Coumshingaun, Corrie Lake, Comeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford, Ireland

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photos and video by Wellboy!

If you like mountain walks, or appreciate the magnificence of nature at some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the world Coumshingaun will not disappoint you.  One of Ireland's best kept secrets is this amazing and magical glacial lake, the finest example of a corrie lake (formed by glacier movement during the ice age) in Europe. Coumshingaun (as gaeilge Com Seangan) is situated between two peaks in the Comeragh mountain range in south east Ireland. It is another example of the magnificent beauty at the fingertips of those residing in the most amazingly beautiful county in Ireland, Co. Waterford.

Coumshingaun Movie Download (1MB)

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The magical setting at Coumshingaun is full of beautiful surprises. When I visited I was presented with a small pond (see image below) with sheep on a rock and a haunting mist all around.  The pond had flowers growing on it.  Quite beautiful but it didn't prepare me for the surprise beyond the ridge.

Coumshingaun Corrie Lake

To get to the lake take the main Cork Road from Waterford to Cork and take the right turn for the Mahon Falls about 20 miles from the City.  Keep going on this road until you hit the right hand turn to Carrick on Suir (just beyond the shop).   Drive up this road and park in the car park in Kilclooney wood.  There are information sheets posted here to take you through the various routes to the lake. 

Basically you need to head between the two peaks in the mountain toward a ridge.  It is a common walk for local people so it should be reasonably easy to find your way to the lake by following tracks through the wilderness.  It is advisable to bring a compass and a map to help you out and make sure you have the correct footgear and rain clothes.  The walk to the lake takes about 45 minutes at an average pace but it is so worth it once you get there.

Pure Waterford Water

Whilst at the lake, make sure you drink some of the pure water out of the lake... It is so refreshing after the long walk and is as pure as you will get on this planet.  It is said that the lake is bottomless which is why it has a black appearance even on the sunniest of days.

Look around when you are there as there are other surprises for explorers.  Find out more through chatting with Irish people on the upthedeise.com's waterford message boards