Ballymacarbry: Hiking and Fishing in the Nire Valley

Ballymacarbry lies at the entrance to the Nire Valley in the Comeragh Mountains. The area combines walking trails and lakes with opportunities for fishing; at the same time, different routes offer a variety of trail types and distances. This makes the village a starting point for getting to know the landscape of the Nire Valley and the Comeragh Mountains.

Accommodation and facilities in Ballymacarbry

The Ballymacarbry Community Centre houses a hostel for 25 guests. The Centre also has a commercial kitchen, meeting rooms, a sports hall, a gym, a covered Astro-Turf sports pitch and a theatre. Information about the facilities may change; confirm the details before your trip if needed.

There are also specific landmarks to help you find your way around the area: the Munster Way passes about 1.5 miles from Ballymacarbry Hostel. The signposted Sean Kelly Circuit is 160 kilometres long and can be started and finished at the hostel. The two routes therefore differ significantly in their stated distance and in their course.

Hiking in the Nire Valley and the Comeragh Mountains

The Nire Valley offers hiking terrain for all experience levels—from experienced hillwalkers to complete beginners. The Comeragh Mountains have a wide variety of hiking opportunities; the range also includes more than thirteen corrie lakes. When choosing a route, it is worth checking the specific information about the terrain, distance and difficulty.

Nearby, the Sgilloges Walk follows sandy tracks, roads, paths and mountain terrain to the Sgilloge Loughs. These two lakes are among the six lakes in the Nire Valley on the lower slopes of the Comeragh Mountains. The walk thus combines a variety of surfaces with a destination in the lake landscape.

Another nearby route is the Gap Walk. It follows a mountain path to a natural pass through the Comeragh Mountains that has been used for centuries. The challenging Coumduala Loop is another option: this 7.4-kilometre circular route starts at the Nire Valley car park near Ballymacarbry and heads towards The Gap and Knockanaffrin. Its distance and stated difficulty give you specific points of reference for distinguishing this route from the other walks.

For guided walks through the surrounding hills, you can contact Michael Desmond. Nire Valley Fáilte, the local tourism association, also publishes a range of walks. Guided tours and published routes are different ways to explore the area’s network of trails.

Fishing, local food and directions

Brown trout can be fished for in the River Nire at Ballymacarbry. The Clonanav Fly-Fishing & Angling Tackle Shop stocks fishing brands and offers expert advice. So, in addition to walking trails, there is also a specific fishing option right at the destination.

The restaurant at Hanora’s Cottage is in the heart of the Nire Valley near Ballymacarbry and supports local produce. Confirm that the restaurant is open before your trip.

To drive to the Nire Valley car park, head from Ballymacarbry towards Knockaun. After about four kilometres, you will reach a bridge; then continue for another four kilometres or so, past Nire Church and Hanora’s Cottage, to the car park. As road conditions may change, check the latest situation before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Rathgormack, Lismore, Aird Mhór, Waterford, Tramore, Ringville, Cappoquin, Dungarvan

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