You haven’t lived if you haven’t enjoyed some of North Wexford’s fabulous walking trails.

Not only is walking a great way to get fit and shake off the day’s woes, but it’s the best way to enjoy the fabulous woodland, coastal views and sprawling green countryside of our neighbourhood!

We’ve listed just three walks here, but there are plenty more Wexford Walking Trails – all with something unique to offer the curious among you.

Askamore

There are four looped walks in Askamore – at 6km, 9km, 10km, and 12km, you’ll find a walk to suit all levels of fitness.

Starting from Askamore village, there is a gradual climb to access the turn-off points for the loops but the views are stunning. On fine days, you can see as far as the Arklow seabanks and down along the Wexford coastline.

For the nature lovers, you’ll see sitka spruce, rosebay willowherb, conifers – not to mention the sweep of the countryside.

Take your time and factor in time to stop and admire the views – the shortest loop takes an hour and a half, the longest three-and-a-half hours.

 

 

Kilanerin/Curragh Woods

Newly re-surfaced, the walks at Kilanerin/Curragh Woods are ideal for all walking abilities. The three looped walks are very manageable and pass through mixed woodland, where the well-versed in nature will be able to spot alder, birch, larch, ash, oak, holly, willow, hawthorn, and spruce.

The walks are located just outside Kilanerin village, where you can stock up on supplies before you head off! The woodland walks are separated by a public road, with a very picturesque meandering stream running through both the Kilanerin and Curragh woodlandj- ideal for photos.

You could easily pass an afternoon here between the two walks and nip into Wexford Lavender Farm, which backs onto Curragh Wood for a cuppa.

 

 

Courtown Woodland

The added benefit to walking in Courtown is that you’ve got a choice between the coast and the wonderful greenery of the woodland.

Dating back to pre-Famine times, it’s got walkways with the
Owenavorragh River a natural boundary on the north side. There’s a wonderful avenue of chestnut and lime trees – picturesque on any day. You can picture the Courtown family walking or riding through the avenue in times past.  

Oak, ash, and sycamore trees are the main ones to be found, whilst the eagle-eyed may spot cypress, yew, pine and Japanese cedar amongst those left from the fifth Earl of Courtown’s collection.

Right next door to the walk, you should call into Seal Rescue Ireland, a fantastic seal rescue and rehabilitation centre. Or you could cool off with a dip in the swimming pool at Courtown Adventure and Leisure Centre!

 

 

Text and images: Deirdre O’Flynn