During our recent road trip with Europcar, we explored the breathtaking Munster Vales region, we couldn’t believe the amount of adventures along the way. In this blog post, we are going to share with you 20 unbelievable adventures we spotted during our big road trip.
The Munster Vales stretches over 1100km of trails, over five mountain ranges and onto the Irish sea. The Munster Vales crosses the counties of Limerick, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford and is bursting with history, heritage, adventure and unforgettable scenery. For this trip, we picked up our car from Europcar in Clonmel. The Clonmel Europcar branch is one of two locations recently opened by Europcar in the Munster area, with the other in Limerick city. Our goal in this blog post is to share with you 20 Adventures you will want to add to your bucket list straight away.
- Ballyhass Lakes – This is one of my ultimate favourite adventures in Ireland. Ballyhass Lakes is full of activities such as kayaking, wake boarding, zip lining, rock climbing and much more. I recently tried wake boarding for the first time and got a lesson off Eoghan in Ballyhass Lakes. It wasn’t long before I got up and was flying along the water. I was hooked, I honestly didn’t want to get out of the water. All sessions at Ballyhass are coached one on one and last approximately 15 minutes. Trust me you will be wrecked after your 15 minute session. I also got to try out their new Aquapark. It is the perfect activity to try with a group of friends or family. There are lots of different packages available with a range of activities over at Ballyhasslakes.ie
- Ballyhoura Mountain Adventures – Whether you are a walker or mountain biker, Ballyhoura is for you. You can try many walking trails spotted along the Ballyhoura region. Explore the mountains, forests and take in the beauty that surrounds you. If you are feeling a little adventurous, I would highly recommend going mountain biking. Check out Trailriders which is 92km of Bike Trails in Ardpatrick, Co. Limerick. You can also rent bikes when you arrive or ring ahead to book at Trailriders. Chris and Liam run Trailriders in Ballyhoura Forest and are great to share their experience and pinpoint that best route and trails for your ability. An exhilarating adventure in the most spectacular surroundings.
- Ballyhoura Horse Trekking – My favourite thing to do in Ballyhoura is to explore the Ballyhoura Mountain Range and the breathtaking views on horseback. I couldn’t leave Kilfinane without popping into Ballyhoura Horse Trekking. Be sure to for a trek through forest trails with breathtaking views of the Ballyhoura, Galty and Knockmealdown mountain ranges. You can do a one hour trek if you are a beginner like us or if you are more experienced you can do a two or five hour trek.
- Lazy Dog Clay Pigeon Shooting in Ballylanders – If you are looking for something a little different, why not try clay pigeon shooting. This gem is located in Ballinatober Woods which is approximately 3 miles from the village of Ballylanders, Co. Limerick. You are surrounded by picture perfect scenery as you shoot at flying targets known as ‘clays’ with a shotgun. It is definitely something a little different and in Ballylanders, you will be in the best sporting clay bird ground in Munster.
- The Waterford Greenway – The Waterford Greenway is one of our favourite things to do in County Waterford. This amenity consists of a world class 46km path along the route of an old railway line from Waterford to Dungarvan. It is designed for cycling, walking and running. I did the cycle from Durrow to Dungarvan and this section is perfect if you are looking to do a very scenic part of the Waterford Greenway. It is the section of the greenway which runs along the coast. If you are cycling with kids, this is a great section to cycle. You could also stop off in Dungarvan for a coffee or ice-cream before the cycle back. The other half of the Greenway runs inland which is also very picturesque if you are feeling adventurous and want to complete the full 46km.
- Sea kayaking on The Copper Coast with Pure Adventure – Nothing beats exploring an area from the water. Pure Adventures are located in Tramore, Co. Waterford and allow you to explore the beaches of The Copper Coast on the Waterford Coastline. Discover the coastline, explore the caves, tunnels, arches and enjoy the beauty of the sea stacks, cliffs and rock formations all around you.
- Horse riding in Cahir with Cahir Equestrian Centre – This gem is located in the heritage town of Cahir in County Tipperary. You can go on a trek through Cahir Park by the banks of the River Suir or enjoy the view of the Golden Vale with the Knockmeladown Mountains, the Comeragh Mountains and Slievenamon from the lower slopes of the Galty mountains. Guaranteed a picture-perfect experience.
- Hiking in the Knockmealdown Mountains and the Galtees – Now these are hikes to add to your bucket list. I would recommend booking a walking guide with Muddy Boots Guided Walking. Explore the beauty, panoramic views and nature under the expertise of a guide. The Knockmealdown Mountains is a mountain range located on the border of counties Tipperary and Waterford and The Galtees are Ireland’s highest inland mountain range. It is such a spectacular experience and one not to be missed.
