16/06/2025
Only 10 min drive from Us, to Clogeen and then beautiful scenic route to Lismore. We are often driving there and especially now when the rhododendrons are blooming 🥰🥰
The Vee Pass (locally known as “The Vee”) is a stunning mountain pass on the R668 road, cutting through the Knockmealdown Mountains between Clogheen and Lismore, straddling the border of Counties Tipperary and Waterford
🌄 Highlights of the Vee Pass
It's characterized by a dramatic V-shaped hairpin bend, giving panoramic views across the Golden Vale farmland below .
A historic route, originally part of an 1841 mail-coach road; remnants of a Bianconi coach staging post remain here, now restored
Offers spectacular vistas of the Galtees, Comeraghs, Slievenamon, and—on clear days—even the Rock of Cashel and Devil’s Bit
Adjacent to Bay Lough, a scenic mountain lake known locally for the legend of “Petticoat Loose,” a witch said to inhabit its waters—and a riot of rhododendron blooms in late spring and early summer
It forms the start/finish point of the Tipperary Heritage Way, a 56 km trail from the Gap to Cashel
Wildlife in the Knockmealdown range includes red grouse, hen harrier, buzzards, and more
🚗 Visiting Tips
Best time to go: Late May to early June when rhododendrons are in full bloom—turns the slopes pink and purple.
Driving route: Take the scenic loop from Lismore → The Vee → Clogheen → Goatenbridge → Newcastle → Cappoquin → back to Lismore—full of varied landscapes, viewpoints, and forests
Walking: Explore the Tipperary Heritage Way from the Vee up to Cashel, or shorter loop around Bay Lough (Reigh–Bay Lough–Sugarloaf–The Vee trail about 7 miles)
Wrap‑up: The Vee Pass is one of Ireland’s most scenic inland drives—with sweeping mountain panoramas, charming hiking options, historic interest, colourful wildflowers, and fascinating folklore. A must‑visit for a half‑day outing or a scenic road trip through South Tipperary.
📸 perfectirishtrip