Clonmel town is nestled beneath the Commeragh mountains and there are several sign-posted drives.

One is The Nire Valley drive. It takes about an hour to complete and there are spectacular views and scenery.

The Comeragh mountains are situated in the south east of Ireland in Co Waterford. The Nire valley runs eastwards into the Comeragh mountains meeting the mountains under the Nire lakes. The valley is a glaciated valley and the Comeragh mountains bear all the scars of major glaciation. The Comeragh mountains also contain many fine corrie lakes ,the most famous being COUMSHINGAUN, which is the finest example of a corrie (cirque) lake in Ireland.

You can take guided walks in the Comeragh mountains and the Nire valley. Climb up to Knocksheegowna and walk along Knockanafrinn ridge , see Counties Waterford , Tipperary, Cork and Kilkenny spread out beneath you . Visit Coumshingaun one of the finest corrie lakes in Europe. You can stand 1200ft above the lakes surface and marvel at the forces of nature that shaped such a place. The evidence of glaciation is all around with several corrie lakes, pater nostra lakes and towering cliffs . You can take a more detailed look at the walks available.

The Nire Valley forms part of the northern border between Co. Waterford and Co. Tipperary and it’s exploration pivots round the lovely village of Ballymacarbry.  Time spent here introduces the visitor to an easy, friendly atmosphere and a hinterland which is gloriously varied and beautiful.  Those who enjoy the great outdoors, who relish good conversation and who delight in a song or a dance and a good laugh, will love this village and its colourful atmosphere.

The walker will find a series of published walks of varying lengths and degrees of difficult, with most achievable by anyone with a fair degree of fitness.

Nire Valley Failte, the local tourism group, has identified a series of walks ranging from two to four hours duration.   Detailed maps are available for both low level and mountain walks from any of the accommodation providers or from the secretary, Nire Valley Failte.

The group has established a highly successful annual Comeragh Mountain Walking Festival which is held on the second weekend in October.  These walks are graded for their degree of difficulty and are led by very experienced guides.  The local pubs join in the spirit of  the weekend and traditional music is provided each night.  Information: The Secretary, Nire Valley Failte, Ballymacarbry, Tel : 052-36239 (year round)  Or the Tourist Information Point Tel : 052-36455 (June – September) Fax : 052-36540

The East Munster Way – part of the network of national walking routes – runs from Clogheen to Carrick-on Suir, another long distance walk which runs for 102km to Kildavin in Co. Carlow and ascends to 1600m.