Overview
Mahon Bridge (Droichead na Machan) is a small village on the R676 between Carrick-on-Suir and Dungarvan, about 6 km from Kilmacthomas. It works mainly as a car park and coffee stop for the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains above it. The River Mahon runs through the village down to the coast at Bunmahon, and the stone bridge that gives the place its name dates from about 1780.
Walking the Mahon valley
Mahon Falls
North of the village the Mahon drops through a steep gorge to form Mahon Falls, a run of disjointed drops totalling roughly 80 metres. It’s reached by a clearly signposted trail off the R676, with a free car park on the left at the trailhead – and no toilets, so sort that in the village first. The gravel path follows the river through a damp, fern-rich valley where you’ll find Wilson’s filmy-fern, fir clubmoss and great wood-rush, with wheatear, siskin, crossbill and meadow pipit about, and peregrines and buzzards working the higher crags. The return walk is roughly 2.5 km and about 40 minutes, gentle for most of it but uneven near the falls, so wear proper footwear.
One honest caveat: in a dry spell the falls thin to a trickle. Come a day or two after rain, when there’s real water coming off the mountain, and it’s a different sight altogether.
Crough Wood
For an easier outing, Crough Wood offers a 3 km loop along the River Mahon, with the main walkway from the entrance running 0.68 km and picnic tables near the start. A newer 1 km footpath links the village crossroads straight to the Crough Wood car park, on the right of the crossroads, cutting the approach to around 20 minutes. The woodland floor is flat and firm, which makes it a reliable choice for families or anyone wanting a gentle grade.
Cycling the ‘Magic Road’
Cyclists heading for Mahon Falls take on the ‘Magic Road’, a fully paved ascent with a reputation as one of Munster’s steeper climbs. It measures 2.7 km with 194 m of ascent at an average gradient of 7.2%. Most riders get up it in 10 to 15 minutes depending on gearing and legs; the descent is fast and wants careful braking on the narrow stretches.
History and heritage
The village takes its name from the bridge, not the other way round: the stone crossing dates from about 1780. The River Mahon once powered several mills, including a 19th-century mill built by the Palliser family, now ruined, and a corn mill at Furraleigh that still shows a tunnel and chimney. A forge in the area was linked to the inventions of William Palliser. The former Church of Ireland school later became a creamery, which closed in the 1980s. A run-of-the-river hydroelectric station, fed from the Mahon about 2 km upstream, generates up to 850 kW for the national grid from a turbine house set underground so it doesn’t mark the valley.
The area around Kilcomeragh townland carries older traces. A large slate house with a bawn once stood here; it was burned around 1641 by Royalists under Sir Charles Vavasour, and nothing survives above ground. Nearby are an ogham stone, now kept at Comeragh Lodge, a children’s burial ground and a possible souterrain. Comeragh House itself, built about 1825 and originally called Roxboro, was the seat of the Palliser family – home to the 19th-century explorer John Palliser – and was burned in February 1923 during the Civil War.
Practical information
Getting there From the N25, exit onto the R676 near Mahon Bridge and follow signs for Comeragh Drive. The Mahon Falls car park appears on the left after about 1 km; for Crough Wood, continue toward the falls and the woodland car park is on the right. There is no direct bus from Waterford city – services from Parnell Street run via Lemybrien.
Parking and access Both car parks are free and open year-round. Spaces are limited but usually enough outside peak summer weekends. The Mahon Falls trail is gravel and mostly walkable, though the uneven ground near the cascade is awkward for wheelchairs; Crough Wood’s main path is flatter and more suitable for all abilities.
Food and facilities Crough Coffee, in the old Power grocery shop in the village, does 3fe coffee, sourdough toasties, home baking and ice-cream. In 2024 a triangular field in the village was turned into an amenity area with a children’s playground, a 106-space car park, seating, bike parking, EV charging and wetland planting.
Best time to visit Come after rain for the falls. Early spring often brings mist to the gorge, good for photography, while winter can leave icy patches near the cascade, so check conditions first.
Nearby stops A short drive north reaches Comeragh House, visible from the road. The village is within easy reach of neighbouring hamlets like Kilrossanty, Fews, Furraleigh, Briska and Lyre. Local ceramic artist Adele Stanley works in the village, and her porcelain is sold at Ardmore Pottery & Gallery in Ardmore.
Arrive before midday if you want a parking space, pack a light layer even in summer – the valley cools noticeably below the tree line – and don’t bother with the falls in a dry week.