Co. Tipperary doesn't get the credit it deserves for mountain biking. The county has four separate mountain ranges, the longest traffic-free cycling route in Munster, and a trail network that local riders have been quietly enjoying for years. I'm 13, I live in Clonmel, and I ride here every chance I get. This is my honest guide to mountain biking in Tipperary.

Why Tipperary is serious MTB territory

Tipperary is a big county and the south is where the mountains are. The Suir Valley runs east-west across the south of the county, with the Comeragh Mountains rising sharply to the south and Slievenamon standing alone to the north-west. Further south and west, the Knockmealdowns and the Galtees add more options. Within a 45-minute drive from Clonmel you can access completely different riding environments depending on what you want that day.

Comeragh Mountains — the flagship ride

The Comeragh Mountains are the best mountain biking in Tipperary for technical riders. The range sits across the Tipperary-Waterford border and the terrain is dramatic — deep coums (glacial bowls), rocky ridgelines, and long descents through mixed forest and open mountain. The Kilcommon Loop is the most documented route (around 20km circuit), and the Nine Valley area adds further options for longer days. Mahon Falls is the famous landmark but the riding goes far beyond the waterfall.

The upper Comeragh trails are serious. Coumshingaun lake sits in one of the most dramatic glacial coums in Ireland and the rim trail above it is exposed and technical. Save this for when you're confident and the weather is good. Distance from Clonmel: about 30 minutes south.

Slievenamon — the iconic Tipperary peak

Slievenamon (719m) is the mountain on Tipperary's horizon. It stands alone on the plain between Clonmel and Kilkenny — no other hills around it, which means the views from the top are extraordinary. The fire roads on the Kilcash and Fethard sides give rideable ascent routes. It's not technical terrain — fire road climbing and descent — but it's genuinely rewarding as a fitness ride and the summit gives you a 360-degree view across multiple counties.

More on the Slievenamon MTB page.

Knockmealdown Mountains — ridge riding and forest tracks

The Knockmealdowns form a rough ridge above the Vee Pass, separating Tipperary from Waterford. The mountain terrain on both sides of the ridge is excellent for riding. The south side (Waterford approach) has good Coillte forest track systems. The north side approach via Clogheen gives access to open mountain terrain and ridge routes with long views back across the Tipperary plain.

Galtee Mountains — Ireland's highest inland range

The Galtees are on the western edge of the county and they're impressive. Galtymore is 919m — Ireland's highest inland summit. The Glen of Aherlow on the north side gives access to the mountain flanks, with forestry tracks at the lower levels and open mountain terrain higher up. It's remote riding — commit properly, bring navigation tools, and don't go high in poor weather. But a clear summer day on the Galtee ridgeline is one of the best rides you can do in Ireland.

Suir Valley Greenway — 46km along the river

The Suir Valley Greenway runs 46km from Clonmel east to Carrick-on-Suir and continues into Waterford. It's surfaced and flat — great for distance days, recovery rides, or bringing someone new to cycling. The route follows the River Suir through the valley and is one of the most scenic cycling routes in Munster.

Clonmel as your base

Clonmel is the obvious base for exploring mountain biking in Tipperary. The town sits in the centre of the riding area — all four mountain ranges are accessible within 45 minutes. There's bike repair available in town, plenty of accommodation, and the local trail network at Faobam is right on the edge of the town if you want a quick ride before heading further afield.

More on this site

Follow @d.emtb on Instagram for trail clips and ride updates from Tipperary.