Comeragh Mountains Coumshingaun Loop

The Comeragh Mountains hide one of Ireland’s geological secrets — Coumshingaun, a massive glacial cirque carved 10,000 years ago with near-vertical cliffs dropping 400 meters to a dark corrie lake below. The track begins at the Mahon Falls car park and follows old turf-cutting roads across the plateau, passing the remnants of World War II aircraft crash sites scattered across the bogland. Stone markers guide the route through sections where the track disappears entirely into the peat.

This is expert-level terrain demanding 4WD with low range and experience reading unmarked mountain roads. Weather changes without warning — what starts as clear skies can turn into whiteout conditions within an hour. Carry OS maps, GPS, and emergency gear; mobile coverage is non-existent. Best attempted May through September when daylight lasts longest. The payoff is standing on the rim of one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural amphitheaters, completely alone except for the wind.