On Sunday, Nuala led the group on a hike in the Comeraghs. Starting from the Nire Valley car park, the members ascended through low cloud to Com Dú Aille. From there, they headed north along the ridge, passing over Knockanaffrin, Knocksheegowna, and Béal Muire. The route then descended south-east, using Curraheen Forest as a handrail on the way to Loch Moyra. As the group made their way down, the weather improved with sunshine and blue skies.  After the loch, they set into the steep climb back up to Knockanaffrin before returning to the Nire Valley. Thanks to Nuala for leading and to Michael and Nuala for the photos.

The Friday Night hikers enjoyed a wonderful hike from Barravore to Lugnaquilla. Their route led them via Art's Lough before reaching the summit of Lugnaquilla. After enjoying the sunset, the group descended via Cannow and Froughan Rock Glen. 

Last Sunday, the walkers headed to the Comeragh Mountains in Co. Waterford. Led by Padraig, the group enjoyed glorious weather where they explored Tooreen, Coomfia, Coomtay, Seefin and Milk Hill on a circuit of approximately 16km, with around 700 metres of elevation gain. Thanks to Padraig for leading and to all who took photos. 

Friday night’s hike on Blackstairs Mountain began in foggy conditions, with a shower of rain at the summit. As we made our way down towards Caher’s Den, the fog cleared to reveal a stunning sunset, followed by a cloud inversion. Thanks to John C for leading another lovely lovely hike.

Sunday’s hike was led by Tony, starting from Currabut Gap, through the woods at Killbrannish, and on to Mount Leinster by the Clody river. The group then made their way back down via the Black Banks. Thank you to Tony and thanks to Lily and Michael for the photos. 

Thanks to Anthony for leading Friday nights hike. 

Blackstairs Challenge 2026 - 33km from Killanure to Glynn

Sunday’s hike was to the Nire Valley in the Comeragh Mountains. Thanks to Michael for leading the approximate 12km and 600metre height gain. Thanks to Lily and Nuala for the great photos.

Fridays night hike was a loop from Ballycrystal woods to Clorogue Beg, Clorogue More, Hughes Walls, and back through the woods.

Friday night’s hike was led by Tommy, starting from Ballycrystal. The group followed the track past the beech trees on to Knockroe, Clorogue Mór, Clorogue Beg, and looped back to Hughes. Thanks to Tommy for leading.

Sunday’s hike took the group to the stunning Sally Gap in Co. Wicklow, covering 12km with 680 metres of elevation. Thanks to Frank for leading.

A very successful annual litter pick took place last week, with the club clearing a significant amount of rubbish from Bunclody to the Nine Stones and beyond. With the help of local farmers, over 200 illegally dumped tyres were also recovered from the mountain slopes. Well done to everyone involved, and thank you for your efforts.

On Sunday, the group traveled to Co. Wicklow, where they completed a scenic circuit through the Glenreebeg and Glenreemore valleys. The route featured a stunning hike alongside Asbawn Brook, leading up to the three lakes, continuing on to Lough Ferrib, and returning via the King’s River. Many thanks to Padraig for leading the hike.

The Friday night hikers climbed Blackstairs Mountain, where they were rewarded with a beautiful sunset from the summit. Thanks to Tommy for leading.

Sunday’s hike was led by Denis, starting from the Wicklow Gap. The 16 km route, with 860 metres of elevation gain, took in Tonelagee, the Brockaghs, and Camaderry. Thanks to Denis for leading.

Friday night’s hike went to Blackrock and the Floors of Craan.

Sunday’s hike, led by Des, set off from Ballycrystal. The group made their way up Mount Leinster via the Split’s Gully, then continued across to Blackrock Mountain, with a lunch stop at the Floors of Craan. The route covered approx 13km with an elevation gain of about 750m. Thanks to Des for leading the hike and for the photos, and to Lily as well for the photos.

Friday night was very wet and windy, so the group opted to stay low, starting from Deerpark car park. They made their way to John’s Hill and around Goorth Wood, covering 8km with an elevation of 313m.

The Friday night hike began at the Nine Stones car park, where we set off by ascending to the left of the roadway toward the stile. We followed forest trails before emerging back onto the mountain near the source of the Clody River. From there, we faced roughly 200 metres of elevation gain up to the mast.
We stopped at the mast for a tea break, enjoying a beautiful clear night with views of the lights across County Wexford, including the distant Tuskar Rock lighthouse and Hook Head lighthouse. To finish, we followed the service road back down to the cars.

Sunday’s hike also began at the Nine Stones car park. Members ascended to the left of the roadway toward the stile, then continued along the trail past the White Stones and onward up to the mast. They finished the hike on Slievebawn. Thanks to Ann for leading and to Lily for the photos.

Sunday’s hike took place in the Blackstairs Mountains, starting from Ballycrystal. It’s an excellent base with plenty of route options, and much quieter than the Mount Leinster Nine Stones side. We kept to lower ground at first, following the Ballycrystal woodland trail and then linking onto the trail in Rossard area, before climbing up toward Black Rock Mountain. The weather turned, bringing stronger winds and steady rain. We paused for a tea break at the Turfcutters Hut, then made our way back down via the turf path to the cars. In total, the route covered 10.5 km with 767 metres of elevation gain. 

Friday night’s walkers were once again lucky with clear, calm conditions. Starting from Ballycrystal, they made their way through the woods and up onto the ridge, before descending down to the Floors of Craan. After a steep scramble, they stopped for tea at the Turfcutters Hut.