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Begin your journey in Kilmacthomas and stop off at Coach House Coffee for a relaxed breakfast and great coffee. It’s the perfect place to ease into your trip. Pick up a few pastries or treats to bring with you for a picnic later on.
For a fully immersive experience, begin your walk from Crough Wood car park (approx. 10 min drive), following a woodland trail that gradually opens out into the wider Mahon Valley. Expect sweeping mountain views, grazing sheep, and a dramatic waterfall as your backdrop.
Crough Wood → Mahon Falls
Approx. 2 hours | Moderate difficulty
For a shorter and more accessible option, begin your walk at Mahon Falls car park, where the falls are just a short distance from the roadside. This route still offers the same dramatic scenery, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler walk or are short on time.
Mahon Falls Car Park → Mahon Falls
Approx. 30-45 mins | Easy difficulty
There are no cafés here, which is all part of the experience. Find a quiet spot, unpack your treats from earlier, and enjoy a simple picnic surrounded by open landscape.
Please be sure to pack all litter away after your picnic, and help care for Waterford’s wild places by following the principles of Leave No Trace during your trip.
Retrace your steps back to Crough Wood car park, with the scenery shifting from open mountain views to quiet woodland.
After your walk, make your way to Crough Wood Wellness (approx. 5 min drive from Crough Wood car park) for:
Check into Comeragh Pods (approx. 20 min drive), your cosy base for the next two nights, tucked into the foothills of the mountains.
Head into Dungarvan (approx. 30 min drive), a lively harbour town that will become your evening base for the trip. Get comfortable in 360 Cookhouse for a relaxed dining experience with a focus on local produce.
After dinner, return to your accommodation and settle in for the night.
Today brings one of Ireland’s most iconic hikes, with the reward of a wild swim in the spectacular waters of the lough – don’t forget to pack your swim gear and a towel before setting off!
Join Muddy Boots for a guided hike to Coumshingaun Lough, where expert local knowledge and storytelling add depth to one of Waterford’s most dramatic landscapes.
Alternatively, you can opt for a self-guided hike:
Spend time at the lake to:
Note: The water is cold year-round, and there are no lifeguard facilities. Always take care when wild swimming.
Make your way back down at your own pace.
Visit Comeragh Mountain Farm (approx. 25 min drive) for a holistic farm tour. This is a lovely way to reconnect with the land after your hike and experience the local food story of the region.
Back at your accommodation (approx. 20 min drive), take full advantage of the facilities:
Head back into town (approx. 30 min drive) for a cosy evening meal at The Local Bar & Restaurant. Welcoming and full of character, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy some fresh, homemade food in the heart of Dungarvan.
Start your final day in Dungarvan, collecting bikes from The Greenway Man Bike Hire & Cycle Tours. Set off along the Waterford Greenway, cycling towards Kilmacthomas via Durrow.
This is one of the most scenic stretches of the route, featuring:
Arrive in Kilmacthomas and return to Coach House Coffee. Refuel with a relaxed lunch and take a well-earned break after your cycle.
Make your way back to Dungarvan. Before heading home, stop into AndChips for a final meal, followed by a stroll along the harbour. It’s simple but fitting end to your trip.
For those with a little more time, you may wish to extend your stay and experience one of Ireland’s most historic walking routes — St. Declan’s Way.
Stretching approximately 115 km from Cashel in County Tipperary to Ardmore in County Waterford, this ancient pilgrim path dates back over 1,500 years and follows the route taken by St. Declan on his journey to meet St. Patrick.
Passing through the Knockmealdown Mountains and into West Waterford, the trail weaves through quiet countryside, historic towns, and sacred sites, offering a deeply reflective and rewarding experience.
The work of preserving and promoting this historic path is led by St. Declan’s Way Steering Committee. This dedicated voluntary group has played a central role in reviving the route and ensuring it remains accessible, waymarked, and protected for future generations.
For those seeking a more immersive journey, you can opt for a guided experience with Celtic Ways Ireland. Their curated pilgrim tours allow you to experience St. Declan’s Way at a gentle pace, with carefully arranged accommodation (including stays in an Irish monastery), guided walks with local experts, and added experiences such as kayaking, traditional Irish music and storytelling. Tours also include luggage transfers and logistical support, with a pilgrim certificate presented on completion.
Three days of hiking, wild swimming, and adventures in the Comeragh Mountains
Escape into the heart of County Waterford with three days of fresh air, rugged landscapes, and well-earned moments of rest. From waterfall trails and glacial lakes to wood-fired saunas and cosy evenings in Dungarvan, this itinerary is designed for those who want to explore the wild, and truly switch off.
ComeraghsDungarvanKilmacthomasMahon Falls
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Three days of hiking, wild swimming, and adventures in the Comeragh Mountains.
Escape into the heart of County Waterford with three days of fresh air, rugged landscapes, and well-earned moments of rest. From waterfall trails and glacial lakes to wood-fired saunas and cosy evenings in Dungarvan, this itinerary is designed for those who want to explore the wild, and truly switch off.
