In the Press

carrick-on-suir-duathlon-2009
Fund Raiser for Clodiagh Playground

Rathgormack Walking Project

Wexford hill walkers

Pictured above is Bridget Ann with the group of  from Wexford Hill Walking Club who had a wonderful hike followed by a BBQ on Saturday last followed by a ramble down the village.
(note and image submitted by Bridget Ann)

Pictures from the Rathgormack 5 Mile Road Race

Here is a slideshow of some of the pictures from the Rathgormack 5 mile road race, you can also get a link to the set here
This set has some the pictures before and after the main event and also the walking group


This set has photos of the 5 mile run.

Comeragh Mountain Traverse

image by Francis Quigley (www.RiverHousePhoto.com)

This is a 7 mile walk which would take a good walker in the region of 5hrs. It starts at the West side of the Comeragh mountains near Knockanafrin and finshes at Kilclonney Wood. The route is not marked but the map and full GPS route are available at the link below.

Comeragh Mountains Traverse

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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