Knockanroe Wood Loop

The village of Silvermines is located approximately 10km south of Nenagh in North Tipperary. It is a very attractive rural village where the community pride in its appearance is combined with the splendid backdrop of the Silvermines Mountains. Lead, zinc, copper, sulphide and barites have been mined in the area since Roman times. Silvermines is named after a former silver mining site. Active mining ceased here in 1993. To the south of the Silvermines Mountains is the highest peak in the mountains, Keeper Hill which rises to 695m and dominates the area. The village marks the end-point of the waymarked Slieve Felim Way which starts 30km away in Murroe, County Limerick. This loop explores the Coolyhorney area and overlaps with the Slieve Felim Way for a short period. This loop walk is part of the National Looped Walks and is marked using the standard purple National Looped Walk directional arrows.

Directions to Trailhead

From the town of Nenagh on the N7 (Dublin to Limerick road), follow the N7 in the direction of Limerick. After approximately 12km turn left at a junction with the R499 – signposted Silvermines. Follow the R499 for approx 8km into the village of Silvermines. Pass through the crossroads in the centre of the village and turn right after 200m onto a narrow minor road. Follow this road for 2km to reach a car park and viewing point. Continue for another 1km to reach the entrance to Knockanroe Woods (on your right). The Trailhead is signposted from Silvermines Village.

A-B. Starting from the car park, enter Knockanroe Woods via the metal barrier and follow the purple arrows along the forestry road. Note that the first stage of the loop overlaps with the long-distance Slieve Felim Way - marked with the familiar yellow arrows and walking man symbol. After 200m, turn left at a crossroads. Just 200m after turning left, the
loop passes wooden steps on the right – where the loop rejoins on the return journey. For now, continue straight.

B-C. Continue to follow the purple arrows (and the yellow arrows of the Slieve Felim Way) for almost 1km to reach a Y-junction where you veer right – and leave the Slieve Felim Way.

C-D. After ascending along a forestry road for 1km, the terrain changes to a ‘green’ track as the loop enters trees. Continue to ascend through forestry to exit at two wooden pillars. Turn right and join a sandy track.

D-B. After 200m along the sandy roadway you take the last steep ascent from where there are spectacular views of the Silvermines area and Keeper Hill. On the descent, the loop veers right at two Y-junctions, enters a forested section
and, after a short flat section, turns left to descend along a narrow walking track to reach the wooden steps mentioned earlier.

B-A. Turn left and shortly afterwards turn right at the crossroads – from there it is only 200m back to the trailhead.