Where the Comeraghs are
The Comeragh Mountains run south of Clonmel, in Co. Waterford. The northern slopes start about 15 minutes by car from the town centre. The range stretches roughly 25km north to south and includes some of the most dramatic glacial scenery in the country — corries, hanging valleys, and the famous Coumshingaun Lough.
From a riding point of view, the Comeraghs offer mixed terrain. Lower slopes are mostly forestry — Coillte's Sitka spruce plantations cut by fire roads and forest tracks. Above the tree line you get open moorland, bog, and exposed ridges. The high ground stays cold and windy even in summer.
The riding
Most of the rideable terrain in the Comeraghs is fire road and forest doubletrack. Singletrack exists but it's locally-known — you ride with someone who knows the trails or you spend a few sessions finding the good lines yourself.
A typical Comeragh ride out of Clonmel: drive to Mahon Falls car park or one of the forestry entry points, climb on fire road for 30-60 minutes, descend on a mix of forest tracks and any singletrack you can link in. Loops of 15-25km are normal.
Skill level: comfortable on technical natural trail. The descents have rooted sections, drainage cuts, and stretches of rough fire road. You don't need downhill skills but you do need to be able to read terrain.
Weather and ground conditions
The Comeraghs hold water. The peat bog on the higher ground is wet most of the year, and the lower forest tracks can be muddy from autumn through spring. Best months are May through September. Even then, expect to ride in the rain — it's Ireland.
Tyres matter here. Maxxis Minion DHF, Schwalbe Magic Mary, anything with proper side knobs — they all work. Slick tyres do not.
Getting in
From Clonmel: take the R671 south toward Carrick-on-Suir, or the R678 / Mountain Road south toward Rathgormack. Multiple Coillte forest entries are signed off these roads. Mahon Falls is signposted on the R676 from Kilmacthomas.
Parking is informal at most entry points — small lay-bys at trail heads. Don't block farm gates.
Pair it with
If you're spending a few days in the area, the Comeraghs pair well with the Knockmealdowns (30 minutes further south-east) and Slievenamon (the other side of Clonmel). A long weekend can take in all three.