From Scenic Hikes to Historic Castles
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Comeragh Mountain Walks
Nestled in the heart of County Waterford, the Comeragh Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking walking trails in Ireland. With rugged peaks, deep valleys, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls, this mountain range is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk through picturesque landscapes or a challenging hike up dramatic cliffs, the Comeraghs have something to offer for everyone.
Mahon Falls
Mahon Falls is an 80-meter-high waterfall set within the Comeragh Mountains, offering a spectacular sight as water tumbles down rocky cliffs. The area is easily accessible via a short walking trail that provides stunning panoramic views of the valley below. On clear days, you can see all the way to the coastline. Along the route, you might even experience the famous "Magic Road," where cars appear to roll uphill on their own—a quirky optical illusion that fascinates visitors. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk or a photography spot, Mahon Falls is a must-see.
The Magic Road
The Magic Road is one of Ireland’s most famous optical illusions. When you stop your car at a marked point, release the handbrake, and watch it roll uphill! While it may seem like magic, it’s actually an incredible trick of perspective caused by the surrounding landscape. Many visitors pair a stop at the Magic Road with a visit to nearby Mahon Falls, making for an interesting and entertaining experience. Whether you believe it’s a mystery or just an optical illusion, it's a fun and unique attraction worth checking out.
Coumshingaun Lough
Coumshingaun Lough is one of the most spectacular glacial lakes in Ireland, hidden within the Comeragh Mountains. Encircled by towering cliffs, it creates an almost otherworldly setting. The hike to the top is a challenge but rewards you with some of the best panoramic views in the country. On a calm day, the still waters of the lake reflect the surrounding cliffs, creating a perfect mirror effect. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic place to visit, Coumshingaun Lough is an incredible destination that showcases the natural beauty of Waterford.
Dungarvan Harbour
Dungarvan is a vibrant coastal town known for its beautiful harbor and lively atmosphere. The town offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and great food, with plenty of waterfront restaurants and cafés to enjoy fresh seafood. The scenic quayside is ideal for a leisurely walk, while nearby attractions like Dungarvan Castle and the Waterford Greenway add to the experience. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the sea or a base to explore more of County Waterford, Dungarvan is well worth a visit.
Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46 km off-road trail stretching from Waterford City to Dungarvan. Built along a former railway line, it offers a smooth and scenic route for cyclists and walkers alike. The trail takes you through lush countryside, over viaducts, and even through a 400-meter-long railway tunnel. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just want a peaceful stroll, the Greenway provides an unforgettable journey through some of Waterford’s most scenic landscapes. Bike rentals are available in several locations, making it easy to hop on and explore.
Mount Congreve Gardens
Mount Congreve Gardens is a paradise for garden lovers, spanning over 70 acres with beautifully curated landscapes, rare plants, and vibrant floral displays. Designed by Ambrose Congreve, the gardens feature extensive woodland walks, charming walled gardens, and stunning river views. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a place to admire exotic flowers, or just a relaxing escape from everyday life, this hidden gem offers a truly enchanting experience. Located just outside Waterford City, it’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary
Nestled in Ireland's Ancient East, Carrick-on-Suir is a charming town that seamlessly blends rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. At its center stands Ormond Castle, an exquisite example of Elizabethan architecture and former home of the influential Butler family, offering a window into Ireland's storied past. The town’s Cultural Quarter brims with galleries and theatres, while the annual Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival celebrates its musical heritage. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the Suir Blueway for walking, cycling, and kayaking along the River Suir, or explore the scenic Suir Valley and Comeragh Mountains. Just beyond the town, the Lingaun Valley showcases 5,000 years of history amid breathtaking scenery, making Carrick-on-Suir an unforgettable journey through Ireland's Ancient East.
Ormond Castle
Ormond Castle in Carrick-on-Suir, built in 1565 by Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormond in honor of Queen Elizabeth, is Ireland’s finest example of an Elizabethan manor house, seamlessly joined to an earlier medieval riverside castle. A key stop on the "Butler Trail," it features a magnificent great hall adorned with some of the country’s finest stucco plasterwork, including portraits of Elizabeth, her brother Edward VI, and Tudor motifs. Blending medieval structures with Renaissance flair, the castle offers a captivating journey through centuries of Irish heritage, enhanced by audiovisual and technological installations that bring its rich history to life.
River Suir Blueway, Tipperary
Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich heritage of Ireland's Ancient East along the magnificent River Suir Blueway. This spectacular multiactivity trail is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure, seamlessly blending outdoor activity with centuries of history.
Treacy's Blueway Bike Hire Carrick on Suir Co. Tipperary
We cater for all age groups so why not come along and enjoy a trip on the beautiful Blueway. We are open 7 days a week from 8am6pm so drop into us at our Depot on North Quay, Carrick-on-Suir or pre book our bikes by contacting us at: 051- 640130 to avoid disappointment.
The Old Bridge
The Old Bridge in Carrick-on-Suir, built around 1447 by the influential Butler family, is a remarkable example of medieval engineering and a key landmark in Ireland's Ancient East. For centuries the first bridge above the River Suir estuary, it was strategically vital for trade and military movements and has witnessed pivotal events, from Cromwell’s army passing in 1649 to tragic drownings in 1799, hangings, and partial destruction during the Civil War. Its sturdy stone structure, narrow span, and v-cutwater piers offer a tangible link to the distant past, while today it connects Tipperary and Waterford sides of the town, serving as a historic focal point for visitors exploring the Suir Blueway and the region’s rich heritage.
