Coumshingaun Lake Loop

4.9 (48)

About

A dramatic horseshoe ridge-walk around one of Europe's finest glacial corrie lakes, with 365m cliffs plunging into dark water — one of Ireland's most exhilarating but demanding half-day hikes.

Things to Do

The Full Loop Hike

A 6–7.5 km horseshoe circuit with 600–700m of ascent, taking 3–5 hours. Start at Kilclooney Wood car park and go clockwise: a brutally steep climb for the first 2 km, then a narrow, exposed ridgeline with scrambling over boulders, followed by a boggy plateau descent. The views down into the corrie and across Waterford to the Copper Coast are staggering. Not for beginners or anyone with vertigo — cloud or wind makes the ridge genuinely dangerous. Download an offline GPS map before you go; the trail is unmarked in places.

Short Walk to the Lakeshore

About 1.8 km each way (3.6 km return), climbing ~250m in 1–1.5 hours. From the car park, cross the road, pass through a gate, and follow a grassy path up to the water's edge. Sit on the shore with the cliffs towering above — on a clear day this alone is worth the trip. Suitable for families with children who are reasonably fit.

Wild Swimming in the Corrie

The glacial water is freezing year-round, but hardy swimmers and cold-water training groups use the lake. The shore is reached easily from the return path. Even a quick paddle is memorable — just be prepared for the chill.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

The corrie and surrounding plateau are a Special Area of Conservation. Look out for peregrine falcons, ravens, buzzards, and hen harriers hunting the cliffs. Feral goats work the high slopes, and otters are sometimes seen at the water's edge.

Mahon Falls (Nearby)

Just a 15-minute drive away, this 80-metre waterfall has a flat, easy 20-minute walk-in — the perfect gentle counterweight after a hard morning on the ridge. Link them via the scenic Comeragh Drive.

Plan Your Visit

Hours: Open daily, year-round. Only attempt in good weather and daylight. Best months: May–September. Avoid in fog, high wind, ice, or snow.
Admission: Free — no admission charge
Parking: Kilclooney Wood car park on the R676 (Dungarvan–Carrick-on-Suir road). Free. ~30–35 spaces; fills early on fine weekends — arrive before 10am or after 3pm. Do not block the road or gates if full.
Food: Crough Coffee at Mahon Bridge (~5 min drive south on the R676) for coffee and snacks. Carrick-on-Suir (~15 min) and Dungarvan (~20 min) have pubs, restaurants, and shops.

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Nearby places

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Kilclooney Wood Hiking Area

A rugged Coillte woodland on the slopes of the Comeragh Mountains, Kilclooney is the gateway to Coumshingaun Lough — one of Ireland's finest glacial corrie lakes — with trails ranging from a gentle forest stroll to a genuinely demanding ridge scramble.

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Featured in

Driving routeComeragh Mountains to the Copper Coast7 stops · 32 min driving · Waterford