What do you need to know before hiking Coumshingaun?
The Coumshingaun loop is a challenging 7.5 km hike in County Waterford's Comeragh Mountains, taking around 4 hours to complete. It involves steep climbs and some scrambling. For a much easier experience, you can take the 1.5-hour out-and-back trail directly to the lough, which avoids the difficult ridge section.
Table of contents
How long is the Coumshingaun hike?
Short answer: The full loop takes about 4 to 5 hours, covering 7.5 km with significant elevation. The simpler walk to the lough and back takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and is much less strenuous.
The time it takes depends on your chosen path. The easier walk to the lough's edge and back is a manageable 1.5 to 2-hour trip. It's boggy in spots but avoids steep climbs. The full loop is a serious 4 to 5-hour commitment. This 7.5 km route involves a steep ascent up a gully, a walk along an exposed ridge, and a total climb of over 350 meters, demanding careful footing.
Understanding the two main routes: lake vs. loop
Short answer: You can choose an accessible out-and-back walk to the lough's shore or a difficult full loop hike that goes up and around the ridge. These are two very different experiences.
The out-and-back lake walk
This popular 4 km route leads from the car park to the lough's shore. The path involves some scrambling over rocks and boggy ground but isn't a steep climb. It's a great way to see the corrie without a long, demanding day and is suitable for most casual walkers with proper footwear.
The full loop walk
The 7.5 km loop is a serious challenge for experienced hikers only. It requires proper gear, a head for heights, and navigation skills, as the trail is poorly marked. The route includes a steep gully climb and scrambling. Here's a key tip: always hike the loop clockwise. Ascending the steep gully is much safer than descending it, particularly when wet.
Where do you park for the Coumshingaun hike?
Short answer: You park at the Kilclooney Wood car park, located just off the R676 between Carrick-on-Suir and Dungarvan.
The starting point is the Kilclooney Wood car park, which is signposted off the R676. This small lot fills up very quickly on weekends and holidays, so you should aim to arrive before 10 a.m. to get a space. There is no overflow parking, and roadside parking is discouraged as it can block access for farm equipment and emergency vehicles.
Is the Coumshingaun hike dangerous?
Short answer: The full loop can be dangerous due to steep drops, poorly marked trails, and changing weather. The easier walk to the lough is not dangerous but requires sturdy footwear.
Safety depends on your route and preparation. The walk to the lake is a typical hillwalk, where the main risk is a twisted ankle from poor footwear. The full loop, however, has significant risks. The trail follows sheer cliffs where a fall could be fatal. Steep sections get very slippery when wet, and the path often disappears, making navigation difficult. Don't attempt this route without confidence, proper gear, and a careful weather check.
Essential gear and weather
Proper hiking boots with ankle support are essential for the wet, boggy ground. Always pack waterproofs, even on a clear day. Weather in the Comeraghs changes instantly. Fog is the primary danger, as it severely limits visibility. Always check a specific mountain weather forecast, not just a general one for the region. Other key items include:
- A fully charged phone and a backup map or GPS
- At least 1.5 litres of water per person
- Snacks for energy
- Extra layers like a fleece, hat, and gloves
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| The views from the ridge are among the best in Ireland. | The trail for the full loop is poorly marked and easy to lose. |
| The walk to the lough is accessible for many fitness levels. | The car park is small and fills up very early on weekends. |
| It's a free outdoor activity in a beautiful location. | Weather can change very quickly, making the ridge dangerous. |
| You get a great sense of accomplishment from completing the loop. | Some sections require scrambling and a head for heights. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wearing the wrong shoes: The terrain is wet and rocky. Proper hiking boots with ankle support are necessary to prevent injury.
- Underestimating the weather: Conditions on the ridge differ from the car park. Pack waterproofs and extra layers, regardless of the forecast.
- Hiking the loop counter-clockwise: This makes the steepest part a dangerous descent. Always go clockwise to climb the most difficult section.
- Forgetting supplies: The full loop is a strenuous 4-5 hour hike with no facilities. Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Relying only on a phone: Phone batteries die in the cold. For the loop, carry a map and compass or a dedicated GPS device as a backup.
Alternatives to the Coumshingaun loop
If the full loop sounds too difficult or the weather isn't suitable, there are other great options in the Comeragh Mountains.
- Mahon Falls: An easy, short walk on a paved path to a waterfall. This is a great choice for families or anyone looking for a gentle stroll.
- Crotty's Lake: Another corrie lake in the Comeraghs. The hike is typically easier and less crowded than the Coumshingaun loop.
- The Nire Valley Walks: This area has several marked loop walks of different lengths and difficulties, offering another view of the Comeraghs.
Quick recap
- Coumshingaun has two main routes: an easy 1.5-hour walk to the lake and a difficult 4-hour loop over the ridge.
- Always hike the full loop in a clockwise direction for safety on the steepest section.
- Wear proper hiking boots, as the ground is boggy and uneven.
- The car park at Kilclooney Wood is small and fills up very quickly on good days.
- Check the mountain weather forecast, as fog and wind can make the high route dangerous.
- The trail for the full loop is not well-marked, so navigation skills are essential.
Can you swim in Coumshingaun Lough?
Yes, swimming is popular here, but the water is extremely cold year-round. There are no lifeguards, so you swim at your own risk. The water gets deep very quickly near the shore.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The best time is between May and September for better weather and longer daylight. Winter hiking should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers with proper ice and snow equipment.
Are there toilets at the car park?
No, there are no toilets or other facilities at the car park or on the trail. The nearest are in nearby towns like Carrick-on-Suir or Dungarvan.
Is the Coumshingaun hike suitable for dogs?
The walk to the lake is fine for dogs on a lead, as sheep often graze nearby. The full loop is not recommended for dogs because of steep scrambles and exposed ridges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hike the coumshingaun loop?
A: The full loop takes about 4 to 5 hours, while the easier walk to the lough takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The 7.5 km loop is a challenging and strenuous hike that covers over 350 meters of elevation with steep sections requiring scrambling. In contrast, the shorter walk to the lough's edge and back is much more manageable for casual walkers, as it avoids the difficult ridge and steep gully climb. The significant time difference reflects the vast difference in terrain and difficulty between the two distinct routes.
Is the hike suitable for beginners?
A: The walk to the lough is suitable for beginners, but the full loop trail is only for experienced hikers. The out-and-back route to the lough is a 4 km trip over some boggy and rocky ground but does not involve steep climbing, making it a great option for most fitness levels. The full 7.5 km loop is a serious undertaking that demands a head for heights, scrambling ability, and navigation skills due to the poorly marked trail. Novices should not attempt the high route around the ridge.
Where is the parking for the hike?
A: You park at the Kilclooney Wood car park, which is signposted just off the R676 road. This is the designated starting point for both the lough walk and the full loop, but be aware that it is a small lot. It fills up extremely quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays, so you should plan to arrive before 10 a.m. to get a space. There is no overflow area, and parking along the road is discouraged as it can block access for farm vehicles.
What makes the full loop hike dangerous?
A: The full loop can be dangerous due to its exposed ridges, poorly marked trail, and the potential for rapid weather changes. The route runs alongside sheer cliffs where a fall could be fatal, and the steep gully section becomes very slippery and treacherous when wet. Fog is a primary danger, as it can reduce visibility to almost zero, making navigation extremely difficult on the often-disappearing path. Attempting this route without proper gear, experience, and a favorable mountain forecast is a significant risk.