Wexford Local Development supports the beauty of County Wexford’s walking trails through the Walks Scheme, a national initiative aimed at developing local trails while preserving the area’s heritage. With the support of dedicated Rural Recreation Officers like Georgina Gaul, the Walks Scheme assists private landowners throughout the country in maintaining their land, ensuring it remains accessible for public walking and hiking, while safeguarding its cultural and natural integrity.
Overview of the Walks Scheme
The Walks Scheme, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Failte Ireland is a national initiative involving landholders on approved walking routes, managed by 23 Rural Recreation Officers employed through 22 Local Development Companies. The scheme has developed and improved 112 trails, with the 23 Rural Recreation officers securing and overseeing maintenance contracts with over 2,679 landowners.
Key benefits to local communities throughout the Country include:
Ready to explore? Find out how the Walks Scheme is transforming Wexford’s trails and how you can contribute to this growing community effort.
gov – The Walks Scheme and Rural Recreation Officers – www.gov.ie
The Walks Scheme is designed to improve and sustain important walking trails, such as National Waymarked Ways, Looped Walking Routes, and Heritage Routes, by offering support to landholders whose properties these trails cross. The scheme specifically targets private landowners, who receive payment for implementing a defined maintenance plan for the approved walking routes on their land. Administration of the scheme follows the Operating Guidelines set by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
These rural walking routes across the country are accessible to walkers thanks to the generosity of landowners. It’s essential for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts to acknowledge this by following Leave No Trace principles, which include respecting landowners, their animals, and their property.
https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/education/education-introduction
Trails Included in the Walks Scheme in Co Wexford for 2024/2025
At present they are 8 Trails included in the Walks Scheme in County Wexford.
Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail – Bree, Co Wexford
A historic trail that takes you through the scenic Bree countryside, home to the ancient Ballybrittas Dolmen. 6.2K
Cullentra Trail – Kiltealy, Co Wexford
The Cullentra Trail is a looped 7.63km trail which begins and finishes in the centre of the village, with the trailhead sign located at the graveyard wal
Curragh Woods Loop, Kilanerin, Co Wexford
With an upper and lower section there are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside and bordering Wexford Lavendar Farm offers a great opportunity to expand your visit. 3.5K
Jean Kennedy Smith Trail, Oulart, Gorey, Co Wexford
A looped trail that takes you from the village centre all the way up to the Tulach a tSolais land art installation, together with the stunning 360° views of County Wexford, heading on through forestry and enclosed grass trail back round to the village. 4.8k
Mount Nebo – Hollyfort, Co Wexford
The woodland trail winds uphill to a Fairy Wood at the top, which then leads onto an open looped Coillte forestry road, which runs around the slopes of Mt Nebo and Slievebaun. 6K
Ringwood Trail, Kilcarbry, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
Beautiful mixed woodland forest offering all the delights of seasonal outdoor space. The walk is gentle with parking at the trailhead. The magic begins in Ringwood lane which leads up to the carpark. Intentionally planted native trees species, line the route. 4k.
Riverside Trails ‘Urrin Loop’ Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
Enjoy the entire 6k riverside trail, a beautiful scenic walk along the western bank of the River Slaney, south of Enniscorthy town. The Urrin loop ensure the trail is fully accessible for all users. 6K
Rosslare Cliff Walk, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford
Taking in the breath-taking views of Rosslare Harbour and Tuskar lighthouse, the shoreline below and away from urbanity. This is also an accessible trail. Should you decide to take in the village loop, you can offer yourself the opportunity to take a visit to Kirwan’s Gardens, a hidden gem created from locally with love. 3K/3.5K
Tulach a tSolais, the highpoint of the Jean Kennedy Smith Trail at Oulart, Gorey, Co Wexford.
Ringwood Lane as part of the Ringwood Trail
Urrin Loop (Accessible Trail) as part of the Riverside Trail, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
Rosslare Cliff Walk, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford.
Want to learn more about Wexford’s trails? Click here to visit the Wexford Walking Trails website and start your adventure today!
