossadrehid, where a small free car‑park and sign‑post mark the trailhead.

Name and Folklore

The lake’s modern name derives from the Muscraighe sept that once inhabited the south of Ireland. Historically it was known as Lough Béal Sead – the “Jewel‑Mouth Lake” – and also recorded as Loch Béal Dragan, the “Dragon’s Mouth”.

Local legend tells of 150 maidens who lived by the water and, every second year, were turned into birds; the most beautiful was allowed to wear a golden necklace, giving the lake its poetic name. Another tale links the lake to Saint Patrick: folklore recorded on duchas.ie says Patrick chained a great serpent in the lake, promising to release it on an Easter Monday seven years later. The serpent is said to surface on St Patrick’s Day, crying out, “Is it morning yet?”

These stories, together with the striking rock outcrop O’Loughnan’s Castle – a former nunatak – give the landscape a magical atmosphere that continues to inspire walkers and photographers.

What to See & Do

Walking & Hiking

Hiking, Cooley Mountains, Co Louth Courtesy Boyne Valley Trails Group

Lough Muskry is a hub for a variety of moderate‑difficulty routes that showcase the Galtee’s mixed lowland and upland terrain. Below is a quick reference of the most popular walks:

Route	Distance	Duration	Ascent	Difficulty	Highlights
Greenane via Lough Muskry (OutdoorActive)	14.4 km	4 h 30 m	659 m	Moderate	Forestry track, O’Loughnan’s Castle, Greenane summit, Borheen Lough
Lough Muskry Walk (ActiveME)	12 km	3.5 h	404 m	Moderate	Woodland, cliffs of the Galtees, loop back to start
Lough Muskry Circuit (Outsider)	13 km	3 h 30 m	500 m	Moderate	Snow‑covered northern slopes in winter, Farbreaga (False Man) summit
Corderry Farm Lake Muskry Loop	9 km	3 h	415 m	Moderate	Views of Farbrega, blanket‑bog flora, historic turf banks

All routes start from the Rossadrehid signpost and are well‑marked. The Greenane loop climbs to 796 m before descending past the lake’s east shore, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding corrie lakes. The winter‑time Lough Muskry Circuit is highlighted by the Outsider guide for its crisp air, occasional snowfall and the chance to see the lake frozen in a surreal landscape.

Flora & Fauna

The Galtee’s acidic soils support a distinctive plant community. Botanists prize species such as St Patrick’s Cabbage, Saxifrages, Bladder Fern, Rose Root and Scurvy Grass. The blanket‑bog landscape provides habitat for a range of birdlife, especially winter migrants – making the lake a rewarding spot for birdwatchers.

Photography & Scenic Views

Mount Brandon, Trail, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry Courtesy Declan Murphy

The lake’s clear, reflective surface makes it a favourite for landscape photographers. From the east shore you can capture the dramatic silhouette of O’Loughnan’s Castle, while the western ridge offers sweeping views of the entire Galtee range, including the iconic Galtymore and Galtybeg peaks. In winter, low‑angle light on the snow‑capped ridges creates striking contrasts.

Nearby Corrie Lakes

Lough Muskry is one of five classic corrie lakes in the Galtees. A short walk north leads to Farbrega, a smaller lake perched on a neighbouring hill, while Borheen, Diheen and Curra lie within easy reach for those wishing to extend their circuit.

Practical Information

Opening: Open year‑round, free entry.
Parking: A small free car‑park at the edge of Rossadrehid (grid reference R919 282) provides space for several vehicles.
Access: From Rossadrehid turn right onto the sign‑posted road to the car‑park and follow the marked footpath. GPS tracks are available on OutdoorActive, ActiveME and the Corderry Farm guide.
Dog policy: Dogs are not permitted on the trail due to livestock in the surrounding fields (Corderry Farm source).
Facilities: No permanent facilities at the lake; bring water, snacks and a packed lunch. Nearest toilets and café are in Rossadrehid or Nenagh.
Navigation: Coordinates for the lake centre are 52.406044, -8.122124 (OSI Grid R 91738 28238). Use the County Tipperary turn‑by‑turn directions.
Seasonal notes: Winter walks may encounter snow on higher ridges. The Glen of Aherlow Winter Walking Festival (late January) often includes a route to Lough Muskry. The lake’s surface can freeze, offering a unique photographic opportunity.

Getting There

Mode	Details
Car	From Nenagh (20 km) follow the R498 to Rossadrehid. Parking is free at the trailhead.
Public transport	The nearest bus stop is in Nenagh; a taxi from there to Rossadrehid takes about 15 minutes.
Bike	Quiet, low‑traffic regional roads make the approach suitable for cyclists.