By Meadhbh O'Brien

The Comeragh mountains are situated in central County Waterford and are one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Ireland. Their Irish name- Na Comaraigh, refers to a bounding in hollows and lakes. This is due to erosion of the Comeraghs’ surface during the ice age. This caused the creation of hollows, which now hold lakes.

One of the many hollows, Coum Gabartha, better known as Crotty’s lake (William Crotty was a highwayman in the 18th century).

mahon falls, carey’s castle

The walk to the Mahon Falls takes 15-20 minutes and is an easy walk. The river Mahon ‘falls’ down the V-shaped coum and from here it flows through the sunken valley to the sea at Bunmahon.

If you scramble to the right of the falls you will reach the soggy plateau. If you continue to climb you will reach the higher plateau called Knockaunpeebra (Little Piper’s Hill, 726m)

History: Carey’s castle was occupied by monks and up to recent years the ruins of the alms house was still in evidence.

There is a small lawn with picnic site close to the car park. A walk of about 500m takes you to Carey’s castle through mixed woodland and there’s a pleasant walking path along the riverbank for about 600m.

Flora: Along the riverside walk there is a profusion of birch, oak, beech and ash with some spruce and larch. On the south side of the castle in what was the walled garden is a stand of Japanese larch and one of old Scots pine. Other flora, woodrush, sorrel, grasses, ferns and sage.

Fauna: There’s an abundance of birds and animals including the red squirrel and fallow deer. The sparrow hawk can sometimes be sighted.

Geology: Old red sandstone with acid to peaty top soil. Length of trail: There are about 2km of forest walks. Habitat: The Glenary river flows by the old castle ruins.

Carey’s Castle in Summer

Carey’s Castle in Winter

See the Coum lakes, Take a stroll in the foothills to Carey’s

Castle, Walk to the Mahon Falls, Hill walk to the boggy summits, Visit the Nire valley, Rock climb the steep cliffs at

Coumshingaun.

places to eat and stay

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Knock Knock Who’s there?ComeCome who?Come to the Comeraghs!Coum on down to the Comeraghs!Where do you FALL FALL most often?At the Mahon FALLS FALLS of course!