Going wild in wondrous west Waterford hills

I’LL never forget the first time I saw Coumshingaun.

I’d heard years before about a very special corrie lake in the Comeragh Mountains. I knew I was onto something when locals tipped it quietly, almost reluctantly — not raving in the way you would about set-pieces like Slieve League or the Cliffs of Moher, but letting slip a pride and wonder while at the same time loath to let me in on their secret.

I chalked it down, bade my time, watched for a window of opportunity, and when several family members were free, we took our chance and hiked into the hills.