Rath Beag Loop Walk

Rath Beag Loop
Directions Directions to Trailhead
From the village of Rathgormack on the R678, follow the R678 in the direction of Clonmel. After a 5km straight stretch, the road swing left and passes a downhill roadway on the right (the trailhead for the Glenpatrick Loop is down there). Shortly afterwards the road turns right at a 4-roadway junction – turn left onto a forestry roadway. Travel for 500m to reach the trailhead.

Ascent 340m/100m
Distance 4km
Estimated Time 1hr - 1hr 15mins
Grade Easy
Minimum Gear Trekking shoes, raingear and fluid
Services Rathgormack 6km, Clonmel 12km
Terrain Forestry roads
Theme Nature
Trailhead Entrance to Glenpatrick Woods, Co Tipperary
OS Sheet 75, S285 180

The loop is situated in the Rathgormack area of Co. Waterford, it is the shorter of two loops. Most of the friendly inhabitants are engaged in agriculture - producing milk, beef, lamb, wool, bacon, cereals and timber. Major social interests of the area include Gaelic Football and Hurling – and are the popular topic of conversation at the two Kennedy’s Pubs in the small village. Hollywood legend Stanley Kubrick filmed some of the outdoor scenes for the 1976 Academy Award-winning film, Barry Lyndon (starring Ryan O’Neal and Leonard Rossiter) in the area. Rathgormack is an area rich in history – such as the Mothel Abbey which was the home for hundreds of years to Augustinian monks whose abbot controlled a large tract of mid-Waterford until Henry VIII imposed English rule over the county. Rathgormack’s most famous “son” has to be the Highwayman, William Crotty who lived here in the early 18th century when Ireland was under British rule. The scenery is dominated by the Comeragh mountain range with a great mix of mountain features that includes the long and precipitous Knockanaffrin Ridge, the shadowy depths and glacial amphitheatre of Coumshingaun, the magnificent plateau and falls in Coum Mahon. Tourism to the area is becoming more popular and Rathgormack now has a Hiking Centre which can accommodate 20 people.

A-B. From the trailhead follow the blue (and red) arrow along the forestry road - the red arrow is for the longer Lough Mohra Loop. Pass a roadway on your left and continue for 300m to reach a 3-way junction where both loops turn right.

B-C. You start to ascend now and after nearly 1km reach a 4-way junction where the red loop swings right and uphill. You proceed straight on here.

C-D. Continue to follow the blue arrows as the loop begins to descend and swing left. After 400m turn left at a 3-way junction, and left again at another junction after 50m.

D-B. In the next 500m you pass two forestry roads on your left and then regain the junction mentioned at B above.
This time proceed straight.

B-A. Enjoy the last 300m back to the trailhead.

Map of walk

Things to Do in the Area

Rathgormack is the ideal location for basing an action packed break whether for family or a large group.

Cycling The many quiet country roads and specific off road tracks make it ideal for cycling enthusiastics or leisure cyclists with an opportunity to follow the Sean Kelly Route.


Forest Walks - With Numerous forest areas mapped out tracks to follow, there are many places to have a picnic and a game of orienteering or hide and go seek!

Fishing - The comeragh mountains contain hidden lakes and tributaries to the Suir and the River Suir itself makes Rathgormack an ideal area for keen fishermen. Ask the locals about hot spots for a good catch.

Golf Clubs - Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel Golf Clubs are less than 15mins away from Rathgormack.

Lesiure Centre - Sean Kelly Sports Centre in Carrick-on-Suir with swimming pool and Gym.

Passage East Car Ferry - The scenic short cut between the beautiful counties of Wexford and Waterford. Drive through beasutiful counttruside, past historic sights, enjoy peasceful crossing of the Suir Esturay by drive on, drive off car ferry and save time on your trip.

Horse Racing - Clonmel, Tramore and Gowran park are three racecourses within easy driving distance from Rathgormack and hold several race meetings throughout the year.

