Rath Beag Loop
Walking Trail · Waterford
Rath Beag Loop is a 3.1 km moderate waymarked loop in Waterford, starting near Rathgormack.
Grade
| Activity | Grade | Difficulty | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | Moderate | Moderate | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Getting there
Starts at Entrance to Glenpatrick Woods, near Rathgormack.
- Trailhead coordinates
- 52.31311, -7.58244
- Irish Grid reference
- S 285 189
- Ordnance Survey sheets
- Discovery Series Sheet 75
The National Trails Register's own latitude and longitude fields are empty for all 1,186 trails on it. This trailhead comes from Sport Ireland's separate Trailheads dataset, matched to this trail on its register ID.
About the trail
This walk follows forest roads as it passes by a small ring fort and close to Carrigsheegowna, a striking projection of sandstone. The trail runs through the forest under Knockanaffrin Ridge and the Comeragh Mountains, which dominate the scenery.
Before you go
Please keep dogs under control
- Waymarking
- Blue arrow
- Dogs
- Yes
Who manages it
Rathgormack North Waterford Community Development CLG
Rathgormack North Waterford Community Development CLG
Conditions and closures change. The operator is the authority on both, not this page.
Trails nearby
Measured trailhead to trailhead, in a straight line.
- Lough Mohra Loop 0 m away · 7 km trail
- Glenpatrick - Glenpatrick Bridge Loop 1.5 km away · 8.3 km trail
- Boolas Loop 3.3 km away · 9.6 km trail
- Nire Valley Trails - Coumduala Loop 5.2 km away · 8 km trail
- Nire Valley Trails - Coumlara Loop 5.2 km away · 6.6 km trail
- Nire Valley Trails - Gap Walk 5.2 km away · 6 km trail
Common questions
How long is the Rath Beag Loop?
3.1 km, recorded as a loop on Sport Ireland's National Trails Register. It climbs 340 m in total. Sport Ireland estimates 1 hour 15 minutes.
How hard is the Rath Beag Loop?
Sport Ireland grades it Moderate. Grades are set against national criteria, so they are comparable with other registered trails.
Where does the Rath Beag Loop start?
Starts at Entrance to Glenpatrick Woods, near Rathgormack. The trailhead is at 52.31311, -7.58244 (Irish Grid S 285 189).
Can you bring a dog on the Rath Beag Loop?
Yes. The register records dogs as allowed. Much of the Irish trail network crosses working farmland, so keep a dog under close control near livestock.
Who manages the Rath Beag Loop?
Rathgormack North Waterford Community Development CLG. They are the authority on current conditions and closures, not this page.
More in Waterford
Trail data from the Sport Ireland National Trails Register, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Trailhead coordinates from the companion Trailheads dataset. Snapshot taken 2026-08-13.