Walks by train


South County Tipperary is great walking countryside. From easy ambles to mountain climbs it has walks to suit all varying in duration from an hour or two to a few days. One can enjoy a walk on their own/with family/friends or join one of the many walks organised by walking associations.

The South Tipperary line train timetable allows one to travel from many parts of the country to the area in the morning, enjoy a walk and then have a well-deserved bite to eat before catching the evening train home.

Hereunder are suggestions for walks in the area using the train as one's mode of travel at both ends.

Suggested walk 1:
the Carrick-on-Suir to Kilsheelan section of the East Munster Way.

The East Munster Way commences beside Ormonde Castle, a ten minute walk from the railway station. Alternatively one  can walk via the centre of the town and join the path at Sean Healy Park, just beyond the west end of the town centre. A wide range of shops and facilities are available in Carrick-on-Suir.

If starting at Ormonde Castle turn left at the first junction that is reached and follow this road along the river bank. In turn one passes under the bridge carrying the Portlaw Road, the marina and the Old Bridge.

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The East Munster Way commences beside Ormonde Castle in Carrick-on-Suir, a short walk from the town's railway station.
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Soon Sean Healy Park at the west side of the town centre is reached.
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The East Munster Way between Carrick-on-Suir and Kilsheelan follows the northern bank of the River Suir throughout. The first stretch out of Carrick is a cement path along the river bank and is particularly popular with folk taking a short walk. Thereafter the way is a grassy trail.
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Tower on southern bank at Coolnamuck.
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There are benches here and there along the way. The way is flat with no overgrowth.
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In the Ballydine area two fisheries are passed. Walkers use the gate on the right.
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Closer to Kilsheelan, Poulakerry Tower House is passed. It is a private residence. An information panel at this point gives more information on the construction and history of the tower house.
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Kilsheelan Bridge marks the end of this section of the East Munster Way.
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A map and information for Kilsheelan & surrounds is displayed at Kilsheelan Bridge.
PictureLeave the East Munster Way here. Take great care as it is necessary to walk at the side of the public road for several metres.

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Kilsheelan village. The bus stop for the Clonmel direction is to the left (no need to cross road).
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Bus stop for Clonmel direction.
Suggested itinerary:

Purchase a day return from your starting station to Carrick-on-Suir.

For departure and arrival times at your origin station please consult the Irish Rail website.

Fare info for stations along the route from Dublin.

Fare info for stations in Cork/Kerry/Limerick.

11.02 : InterCity train arrives at Carrick-on-Suir station

Stroll through the centre of Carrick-on-Suir purchasing any supplies required

Around 11.30: commence the walk at Sean Healy Park

Around 14.30: arrive Kilsheelan. Have a well-deserved bite to eat in a local establishment or have your own picnic on the river bank by Kilsheelan Bridge.

15.23 :Catch Bus Éireann route 55 to Clonmel. The adult single fare bought from the driver is €4.00 It is also possible to purchase it online via the Bus Éireann website for €3.80.

15.30 : Arrive at Showgrounds Shopping Centre bus stop, Clonmel.

Enjoy the extensive range of shops and or visit the South Tipperary County Museum. Further info on this website's Clonmel page.

17.15 : InterCity train departs Clonmel railway station.

Tips & other info:

* At an ordinary walking pace allow around 3 hours for the circa 11.5 kms/ 7 miles walk (Carrick-on-Suir to Kilsheelan). This includes a few minutes to pause/rest.

* Carry a mobile 'phone and water.

* Let someone know the time you expect to finish the walk and arrange to get in touch at that time. It is this writer's experience that there is mobile 'phone coverage throughout the walk so it would also be possible to "touch base" at intervals during the walk.

* Check the weather forecast on the Met Éireann website prior to setting out.

* The way is flat and the walk is quite "do-able". This write-up follows a walk on the way in late-October 2014 wearing ordinary walking shoes. Apart from a few metres that were a little muddy the entire way was easily negotiated. One may wish to carry a stick for slightly uneven patches.

* Enjoy!
Date of last update to this page: 10th December, 2017: update of fares & times info.