Traditional Music in Pubs - there are plenty of welcoming pubs including two in teh village itself which are situated less than two minutes walk from the hostel. great craic and music is guaranteed.

other attractions within easy driving include

Waterford & Suir Valley Railway (Kilmeaden)- Take a trip along part of the old railway line along the river Suir and learn some of the heritage and folklore of the surrounding area. A must for all families. www.wsvrailway.ie

Ormond Castle (Carrick-on-Suir) - Built in the 16th Century, this Manor House fronts a larger complex dating from the 14th century. Thomas Butler, 10th earl of Ormonde added the 'new' north range which became know as the Manor house to the existing buildings. Free admission. Also visit the Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre, where photgraphs, documents and artefacts of the area are on display.

Main Guard (Clonmel)- The main guard was built by james Butler, Duke of Ormond, in 1675 as the Courthouse for the Palatinate or administravice are of Co. tipperary. Free admission

Swiss Cottage (Cahir)- A fairytale, rustic "cottage orne" of great charm built in the 1800's. www.heritageireland.ie

The Copper Coast UNESCO European Geopark - Discover the ancient stroy behind the formation of the rock, cliffs and inlets of this spectacular coastline. www.coppercoastgeopark.com.

Fenor Bog - National nature reserve at Fenor. The swampy woodland march habitats suppot diverise animal and birdlife from dragonflies and butterflies to deer and otter.

Mount Congreve Garden - (Kilmeaden) is a beautiful eighty acre garden consisting of extensive planted woodland, 2000 different rhodendrons, magnolia walks, a camerllia collection and a georgian green house.

Curraghmore Eatste - (Portlaw) Magnificent home of the Marquis and his ancestors since 1170. Incudes an arboretum, a bridge built in 1205 and a unique sheel house. www.currahmorehouse.ie


Lismore Castle Gardens and art gallery - The castle gardens are set in seven acres within the 17th century outer defensive walls and have spectacular views of Lismore Castle. www.lismorecastle.com

Lismore Heritage Centre - The story of Lismore dating from 636 AD us told in a multi lingual, adovisal presentation by Niall Tobin www.discoverlismore.com

Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Mitchelstown Cave, Round Tower in Ardmore, Mount Melleray Abbey in Cappoquinn

Walking Club - Rathgormack Ramblers

For those in the Rathgormack area interested in walking then check out Rathgormack Ramblers Hill Walking Club which was founded in 2008. The club provides it`s members with an opportunity to partake in rambling and hill walking, mainly in the Comeraghs and Knockmealdowns. The club particularly urges it`s members to be aware of the need for safety on the hills and of the need to respect the communities and environments of the mountains.
We are a small club with a membership of about 40. We are affiliated to the Mountaineering Council of Ireland. All our members are insured both for personal accident and personal liability insurance
For more on the club and the walks they have planned visit their website, or contact Mick on 087-2927077.
Here is a link to the clubs website

Walks around the area

Here are a selection of walks around the area of Rathgormack, click on the walk name to see more details of the particular walk. We will be constantly updating this page with new walks so please come back again to check it out.

Glenpatrick Bridge Loop
2hrs - 2hrs 30mins
8km
Moderate
Marked
Forestry roads, green tracks and laneways

Lough Mohra Loop Walk
1hr - 1hrs 15mins
6km
Moderate
Marked
Forestry roads, open country

Rathbeg Loop Walk
1hr - 1hrs 15mins
4km
Easy
Marked
Forestry roads,

Coumshingaun Corrie Lake Walk
3hrs-3.5hrs
4.4 miles
Difficult
Unmarked
Climb up over and around the top of the lake
GPS route available

Trail over Lough Mohra and up to Knockanaffrin
5.4 miles
Difficult
Unmarked
GPS route available

Comeragh Mountain Traverse
7 miles
5hrs.
Difficult
Unmarked
GPS route available

Why not check out the local walking club Rathgormack Ramblers

Glenpatrick Bridge Loop

Directions	Directions to Trailhead From the village of Rathgormack on the R678, follow the R678 in the direction of Clonmel. After a 5km straight stretch, the road swing left and reaches a downhill roadway on your right. Turn right and travel for 500m to reach a large car parking area on your right.
Ascent	310m/160m
Distance	8km
Estimated Time	2hrs - 2hrs 30mins
Grade	Moderate
Minimum Gear	Trekking shoes, raingear, snack and fluid
Services	Rathgormack 6km, Clonmel 12km
Terrain	Forestry roads, green tracks and laneways.
Theme	Nature
Trailhead	Glenpatrick Picnic Area, Co. Tipperary OS Sheet 75, S289 195