St Molleran’s Church
St Molleran’s Church in Carrickbeg, a historic part of Carrick-on-Suir, reflects centuries of Ireland’s layered past. Built in 1827, it incorporates remains of a 13th-century Franciscan friary founded by the Butler family, including a medieval bell tower and additional stonework from the original 1336 structure. The churchyard’s boundary wall, built during the 1840s as part of a “work-for-food” project, stands as a poignant reminder of the Great Famine. Home to an ancient yew tree and nesting swifts, the site blends history, architecture, and natural heritage, offering a vivid glimpse into Carrick-on-Suir’s evolution from medieval times to the modern era.
Sliabh na mBan
Sliabh na mBan (Slievenamon), meaning “Mountain of the Women,” is a striking and legendary peak located just northwest of Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary. Only a 20-minute drive from the town, it rises majestically from the surrounding plain and is easily visible from Carrick-on-Suir. Steeped in mythology, it is said to be where the warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill chose his bride through a race to the summit—won by Gráinne with Fionn’s secret help. The mountain’s summit holds ancient burial cairns, once believed to be portals to the Otherworld, while its 721-meter height offers sweeping views across Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Waterford. With several scenic hiking trails, Slievenamon combines natural beauty, myth, and ancient history, embodying the spirit of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Linguan Valley
The Lingaun Valley, a key highlight of Ireland’s Ancient East, offers an extraordinary journey through 5,000 years of history within a compact landscape. This heritage-rich valley features the Neolithic Knockroe Passage Tomb, aligned with the winter solstice sunrises and sunsets, and early Christian treasures like the 8th- and 9th-century Ahenny and Kilkieran High Crosses. Its story continues into modern times with remnants of industrial heritage, including historic slate quarries and the distinctive architecture of Ahenny village, built for Welsh workers. Set amid tranquil farmland and scenic trails, the valley perfectly blends natural beauty and cultural depth, making it an unmissable destination for those exploring Ireland’s Ancient East from Carrick-on-Suir.
Waterford Suir Valley Railway
Experience the golden age of rail travel on the Waterford Suir Valley Railway, Ireland’s longest narrow-gauge railway. Departing from Kilmeadan Station in County Waterford—where the ticket office is a converted vintage carriage—this charming 40-minute journey takes passengers through the scenic Suir Valley, an area accessible only by train and the Waterford Greenway. Traveling at a leisurely 16 km/h along 6.5 km of restored track, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the River Suir, spot wildlife like cormorants, glimpse the famed Mount Congreve Gardens, and hear tales of merchants hiding treasures from Cromwell’s soldiers. Friendly volunteer staff enhance the experience with stories of the old Waterford–Cork Railway, while children can join a fun onboard treasure hunt, making it a memorable adventure for all ages.
Tudor Artisan Hub
The Tudor Artisan Hub, is a vibrant and independent Arts collective that brings together over 100 talented artisans from Carrick-on-Suir, the majestic Suir and Lingaun Valley regions and beyond. Located in the Culture Quarter of Carrick-on-Suir, nestled between two award winning Theatres this unique hub serves as a bustling centre for creativity, craftsmanship, and community engagement. It provides a platform for artisans to showcase their work, collaborate on projects, and connect with both locals and visitors who appreciate the rich cultural heritage and artisanal skills of the region.
Dove Hill Shopping Village
For a taste of the best in Irish design, Dove Hill Design Centre in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, offers a stylish blend of shopping and relaxation. This one-stop destination features a curated range of fashion, homewares, and furniture, including designer Irish clothing from Blarney Woollen Mills and elegant home pieces from Tipperary Crystal. After browsing, visitors can unwind at Lilly Mai’s Café, enjoying locally sourced food in a warm, contemporary setting. Nestled in the picturesque Golden Vale between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel, Dove Hill combines quality shopping with the tranquility of Ireland’s lush countryside.
Carrick-on-Suir Train Station
The people of Carrick-on-Suir were first introduced to the wonders of travelling on the tracks in April 1853 with the opening up of the train station on the outskirts of the town where it still remains in operation today. Carrick is one of four intermediate stations on the route along with Clonmel, Cahir and Tipperary.
Town Park
The Town Park, Carrick-on-Suir is a mini arboretum with mature trees from all over the world including the Giant Sequoia, Holm/Evergreen Oak, Horse Chestnut, Lime, Willow, Yew and many others.
Town Clock, West Gate
The 16th-century tower house at West Gate, once a key part of Carrick-on-Suir’s defensive walls, guarded access to the town’s west end. Its narrow, solid construction with battered bases reflects its strategic importance. In 1784, wine merchant Gallwey, a resident of Ormond Castle, funded the installation of the town clock in the tower. While much of the medieval fortifications have disappeared, a 100-meter section of the original town wall still survives at the northeast corner, offering a glimpse into the town’s historic defenses.
The Marina
The marina officially opened in 2005, revitalizing the historic connection of Carrick-on-Suir to its waterways. Historically, the River Suir was a bustling route for transporting goods from the rich agricultural lands of South Tipperary to Waterford. The river port played a crucial role in the local economy until the mid-20th century, with steam-driven tugs like the Rocks and operating until the 1960s. The modern marina continues this tradition, now serving as a hub for recreational boating and a point of interest for visitors.
