Clare Glens
The Clare Glens are a wooded area with a path up the red sandstone gorge separated by the banks of the Clare river, which separates Counties Tipperary and Limerick, Ireland. Very close to Newport, County Tipperary about 4km. It is located approximately 5km from the Murroe on the R506 road.
There are two carparks located near to the entrance for walkers. There is also a small children's play area and manicured picnic area and toilet facilities at the smaller carpark.
There is a signposted trail consisting of a picturesque walkway on both banks of the river boasting spectacular views and many fine swimming locations.[1] The most notable of which is an opening below a waterfall known as "The Big Eas". Extreme care is needed while bathing in the Clare River as it contains many hidden pools and rapids.
The river is used as a kayaking venue, canoeist usually enter the Clare river at the top carpark by Ashroe and kayak down the waterfalls and rapids. On the 4 January 2014 emergency services including a helicopter were dispatched to rescue a canoeist from the Clare River [2]
These are a few walking loop options in place in Clare Glens, these are woodland paths and suit a medium fitness level, they require sensible footwear:
- Nature Loop (indicated by Green Arrows) 2km / 30mins - 1hr
- Glen Loop (indicated Purple Arrows) 4km / 1-1hr 30mins
In the late 1990s the Limerick path of the Clare Glens was widened and levelled to allow emergency vehicles access to the two mile long walk. The Tipperary side is uneven in parts and extreme care is needed while walking in this area, especially with young children.
The Clare Glens were hit during storm Darwin on the 12 February 2014, which hurricane gusts passed through Limerick, hundreds of trees were knocked and the paths were impassable.