East Munster Way facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Munster Way |
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|---|---|
| Length | 75 kilometres (47 miles) |
| Location | Counties Waterford and Tipperary, Ireland |
| Designation | National Waymarked Trail |
| Trailheads | Carrick-on-Suir, Clogheen |
| Use | Hiking |
| Elevation gain/loss | +1,375 m (4,511 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Season | Any |
| Surface | Riverside paths, woodland, moorland, roads |
The East Munster Way is a fantastic long-distance walking trail in Ireland. It used to be called the Munster Way. This trail is about 75 kilometres (47 miles) long. It starts in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, and ends in Clogheen, also in County Tipperary. Most hikers complete the entire trail in about three days.
The East Munster Way is officially recognized as a National Waymarked Trail. This means it's a well-known path for walkers. The National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council gave it this special title. Different groups help manage the trail, including Tipperary County Council, Coillte (which manages forests), and Waterford County Council. The trail was officially opened in July 1988 by Frank Fahey, who was a government minister for Youth and Sport at the time.
Contents
Exploring the Trail
The East Munster Way offers a mix of beautiful landscapes. It's a great way to see different parts of Ireland's countryside.
Starting Your Journey
The trail begins in the town of Carrick-on-Suir. From there, you follow the peaceful banks of the River Suir. This part of the path leads you to the small village of Kilsheelan.
Through Woods and Hills
After Kilsheelan, the trail takes you through Gurteen Wood. This woodland is located in the lower parts of the Comeragh Mountains. You'll then reach the town of Clonmel. From Clonmel, the path climbs into the hills south of the town.
Towards the Finish
The trail then goes downhill to the village of Newcastle. From Newcastle, you'll cross the northern slopes of the Knockmealdown Mountains. Finally, the path descends to a spot called the Vee Gap. From there, you follow a road to the end of the trail in Clogheen.
Part of a Bigger Adventure
The East Munster Way is actually a small part of a much larger walking route. It belongs to the European walking route E8. This amazing route stretches all the way from Dursey Island in County Cork, Ireland, to Istanbul in Turkey!
Ireland's E8 Section
The Irish part of the E8 route includes several other famous trails. These are the Wicklow Way, the South Leinster Way, the East Munster Way itself, and the Blackwater Way. It also includes parts of the Kerry Way and the Beara Way.
Connecting Trails
The East Munster Way connects with other trails at its start and end points. In Carrick-on-Suir, it links up with the South Leinster Way. At Clogheen, it connects with the Blackwater Way. This means you could keep walking and explore even more of Ireland's beautiful trails!
Trail Updates
In 2010, a review looked at all the National Waymarked Trails. This review found that many people enjoyed walking parts of the East Munster Way for a day. However, fewer people walked the entire trail over several days. The review suggested that a special committee should be set up to manage the trail better. It also recommended changing some parts of the trail. The idea was to move sections that were on paved roads to more natural paths, if possible.
