The best walks and hikes in Ballyhourigan Woods
4.5
(68)
445
hikers
12
hikes
Hiking trails in Ballyhourigan Woods offer diverse experiences within County Tipperary, Ireland. The extensive woods are part of the Slieveardagh Hills, featuring a network of forest paths and tracks. The terrain includes gentle ascents and descents, with some routes exploring the lower slopes of Keeper Hill, the highest mountain in the Shannon area. The area is characterized by dense woodlands, forestry tracks, and the Annagh River, providing varied landscapes for outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails in Ballyhourigan Woods
- The most popular hiking route is Keeper Hill via Ballyhourigan Woods, an 8.7 miles (14.0 km) trail that takes 4 hours 22 minutes to complete. This route offers a challenging ascent towards Keeper Hill's summit.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Step loop from Silvermines, a moderate 6.2 miles (10.0 km) path. This trail features varied woodland terrain and takes approximately 3 hours 9 minutes to complete.
- Local hikers also love the Clare Glens Loop Trail, a 2.3 miles (3.7 km) trail leading through a red sandstone gorge, often completed in about 1 hour 2 minutes.
- Hiking in Ballyhourigan Woods is defined by dense woodlands, well-maintained forestry tracks, and proximity to Keeper Hill, with options ranging from easy forest walks to more challenging hill climbs. The network offers options for different ability levels, from short, accessible paths to longer, moderate routes.
- The routes in Ballyhourigan Woods are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. More than 400 hikers have used komoot to explore Ballyhourigan Woods's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
4.4
(7)
71
hikers
14.0km
04:22
530m
530m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
35
hikers
13.2km
04:14
540m
540m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(8)
42
hikers
5.99km
01:52
240m
240m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
10
hikers
10.0km
03:09
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(17)
123
hikers
3.73km
01:02
70m
70m
An easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) hike through Clare Glens, featuring a red sandstone gorge, waterfalls, and charming bridges.
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Popular around Ballyhourigan Woods
Tips from the Community
The extensive Ballyhourigan Woods form a core part of the Slieveardagh Hills in County Tipperary, offering a network of peaceful forest trails and tracks perfect for both moderate walking and cycling. Situated in an area historically defined by coal mining, the woods are full of rich natural scenery with the unique heritage of Tipperary's industrial past.
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Beautiful forest on the way to Kerper Hill
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Keeper Hill or Slievekimalta (from Irish Sliabh Coimeálta, meaning 'mountain of guarding') is a mountain with a height of 694 metres (2,277 ft)[2] in the Silvermine Mountains of County Tipperary, Ireland. Traditionally, it was deemed to be part of the Slieve Felim Mountains. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keeper_Hill
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Dense foligue along the river landscape. The Annagh river on the border between Limerick and Tipperary counties, has a few trails for you to take advantage.
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The wooded area along the banks of the River Clare is known as Clare Glens. As you hike through the forest you'll discover a number of waterfalls making this a really magic place. The river marks the boundary between County Clare & County Tipperary. If you have young hikers with you, there is a playground at the trailhead car park.
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Cascading waterfalls at the beginning of the Clare Glens wooded loop. The first half of this tour is in County Limerick, and the other in Tipperary!
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Enjoy 360° panoramic views as you reach top of the beautiful Keeper Hill in the Silvermine Mountains of County Tipperary.
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Fresh trickling waterfalls on the way to Keeper Hill. Great spot for a picnic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when hiking in Ballyhourigan Woods?
Ballyhourigan Woods offers a diverse landscape with well-maintained forestry tracks and woodland trails. You'll find paths that gently ascend hillsides, some exploring the lower slopes of Keeper Hill, and areas transitioning to native Irish trees. The Annagh River also flows through the area, adding to the varied scenery.
How many hiking trails are available in Ballyhourigan Woods?
There are over a dozen hiking trails in Ballyhourigan Woods, offering a range of experiences from easy walks to more challenging ascents. komoot features 12 distinct routes for you to explore.
What is the general difficulty level of hikes in Ballyhourigan Woods?
The trails in Ballyhourigan Woods cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 7 easy routes perfect for a relaxed stroll, and 5 moderate routes that offer a more challenging experience, often involving significant elevation gain towards areas like Keeper Hill.
Are there any notable natural features or historical sites to discover in Ballyhourigan Woods?
Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty and history. You can explore trails that lead towards Keeper Hill, the highest mountain in the Shannon area. The Annagh River flows through the woods, and you might even discover a historical stone sweat house along descents in areas like Boolatin, hinting at the region's industrial past.
Is the Clare Glens Loop Trail part of Ballyhourigan Woods?
While the Clare Glens Loop Trail is a popular nearby hiking option, it is located slightly outside the immediate Ballyhourigan Woods. This trail is known for its red sandstone gorge, waterfalls, and charming bridges.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Ballyhourigan Woods?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For a challenging loop that takes you towards the summit, consider the Ballyhourigan Woods to Keeper Hill Loop. Another option is the Step loop from Kilmore, which is an easier circular path.
What is the longest hike available in Ballyhourigan Woods?
One of the longer and more challenging hikes is Keeper Hill via Ballyhourigan Woods, which spans approximately 14.0 km and typically takes around 4 hours and 22 minutes to complete.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Ballyhourigan Woods?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, the tranquil forest paths, and the rewarding views, especially during descents, as well as the connection to Keeper Hill.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Ballyhourigan Woods?
Yes, Ballyhourigan Woods offers several easy trails suitable for families. These paths provide comfortable walking surfaces through the woodlands, allowing for an enjoyable outing for all ages. Look for routes categorized as 'easy' for the most family-friendly experiences.
Is Ballyhourigan Woods suitable for dog walking?
Ballyhourigan Woods is generally a great place for dog walking, with its extensive network of forest paths and tracks. However, always ensure your dog is under control, especially around wildlife, and adhere to any local signage regarding leash requirements.
Where can I park when visiting Ballyhourigan Woods?
Specific parking information can vary by trailhead. It's advisable to check the starting point details for individual routes on komoot, as many popular trailheads will have designated parking areas nearby.
Are there any cafes or pubs near Ballyhourigan Woods?
While Ballyhourigan Woods itself is a natural area, you can find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in nearby towns such as Newport, Tipperary, which are a short drive away and can serve as a base for your hiking adventures.
Do I need a permit to hike in Ballyhourigan Woods?
Generally, permits are not required for hiking the public access trails within Ballyhourigan Woods. However, it's always good practice to respect the natural environment and any local regulations that may be in place.
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