Wexford is home to much more than the best strawberries in the country. It is also a land of stunning beaches, woods and walkways. If you are heading to the sunny south-east, whether you’re staying north by the streams of Bunclody or all the way south to the stunning Hook, here are a few walks worth seeking out and ambling along.
South Wexford
1. Raven Point Wood
Distance: 6.8km (4.3 miles)
Walking time: 1hr 30min
Waymarking: Blue
Park up at the Raven Wood car park and explore the beautiful woodland walkway before emerging out onto the stunning white sandy beach. The fields to the west are the North Slob lands, home to many important species of birds. If you are doing this walk during the winter months, you might spot all the geese from the North Slob flying out to roost on sandbanks in Wexford Harbour. The beautiful blue flag beach at Curracloe is definitely the highlight of this beach walk.
More info: Wexford Walking Trails
2. Ballyteige Burrow, Kilmore Quay
Furlongs Road Loop:
Distance: 4.5km (2.8 miles)
Walking time: 1hr
Waymarking: Purple
The Burrow is well known for its incredible sand dune systems. There are three main walking routes to choose from; along the beach, through the dunes, or on the path. Keep your eyes peeled for the many passing seabirds and your ears cocked for the song of the skylark. The flora and fauna in this area are second to none, so tread softly. As you walk, climb to the top of one of the higher dunes for a spectacular view of the whole area out across to the Saltee Islands, Hook Lighthouse, Forth Mountain and Ballyteige Castle.
More info: Wexford Walking Trails
3. Tintern
Gardener’s Trail:
Distance:Â .9km (.6 miles)
Walking time: 20min
Waymarking: Blue
Demesne Trail:
Distance:Â 2.4km (1.5 miles)
Walking time:Â 40min
Waymarking:Â Red
Bannow Bay Trail:
Distance:Â 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
Walking time:Â 1-1.5hr
Waymarking:Â Green
Foxboro Trail:
Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
Walking time:Â 1hr
Waymarking:Â Purple
There are four incredible walks in Tintern, all of varying distance and difficulty. The Gardener’s Trail starts at Tintern Abbey and explores the architecture and mixed woodland. This trail is suitable for buggies and wheelchair users. The Tintern Demesne Trail is one for nature lovers. You’ll discover fine beech, oak and chestnut trees. Keep your eyes open for wildlife – kingfishers, egrets, buzzards, red squirrels, stoats and seven types of bat make their home here.
Bannow Bay Trail is for the history buffs. It takes in the old estate village of Saltmills, an old IRA memorial, a rare double lime kiln and a grounded dredger. Finally, there is Foxboro Trail for those looking for a little more of a challenge. This woodland trail along the Tintern river includes some great climbs.
More info: Wexford Walking Trails
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4. Forth Mountain
Forth Mountain Trail:
Distance:Â 10km (6.2 miles)
Walking time:Â 2hr
Waymarking:Â Red
Just outside of Wexford town is the 235m Forth Mountain. It is the only mountain in Ireland made up of 500- 600-million-year-old rock. It played an integral part in the 1798 Rebellion. Make sure to stop on Skeator Rock to take some pictures. From that lookout, you’ll get panoramic views of the Wexford coastline, including Rosslare, Our Lady’s Island, Saltee Islands, Hook Head lighthouse and across into Dunmore East and the Waterford estuary.
More info: Wexford Walking Trails
North Wexford
5. Croghan Mountain
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Croghan Trail:
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Walking time: 2hr 20min
Waymarking: Blue
Forde’s Farmhouse:
Distance:Â 4.3km (2.7 miles)
Walking time:Â 1hr
Waymarking:Â Green
Bann River:
Distance:Â 5.25km (3.3 miles)
Walking time:Â 1hr 15min
Waymarking:Â Red
Raheenleagh is a place steeped in Irish history dating back to prehistoric times. Now owned by Coillte, in partnership with the ESB, seven wind turbines now sit on the peak of Croghan Mountain here. Take a stroll along amongst these sustainable giants and gaze out at the magnificent sea and land views. If you are lucky you will be able to see Mount Snowdon in Wales across the Irish Sea.
More info: Wexford Walking Trails
6. Bunclody – Coolmelagh
Prospect Loop:
Distance:Â 5.4km (3.4 miles)
Walking time: 1hr 30min
Waymarking:Â Blue
Gibbet Hill:
Distance: 10km (6.25 miles)
Walking time: 2hr
Waymarking:Â Orange
Coolmelagh:
Distance:Â 13.3km (8.3 miles)
Walking time:Â 3hr 30min
Waymarking:Â Red
There are three looped walks to choose from on the Gibbet. These forest road loops all take in the peak of Gibbet Hill where the best views are on offer. At the summit, you will see windmills and a Marian Year cross where the gibbet once stood. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, such as Irish hare, fox and badger, Peregrine falcon and hen harrier raven. Enjoy views of the three counties, Wexford, Carlow and Wicklow
More info: Wexford Walking Trails
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7. Tara Hill
Blue Trail:
Distance:Â 5.4km (3.4 miles)
Walking time:Â 1hr 15min
Waymarking:Â Blue
Red Trail:
Distance:Â 5km (3.1 miles)
Walking Time: 1hr
Waymarking:Â Red
There are two trails on offer on Tara Hill. The Red Slà an tSuaimhnais trail and the more demanding Blue Slà na n-Óg trail. On the latter, you will be greeted by views of Tara Hill and many historical landmarks, like the remains of a famine village, Soldier’s Hollow, Table Rock and a cairn.
More info: Wexford Walking Trail
8. Bunclody – Kilbrannish
Windmill Loop:
Distance:Â 3km (1.9 miles)
Walking time: 1hr
Waymarking:Â Green
Kilbrannish Loop:
Distance:Â 5km (3.1 miles)
Walking time:Â 1hr 45min
Waymarking:Â Purple
Kilbrannish has two waymarked looped walks up in the Blackstairs Mountain Range. These trails have beautiful views of the Clody Valley, the South Leinster Way and Mount Leinster just across the way. There are a great few climbs in it and on a warm day it is a truly idyllic spot to be.
More info: Wexford Walking Trail
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