If you're new to mountain biking and you're in Clonmel or Tipperary, this guide is for you. I'm 13 and I've been riding since I was 10. When I started I didn't know where to go, what bike to get, or what the trails were actually like. This is what I'd tell a beginner starting out in Clonmel right now.

Where to start — the easiest trails near Clonmel

Suir Valley Greenway is the lowest-commitment starting point. It's a 46km flat surfaced path running from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir along the River Suir. No technical challenge, no climbing, no mud. Good for getting used to being on a bike outside. Ride as much or as little as you want and come back the same way.

Lower Faobam forest tracks are the next step. Faobam is the forest hill on the south side of Clonmel — about 10 minutes from town. The lower fire roads are wide, relatively forgiving, and give you an introduction to off-road terrain without throwing anything too technical at you. I did a lot of my early riding here. The tracks drain reasonably well and most conditions are manageable.

Glengarra Wood near Cahir (about 20 minutes from Clonmel on the N8) has wide forest tracks and gentle gradients. It's popular with families for good reason — the going is easy and the wood is beautiful. Good first-ride location if Faobam feels like too much.

What to avoid as a beginner

Don't start on the upper Comeragh Mountains. The upper Comeraghs are exposed, remote, rocky and not forgiving for beginners. Same goes for the upper Knockmealdowns and the Galtees. Build your skills on the lower forest tracks first — the Comeraghs will still be there when you're ready.

Don't underestimate the Faobam upper sections either. Once you leave the main fire roads and start into the actual singletrack higher up, it gets technical quickly. Start on the lower tracks and work your way up.

What bike to get

A hardtail mountain bike with front suspension (a fork, not a full shock system) is what you need. 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. Front suspension is essential — the tracks around Clonmel are too rough for a rigid bike. You don't need full suspension to start.

Budget honestly: €400-€800 gets you a decent beginner hardtail from brands like Calibre, Vitus, or Cube. I ride a Calibre Bossnut and it handles everything from Faobam to the Comeraghs well. Don't buy the cheapest bike you find — it'll be too heavy and the components won't last. Spend a bit more and get something that'll grow with you.

Essential kit — the honest list

  • Helmet. Non-negotiable. Fit it properly.
  • Gloves. Protect your hands in a fall and improve your grip on the bars.
  • Knee pads. Even on easy trails. You will fall off.
  • Flat pedal shoes with grip. Normal trainers slip off flat pedals — get shoes with a stiff rubber sole.
  • Water. Minimum 750ml for any ride over an hour.
  • Spare inner tube + tyre levers + mini pump. You'll flat on forest tracks — guaranteed.
  • Waterproof layer. Pack it even in summer. The weather near the mountains changes fast.

First rides — what to expect

Your first few rides will feel harder than they should. Off-road riding uses different muscles than road cycling or walking — especially your core and arms, which are constantly balancing the bike. That tiredness goes away fast. After 4-5 rides you'll notice your upper body fatigue dropping off and your balance improving significantly.

Pick a trail you know is within your ability, ride it until it feels easy, then move to something slightly harder. This is how you build technical skills without injuring yourself. Rushing into difficult terrain too early is the number-one mistake beginners make.

Ride with other people

Riding with more experienced riders is the fastest way to improve. If you can connect with the local Clonmel riding community — through cycling clubs or social riding groups — you'll learn trail craft in a fraction of the time it takes alone. And you'll find out about trails that aren't on any map.

More on this site

Follow @d.emtb on Instagram — I post regular ride clips including beginner-friendly local routes.