This scenic 4km loop in Glenpatrick Woods offers a gentle introduction to the Comeraghs, passing Waterford’s smallest ring fort and the film-famous Carrigsheegowna. With views of Knockanaffrin Ridge and Crotty’s Rock, this trail blends natural beauty with folklore and film history. A moderate walk, perfect for a short woodland escape. Trailhead: Glenpatrick Woods.
An Rathbeag, Rathgormack
The ‘An Rathbeag’ National Looped Walk is the shorter of the two looped walks in Glenpatrick Woods. An Rathbeag is Waterford’s smallest ring fort. The trail passes close to Carrigsheegowna, a striking sandstone knob which figured prominently in the 1975 film, Barry Lyndon. The trail leads you parallel to the Comeragh Mountains’ striking Knockanaffrin Ridge and if you look just beyond it you can make out “the Asses`Ears”, the twin pinnacles of Crotty`s Rock, named after William Crotty, the raparee hanged in Ballybricken in 1742. Under Knockanaffrin lies Lough Mohra, the longer loop in these woods.
Directions
From the village of Rathgormack on the R678 (Distance from Clonmel: 12 miles, Waterford: 25 miles, Carrick on Suir: 6 miles, Dungarvan: 18 miles), follow the R678 in the direction of Clonmel. After a 5km straight stretch, the road swings left and reaches a downhill roadway on your right. Shortly afterwards the road turns right at a 4-roadway junction – turn left onto a forestry roadway. Travel for 500m to reach the trailhead.
| Distance | 4 km |
| Duration | 1 hr |
| Parking | Yes |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Terrain | Forestry roads |
| Type | Loop |
| Ascent | 100 metres |
| Suitable for | Moderate level of fitness |
| Minimum Gear | Walking shoes, rain jacket, fluid, mobile phone |
| Trailhead GPS Coordinates | 52.3227809,-7.5780675 |
| OSI Map | 75, S-285180 |
| Trailhead | Glenpatrick Woods |
| Nearest Town/Village | Rathgormack |
Map
Overview
This scenic 4km loop in Glenpatrick Woods offers a gentle introduction to the Comeraghs, passing Waterford’s smallest ring fort and the film-famous Carrigsheegowna. With views of Knockanaffrin Ridge and Crotty’s Rock, this trail blends natural beauty with folklore and film history. A moderate walk, perfect for a short woodland escape. Trailhead: Glenpatrick Woods.
Rathgormack
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Comeraghs
Coumshingaun Lough and Kilclooney Loop
From the dramatic heights of Coumshingaun Lough - a glacial lake looped by one of Ireland’s most scenic mountain trails - to the gentle woodlands and rolling hills of the Kilclooney Loop near Ballymacarbry, Waterford offers unforgettable walking experiences for every level of adventurer.
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