Glen of Aherlow & Galtee Mountains

Introducing Glen of Aherlow & Galtee Mountains

South of Tipperary are the shapely Slievenamuck Hills and Galtee Mountains, separated by the broad, chequered valley of the Glen of Aherlow. A 25km scenic drive through the Glen is signposted from Tipperary town. At the eastern end of the Glen, between Tipperary and Cahir, is Bansha (An Bháinseach). The village marks the start of a 20km trip west to Galbally, an easy bike ride or scenic drive along the R663 that takes in the best of the county’s landscapes.

The R663 and the R664 south from Tipperary converge at Newtown at the Coach Road Inn (56240), a fine old pub that’s popular with walkers and a good source of information on the area. Another good resource is the local visitor information website (www.aherlow.com). The terrain through the area ranges from the lush riverbanks of the Aherlow River to pine forests in the hills and windswept, rocky grasslands that seem to stretch on forever.

There’s also excellent walking throughout the area and the views from the hills across the Glen are always spectacular (when it’s not raining that is). There’s a popular lookout and historic statue of Christ just north of Newtown on the R664.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009