Time to take a hike along the ridge of the Silvermines Mountains.
Episode Notes
Corey is joined by his friend Tony to enjoy a section of the Slieve Felim Way. Located outside the village of Silvermines, County Tipperary, the route offers fantastic views of Keeper Hill, Nenagh, Lough Derg and the surrounding countryside.
The text featured on this video is adapted from Corey's blog entries from two trips along the Silvermines ridge. You can read the blog entries at:
If you'd like to visit this location, you'll need to find your way to the village of Silvermines outside the town of Nenagh, County Tipperary. From near Silvermines village, there is an almost hidden road that leads up the mountain; it is signposted for the "Step Viewing Area."
Once you start driving up the hill, it'll be a steady climb to the viewing area. When you reach "Step" (on the left) you should park the car and take in the view from the picnic area.
Then, continue driving up the hill to the next parking area. Park on the right side. You will then step over or around the barrier and walk up the forrestry road. Turn left at the fork and look for the small signs with an icon of a hiker on them. The route will take you up the hill through a wooded area.
The best views begin once you go beyond the tree line (about 20 minutes into the hike). Depending on how far you want to go, this hike could last from 1 to 6 hours. Anyone with difficulty on steep inclines, stairs or uneven terrain should NOT attempt this hike. I would consider it "strenuous," so be prepared to bring water and take several breaks along the way.
This will be a great hike on any day there is decent visability. I've never seen this route get congested. The busiest times (three or four other hikers) are on sunny afternoons and weekends...at other times, you will have the trail to yourself.
For those who are courageous drivers, you could continue driving over the mountain. The road becomes very narrow and features many hairpin curves through the forest. When the road comes to a T, turn right and drive until it comes to another T. Turning right will take you back to Nenagh, turning left will take you to Newport/Limerick and the village of Killoskully, the home of Ryan's Thatch Pub and the home of the popular television show Killinaskully.
You can also get to Killoskully by returning to Silvermines and driving around the mountain.
Comments from our blog
1 Bill
Beautiful countryside. There is a section of our town in Connecticut called Silvermine. I wonder what the origin of the name is and how many places are called Silvermine. I’ll have to dig a little!
Episode Notes
