Lismore sits in the Blackwater valley on the south side of the Knockmealdown Mountains. From a mountain bike point of view, Lismore is the southern equivalent of Clogheen — the obvious base for accessing the Knockmealdowns, but from the Waterford side rather than the Tipperary side.
The Vee road climbs north from Lismore through Mount Melleray monastery and up into the mountains. The Coillte forest network on the south Knockmealdown slopes is significant and gives you long, rideable fire-road climbs and descents through pine.
Glenshelane Forest just north of Cappoquin (5 minutes east of Lismore) is one of the best-marked rides in the area — a Coillte network with marked walking trails that ride beautifully. Family-friendly on the lower routes, more committed up higher.
Lismore is a heritage town (the Cathedral, the Castle) so accommodation is varied — guesthouses, country hotels, and Airbnbs throughout the Blackwater valley. The Heritage Town status keeps it tidy and tourist-friendly.
Closest mountain range
From Lismore the nearest serious riding is the Knockmealdowns. Read the full Knockmealdowns mountain biking guide.
Pair the Lismore ride with
- Knockmealdowns
- Glenshelane Forest
- Comeraghs (via Mahon Falls)
Full Clonmel + Tipperary + Waterford index
Lismore 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.