The meadow plains offer views up and down the valley including Brownswood House, home of internationally recognised furniture designer, Eileen Gray.  The meadow habitat consists of dense scrub and grass dominated with herb layers and flanked on the western boundary by alluvial wet woodlands with strands of common alder and ash trees.

The river margin supports a variety of marsh and swamp flora such as iris and aquatic plants. The local fauna includes swans, geese, goldfinch, thrush, heron plus badgers, otters, frog and the river is stocked with Atlantic salmon, twaite shad and trout.

Prior to any proper roads, large quantities of wool, corn and butter were exported via flat-bottomed boats to Wexford town where timber, slate and iron were imported back upriver.

These gabbard boats were called Slaney Cots and could carry up to 30 tonnes of cargo, by using the falling tide to navigate down to Wexford Quay then reload and be ready for the rising tide back up with some wind assist if available. If not, you might have to ‘set a cot’, which involved stabbing a long pole into the riverbed, press against it with your shoulder to push the barge along.

The trail is level and has several benches along the route where you can sit and enjoy the tranquillity which is only interrupted by the rich sound of birds and wildlife.  Enjoy your walk and please leave the trail as you found it. Afterwards why not head back into town to our many cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops.