Kelly Comeragh Challenge and Legacy Routes

The Kelly Comeragh Challenge:
This is a challenging route designed with the experienced touring cyclist in mind. At a massive 171 kilometres, it has four really tough climbs through some of the most scenic upland countryside imaginable. Taking cyclists due east out of Dungarvan, along the Waterford Greenway to Kilmacthomas and onwards to Carrick-on-Suir via Fews and Clonea Power. At Carrickbeg there is a loop which takes in the back- breaking Seskin Hill. This is Kelly Country! The route continues as far as Clonmel where it turns towards Ballymacarbry, followed by a meander through the gorgeous Nire Valley before crossing the Nier River and heading into the heart of the Comeraghs. The route climbs to over 400 metres at the wonderfully named Powers the Pot, whence it descends through enchanting uplands to the lovely village of Rathgormack. The return journey turns at Mahon Bridge to lead to the majestic Mahon Falls before reaching the village of Kilrossanty, the climb of the Máma Road and Kilbrien. At Bery’s Cross, one can breathe a sigh of relief, although it is still over 13 kilometres back to Dungarvan, it is almost completely downhill!

The Kelly Legacy:
At 106 kilometres this is a route that Sean Kelly has made rightly famous. It is indeed one of his legacies to cycling. Without actually entering the mountain terrain, it is basically a circuit of the Comeragh Mountains. Beginning in Dungarvan it follows the route of the Kelly Comeragh Challenge as far as Carrick-on-Suir, with the lovely Comeraghs on the left at all times. After Carrick the route runs parallel to, and south of, the River Suir to Clonmel taking in the tranquil setting of Glencomeragh House. Skirting the town of Clonmel on the southern side, it swings left at Kilmacomma and travels on to the picturesque village of Ballymacarbry. From here, the route continues in a southerly direction through Colligan Wood and past the Master McGrath Monument before eventually arriving back at Dungarvan.