Galty Mountains — Glengarra Wood Trailhead and Forest Edge Staging

Glengarra Wood sits on the northern edge of the Galty Mountains in County Tipperary, tucked off the R663 between Cahir and Mitchelstown. It’s a Coillte forestry car park and picnic area that serves as the main staging point for routes up into the Galtees — Ireland’s highest inland range and one most overlanders skip entirely in favour of the coast. The Galtee Boy Scout Trail and routes to Galtymore (919m) start here. The forest itself is mixed broadleaf and conifer with the Clydagh River running through — you can hear it from the car park. Picnic tables, basic toilets, and a river access point make it a workable overnight staging area, though it’s not an official campsite.

The R663 is narrow but paved all the way in. Access is easy for any vehicle. In wet weather the forest tracks beyond the car park turn to mud quickly — don’t push deeper without clearance. No formal camping permitted by Coillte, but the site is regularly used as a staging area by hiking groups and is well documented in Irish hill-walking guides. Phone signal is weak once you’re in the valley. Best in May through October; the Galtees catch significant Atlantic rainfall so check forecasts before any summit attempt.

Ireland's inland giants. Nobody's here.