East Munster Way

The East Munster Way is a 70km National Way Marked Way, which is located predominantly in Co. Tipperary but dips in and out of north Co. Waterford on a number of occasions with about 1/3 of its route set in the Deise County. Starting in the Tipperary town of Carrick-on- Suir, close to the Ormonde Castle the East Munster Way then takes a route westwards along the wonderful River Suir Blueway towards the multiple 'tidy towns' awarding winning village of Kilsheelan. After crossing the Suir in Kilsheelan walkers are into Co. Waterford and heading towards Gurteen Woods. This section is predominantly in Coillte Woodlands and walkers are afforded wonderful views of the Suir Valley and northwards to Slievenamon standing at 721 metres.

The route then crosses the River Suir once again into the town of Clonmel. After Clonmel walkers are back into Co. Waterford and make their way past the Holy Year Cross, which dominates the landscape here in the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains. It's then on towards the Glenary Valley and the wonderful woodlands around Carey's Castle south of Clonmel. After leaving this wooded area the route then heads to Fourmilewater, whence it leaves Waterford for the final time in the direction of its destination in Clogheen in the shadow of the Knockmealdowns.

Did you know: Carey's Castle is believed to have been built at some stage during the 1800s by the Carey family, who were local schoolmasters in the Clonmel area. A number of architectural styles are evident in the ruined remains, including; Gothic windows, a Celtic round tower, a Norman Keep, and both Romanesque and Gothic arches. The castle and buildings are located a mere 500 metres from the parking area and are well worth a visit.

How to get there:

Minimum Gear: Walking/hiking boots, rain/wind gear, water, snacks, mobile phone