In my second Comeragh post, I shared photographs of the road that crosses the mountains from Clonmel to Ballymacarbry. It is how we are going to drive ( or walk) to the Nire Valley.
I have never hiked in this area, but I know that there are several trails and loops, and beautiful lakes. An annual Nire Valley Walking Festival page might help you make your choice, and there is an information board at the car park from where I took most of pictures for this blog. Some of the trails start from the car park, but if you want to start with a hike to Coumfea and Coumalocha, and see a beautiful stream falling from the Coumfea Plateau, you have to walk back to this gate and start from here.
In the picture below, car park is on your left, and several trails start here. If you hike up the hill to the left, you will reach the south slope of beautiful Knockanaffrin ( the pyramid-shaped mountain in my previous post), and if you turn to the right, at least four spectacular glacial lakes – coums are waiting for you. These coums were formed during the Ice Age. I don’t know if I ever hike to see Nire lakes – the shortest trail will take 4-5 hours roundtrip, and I don’t know if I am ready for that, but you can visit Get Lost Mountaineering blog to have an idea. It features both ridges – Knockanaffrin and Coumfea.
Curraghduff with Fauscoum in background. You don’t necessarily have to start your hike from the Nire Valley side to get here. There is a track that starts on the other side, over the Gap of the Knockanaffrin Ridge ( featured in my second Comeragh blog). All the trails vary from 5 to 25km. Some loops may require an overnight camping in the mountains. There are also cliffs and gullies for the experienced mountain climbers.
Nire Valley photographs taken over the years.
Ruins of the old farm and spectacular stone wall attract photographers.
I am glad that you visited this beautiful part of Comeragh mountains. I know that I failed to take you to the Nire Lakes, but I have visited some other mountain lakes, and hope to share them with you in my future posts. This time we didn’t hike, but please be fit for the next weekend’s two mile long round trip, some climbing, and magic 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend!
Making memories 
Thanks for that, it is a pleasure to see you.
Thank you Bob. Very busy lately.
Inese, this is one of my favorite posts from you!! I loved the walk, including the old farm. How nice that you included photos of the area you had taken in years past, which makes for such a spectacular post! Loved it all. And the animals too!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Christy! Glad you are loving our mountains 🙂 xx
Just beautiful and love the subject matter!
Thank you so much! xx
Very nice impression from your hike, Inese. Great atmosphere in your captures as always. I can understand you wanting to see people around you when go our on your own. But like Jo said, it’s good to be able to offer a choice of lengths. Wishing you a great Sunday. x
Thank you Dina. I will try to revisit Nire Valley during the annual walking festival. I think it will be fun 🙂
After a rough week and the promise of more rough days to come, this walk through the Nire Valley was just what I needed. I could feel the sun and breathe in the wildflowers, damp grass, sheep, woodsmoke–all of it. Thanks, Dear Friend. 🙂 xxxxx
Jean, thank you for walking with me 🙂 xxxxxx
Fab walk again.. it looks like you have the place all to yourself which is wonderful xx
Tank you! Yes, usually I have the mountains all to myself. Today I share a very popular place though 🙂
What beautiful country and your photos are just gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Antonia!
The beauty of Ireland is something I would enjoy seeing one day, Inese. I liked the sheep walking right up to you. This looked like a young one!
I enjoy the pop of yellow in the countryside photo.
The last photo of the stone wall with vines was stunning with the sepia brown and cream. It was perfectly framed. 🙂
Thank you Robin! That stone wall is very impressive and I have many pictures of it, but I think I have used them before already. I want to go there again some day in summer.
Inese, I’m so glad I found your blog. The photos are stunning, and I’m all for a great hike.
I’d especially love to hike to any ridge with a name that sounds like “Comfy.”
Looking forward to following along!
Yes, Comfy 🙂 It is out of my league – I am afraid I will never get to hike to Comfy.
It would be great to paint there. https://inesepogalifeschool.com/
Yes, all these rolling hills are beautiful.