Five walking trails in Munster covered with autumnal leaves to check out on the long weekend

Crunching your way through leaves is one of the best things about autumn. Here are some trails with trees to discover in Munster

Autumn leaves are blazing in all their glory at this point. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

WALKING TRAILS

Colligan Wood Inchadrisla Loop

Waterford

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This loop takes the walker through the western section of the beautiful mixed woodland of Colligan Woods and along the Colligan River in its lovely scenic valley, before climbing gradually through a wide range of broadleaf and conifer. A number of viewing points offer wonderful vistas of the surrounding countryside and Dungarvan Harbour and Helvick Head.

A sample of the wealth of flora and fauna includes wood sorrel, heather, bluebell and bilberry, fox, red squirrel, badger, otter, stoat, hare and deer and, if you are lucky, goldfinch jay, kingfisher and dipper. The river has spawning salmon and sea trout can also to be seen. One other trail starts at this trailhead.

In association with Sport Ireland.

 

WALKING TRAILS

Mealagh Woods Loop

Cork

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This is a great trail for family walks as it takes the walker on paths meandering through pleasant woodland and follows the bank of the Mealagh River, crossing the river by footbridges at two points. The ancient Barnagowlanes Wedge Tomb is not far from the trail and an access path off the main loop will bring you by it, however this path can be slightly boggy.

During heavy rain, and for a short while after, the area around the river can flood. If the ground is flooded please do not attempt to complete the route but return the way you came. If you are lucky you may see otters along the river.

In association with Sport Ireland.