A-B. Starting from the car park area turn right on the surfaced road and follow the green arrow for 100m to reach Glenpatrick Bridge over the Glasha River. Immediately after the bridge, turn left into forestry - pass through the barrier and veer left at the Y-junction. Continue along the forestry road as it ascends alongside the river and after nearly 1km, veer left at the next Y-junction. After 500m the forestry road approaches an exit onto the R678 near Boola Bridge. Do not exit - instead swing sharp right, staying on forestry road.

B-C. Continue to ascend - turning left at the next junction and, shortly afterwards, left again. Now you are travelling parallel to (but well above) the R678 - continue to do so for almost 1km to reach a marker post which directs you left and onto a sandy track into forestry. This short track exits onto the surfaced road - take care crossing it to join an old Coach/Drover Road which starts your homeward journey.

C-D. Continue to follow the green arrows along the old road - with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains opening in front of you. After more than 1km the road begins the descent towards Glenpatrick. The last section of the old road changes to a tarred surface before you join the R678. Turn left here.

D-A. Follow the R678 for 200m to reach a laneway on your right. Turn right and enjoy this magical tree-lined laneway as it descends to reach a surfaced road at the ruins of a Slate Mine. Turn left - the trailhead is only 50m away.

Map of route

Below is a map to the start point

View Glenpatrick Bridge Loop Walk in a larger map

Lough Mohra Loop Walk

Directions	Directions to Trailhead From the village of Rathgormack on the R678, follow the R678 in the direction of Clonmel. After a 5km straight stretch, the road swing left and passes a downhill roadway on the right (the trailhead for the Glenpatrick Loop is down there). Shortly afterwards the road turns right at a 4-roadway junction – turn left onto a forestry roadway. Travel for 500m to reach the trailhead.
Ascent	460m/220m
Distance	6km
Estimated Time	1hr - 1hrs 15mins
Grade	Moderate
Minimum Gear	Hiking boots, raingear, snack and fluid
Services	Rathgormack 6km, Clonmel 12km
Terrain	Forestry roads, open country
Theme	Nature
Trailhead	Entrance to Glenpatrick Woods, Co. Tipperary OS Sheet 75, S285 180

A-B. From the trailhead follow the red (and blue) arrow along the forestry road - the blue arrow is for the shorter Rath Beag Loop. Pass a roadway on your left and continue for 300m to reach a 3-way junction where both loops turn right.

B-C. You start to ascend now and after nearly 1km reach a 4-way junction where the blue loop goes straight. From here you start the ascent toward Lough Mohra - you will be returning to this point again on the descent. For now, swing sharp right and uphill.

C-D. Continue to follow the red arrows for almost 1km to reach a 3-way junction where the loop swings left and downhill. If you want to view Lough Mohra follow the green arrows straight ahead - it is approximately 1.5km (20min) out and back to this point.

D-E. After 500m of a downhill trek you regain the 4-way junction (C). This time turn right and rejoin the blue loop for the return journey. After 400m turn left at a 3-way junction, and left again at another junction after 50m.

E-A. Continue to follow the red and blue arrows as the loop swings left to regain the junction at B above.
Proceed straight and enjoy the last 300m back to the trailhead.

Map of route



Link to Bord Failte

Lough Mohro Loop Walk, Rathgormack, Co. Waterford

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Coumshingaun, Corrie Lake, Walk

This is a walk up and around the top of Coumshingaun lake, it is a 3hr walk, over 4 1/2 miles, with a vertical lift of 2100ft.
To view the details of the walk click "STATS" in the window below and move you mouse along the blue line on the graph to see the terrain and the walk in more detail.
The car park located at the starting point is 5 miles from the Hiking Centre in Rathgormack.
Again thanks to Andrew Howard for providing this walk, the walk can be downloaded to your GPS if you click on the link over the window below.

Coumshingaun Loop Walk, Commeragh Mountains, Waterford, Ireland

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