- Hiking in the Comeragh Mountains – There are a vast array of walks for you to explore in the Comeragh Mountains, including the famous Coumshigaun Lake loop walk. It is a 7.5km walking route around the Coumshingaun Corrie Lake and the surrounding mountains in County Waterford. The Coumshingaun Corrie Lake is known as the jewel of the Comeragh Mountains. I would recommend walking guide Muddy Boots Guided Walking tour who will take you on a guided hike of one of the most popular hill walks in the South East with stunning views from the summit at a height of 792m. You can choose from different hikes to suit your ability here.
- Kayaking on the Slalom course in Clonmel with Pure Adventure – The Slalom Course located at Suir Island in Clonmel and is the longest purposed built slalom course in Ireland. If you are looking for adventure or an exhilarating experience, this is for you.
- Yoga walks in the Galtees with Yoga Walks Ireland – This is something I never heard of before this trip. Yoga means union and is all about being in the moment and at one with nature. Yoga walks run weekly and are located in the stunning Ballyhoura County in locations such as Galty Castle Woods, Doneraile Park, Glengarry, Cahir Castle and many more. Check out their Facebook page to see the schedule here.
- Suir Blueway – Walk, cycle or kayak along the Suir Blueway from Cahir to Carrick on Suir. This gem is officially launching in 2019 and is one to add to your bucket list for the Munster Vales region.
- Kayaking on the River Blackwater – Head out on the River Blackwater near Tourin House & Gardens with Denis from Blackwater Boating and Kayaking. We were delighted to explore the extensive River Blackwater by kayak during our road trip. Denis introduced us to the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding area, along with the nature and wildlife around every corner. As I kayaked along the River Blackwater, I noticed the reflection of the blue sky and fluffy white clouds reflecting on the water in front of me and I thought to myself this is a moment I will never forget.
- Mahon Falls Hike – We fell in love with Mahon Falls recently and would highly recommend the Mahon Falls hike. It is an easy family walk and a very popular one all year. It is a linear walk to the foot of the breathtaking Mahon Falls. Water falls from the highest point in the Comeragh Mountains and makes for a spectacular view. The drive up around the Mahon Falls is also spectacular and one to add to your list.
- The Magic Road – This is a must during your road trip in the Munster Vales. The magic road is located close to Mahon Falls. A small road, located off the beaten track, where if you stop the car and let the handbrake off, the vehicle will magically roll uphill. A touch of magic on your road trip!
- Surfing in Bunmahon Beach on the Copper Coast – Nothing beats the feeling of the waves hitting the surf board with speed as you jump to your feet and surf into the beach. Whether you have some experience surfing or are a complete beginner, be sure to get out on the water at Bunmahon Beach and feel the adrenaline. Bunmahon surf school is located on the Copper Coast in the beautiful seaside village of Bunmahon Co. Waterford. They run surf lessons for groups, private lessons, kids surfing camps and also board/wetsuit hire.
- Mountain biking in the Nire Valley – Nire Valley Drop is a popular event every year and one every mountain biker should look out for. A mountain biking adventure event based in Ballymacarbry Co. Waterford, where you choose a 45km or 35km route. Located at the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains and the Nire Valley.
- Walking in the Galtees/Glen of Aherlow – We would highly recommend a walking guide with Michael Moroney of The Glen of Aherlow. The Glen of Aherlow is a valley located between Slievenamuck and the Galtee Mountains in County Tipperary. The Glen of Aherlow is the dream for any walker as it offers beautiful walks to meet all walking levels and abilities, from mountain walks to level walks. Michael will tailor a walk to suit your ability. You can pick the length of time, difficulty level and the pace. All you need to do is enjoy your surroundings of mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and stunning landscapes.
- Avondhu Blackwater Way – Walk the Avondhu Blackwater Way around the Fermoy area and walk up to Corrin Hill in Fermoy or if you are feeling very adventurous take the 6- 7 hour walking route from Kilworth to Ballyhooly and pass through the beautiful town of Fermoy to the foothills of the Nagle Mountains, Co. Cork.
- The Ballard Waterfall Trail – Walk the Ballard Walk which takes approximately 1 – 2 hours and check out Ballard Waterfall in Araglin, Cork. You will walk on the roadway, forest track and paths until you reach the beautiful waterfall, while enjoying the country views all around you.
