Itinerary: Walking Weekend in Tipperary

Day 1) Transfer from Dublin to Cahir – walk on Knockmealdown.

In the morning we will leave Dublin and make our way to Cahir, where we can leaves our bags before making our way towards the “Vee” to begin our walk. Our hotel is in the heart of this historical town, and you have a great range of shops, restaurants and pubs within a few steps.

Sugarloaf and Knockmealdown Mountain:  We start this walk from the car park where there are unusual stone buildings. These buildings were once used for horses to rest after ascending the long haul up to the mountain pass. In front of us there is Bay Lough where it is said that “Petticoat Loose” a local witch who would pull you under if you swam in its waters. Yes this place is steeped in local folklore and stories.

To begin our walk we take a well worn track that immediately rises from the road following a county border wall built during the famine. The wall reaches all the way to the summit of the Sugarloaf. We will take this trail at an easy pace to suit the group. We then continue to follow this wall along the top to the summit of Knockmealdown Mountain. From the summit there are fantastic views in all directions of the Knockmealdowns, Galtees and the south Irish coastline.

Grade: moderate Length 8.5 km, Duration: 3.5 hrs, Ascent: 610m, Terrain: Open mountain tracks.

Afterwards we will return to Cahir to enjoy dinner together and check out the nightlife in this lively town and perhaps enjoy some music in one of its traditional pubs.

Day 2) Walk the Liam Lynch trail – Lop walk

This morning after breakfast there will be sometime to visit Cahir castle if you wish before we travel out towards Goatenbridge to start the Liam Lynch walk. From the car park here we will be taking the purple route and part of the Munster Way trail. After approx 4Km we will reach the Liam Lynch memorial which overlooks the Golden Vale of Tipperary. We continue on this forest trail around the side Crohan Mountain to the top of a valley at which point we cross a bridge and start to make our way back to where we started.

Liam Lynch was an officer in the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence and the commanding general of the Irish Republican Army during the Irish Civil War. After hiding out in a house in the Knockmealdowns his unit were suddenly surrounded by the Free Sate Army and it’s here that Liam was shot while trying to escape. He was the Chief of Staff of the anti-Treaty IRA, its commander in chief and his death signaled the effective end of the Civil War.

Grade: easy moderate Length 11.5 km, Duration: 2.5 – 3hrs, Ascent: 120m, Terrain: Forest trails.

Afterwards we can travel somewhere to enjoy a coffee before we make our way back to Dublin.

Here is a short list of extras you will need to bring along for this walking weekend.

N.B. Ireland’s climate is of a moderate type and suited to walking all year round. Although it is quite changeable so starting a walk on a fine clear morning may not be the case for the afternoon.

• Hill walking Boots
• Rucksack for walks (25L)
• Walking Trousers (Not Jeans)
• Waterproofs (Just in Case)
• Walking Socks
• Thermal top / T-shirt (Not Cotton)
• Sun Cream

About the walks and fitness levels:

All the walks are taken at a pace to suit the group.
The groups can have a mixed level of fitness and age usually.
If the weather is to bad on a certain day to do the suggested walk, then the guide will suggest an alternative one.
The Guide will have the final say on the day of the chosen walk for the safety of the group.

The Accommodation: Cahir House Hotel

• All bedrooms are en-suite with bath & shower, tea & coffee making facilities, iron & ironing board and hairdryer.
• A comfortable lounge area, fine dining restaurant with seasonal & locally sourced food produce..
• There are live music sessions in the bars close by every weekend.
• The Hotel is very central in the town and was the old home of the Butler family.

Food:

1 evening meal is included as part of the tour

Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals etc.

Lunches for the walks: We will stop in the mornings at Delis or shops to get these.