Five rural getaways on or near Munster's mountains

Munster’s mountain appeal is on the ascent

Mahon Falls Walk, Waterford

After five months on 'Corkdown', I finally crossed county lines this week and headed for a road-trip (formerly known as a Sunday spin) to one of my favourite local destinations, The Vee. The stunning Knockmealdown mountain pass, which serpentines the border between Tipperary and Waterford is a particular hiking pleasure at this time of year. The views are spectacular, the sheep and lambs are in a bleating abundance and the crowds are as busy as they ever get, given the annual rhododendron pop. Indeed, the true highlight of the Knockmealdowns is that the mountains feel largely so much more untouristed than many of the ranges in the West. And that’s the ultimate USP of the region’s green-focused tourism brand — the Munster Vales.

Spanning the Comeraghs in West Waterford to the Ballyhouras in both North Cork & Limerick, the Munster Vales was launched to promote this frequently bypassed ridge of the province surrounding the Golden Vale.