Clogheen is the small village at the base of the Vee Pass — the famous road that climbs into the Knockmealdown Mountains. For mountain biking, Clogheen is the literal gateway: from the village centre you can be on Knockmealdown forest fire roads within 5 minutes.
The Vee road (R668) climbs 300m+ up to a saddle in the mountains with views down to Lismore and the Blackwater valley. The forestry on both sides of the road gives you a network of climbs and descents — the south side drops down toward Lismore in Co. Waterford, the north side stays in Co. Tipperary.
Bay Lough sits near the top of the pass — a small dark mountain lake with parking and trail heads. From there you can ride the ridge toward Knockmealdown itself (794m, Ireland's largest inland peak after the Galtees) in good conditions.
Clogheen is small — accommodation is limited. Most riders base in Cahir (15 min north) or Lismore (15 min south) and drive in. The Knockmealdowns are quieter and less-known than the Comeraghs, which is exactly why they're worth your time.
Closest mountain range
From Clogheen the nearest serious riding is the Knockmealdowns. Read the full Knockmealdowns mountain biking guide.
Pair the Clogheen ride with
- Knockmealdowns
- Bay Lough
- Galtees
Full Clonmel + Tipperary + Waterford index
Clogheen is one of several towns within riding distance of the Clonmel catchment. For the complete index of mountain bike trails across Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and Co. Waterford — over 20 trails listed — see the Clonmel MTB hub.
Mountain biking gear and shops
The wider area has several independent bike shops in Clonmel, Cahir, Tipperary town, Carrick-on-Suir and Waterford city. For the gear David rides see the David MTB gear guides. For dropship-fulfilled MTB accessories see Bits & Bobs.