If you want to mountain bike in Clonmel, you've landed in the right place. I'm David English, I'm 13, I live in Clonmel, and I ride here almost every week. This guide covers everything I know about getting on a mountain bike in and around the town — the trails, the terrain, what to expect, and why this corner of Tipperary deserves way more attention than it gets.

Why Clonmel is an underrated MTB hub

Clonmel sits in the Suir Valley, boxed in by mountains on three sides. To the south, the Comeragh Mountains rise from the valley floor. To the west, Slievenamon (719m) stands alone on the Tipperary plain. To the south-west, the Knockmealdown Mountains form a rough ridge above the Vee Pass. All of this is within 45 minutes of the town centre. Most riders who come here for the first time are surprised — they expect empty fields and get proper mountain terrain instead.

The local trail network at Faobam is right on the edge of town — I can be there in 10 minutes from my house. It's forest tracks and bits of singletrack that local riders have been building and riding for years. No trail centre, no café, no map at the entrance. You learn it by riding it. Me, Frankie, Shay, Aidan, Callum, Gerard and Paddy have done most of our riding on Faobam. It's where I first learned to pick lines and read terrain.

The Comeragh Mountains — big mountain riding from Clonmel

The Comeraghs are the headline act. Drive 30 minutes south from Clonmel and you're at the foot of proper mountain terrain — coums (glacial bowls), exposed ridgelines, rocky descents. The Kilcommon Loop is one of the better-documented routes: it combines forest tracks with open mountainside, gives you long views over the Suir Valley, and rewards a hard climb with a quality descent. The Nine Valley area adds more options if you want to extend a day out.

Mahon Falls is the most visited spot — the waterfall is a landmark and the surrounding terrain is excellent riding. The upper Comeragh trails above Coumshingaun lake are technical and exposed; save them for when you know the area. The views from the rim are worth every metre of climbing.

Slievenamon — the peak you can see from everywhere in Clonmel

You can see Slievenamon from most of Clonmel. It's 719m, it sits alone on the Tipperary plain, and the fire roads that run up its flanks give you a solid workout. The Kilcash side is the most popular approach. It's not technical riding — this is more of a climb-and-descent experience — but the views from the top over three or four counties make it worth the effort. On a clear day you can see right across Tipperary and into Kilkenny and Waterford.

Suir Valley Greenway — for easier days

The Suir Valley Greenway runs 46km from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir (and on to Waterford). It's surfaced, flat, and accessible on any bike. It's not mountain biking in the technical sense but it's genuinely good riding and a great option if you want a long-distance spin without altitude. I ride sections of it when I want distance without the climbing.

How to get started mountain biking in Clonmel

If you're new to the area, start with the lower Faobam tracks or the forest fire roads at the base of the Comeraghs. Get a feel for the terrain before going high. The weather around Clonmel changes quickly — particularly on the mountain tops — so check the forecast and always bring a waterproof layer even in summer.

The best months for riding are April through September. October is manageable if you pick dry days. Winter ground on the high trails gets soaked fast and the mountain fog can come down without warning.

More guides on this site

Follow me on Instagram @d.emtb — I post trail clips and ride updates from Clonmel and the surrounding mountains every week.