Borodale (Dunanore) 
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 700m / 0.43 miles
Waymarking: Red
Trailhead: Car Park
Sat Nav: 52.47197, -6.58244
Parking: Free Car Park
Trail Description
Mixed woodland with riverside walk along Boro River and viewing point of swirlpool (known locally as “Soldier’s Hole”). The wood is a mix of oak, beech and pine, some of which remain from the former Beatty estate of Borodale House. The wood is home to an array of birds, rabbits, badgers, foxes and fallow deer.
Located immediately to the northeast of the car park is a 12th century Anglo-Norman fort in a motte and bailey formation. This fort was used as a base to defend lands recently captured from the native Irish.
Dunanore most likely translates as the ‘fort (dun) on the brink/cliff edge (ochair)’, although another suggestion relates to the legend of buried gold by a member of a family of chieftains once prominent in County Wexford in the 13th century – ‘fort (dun) of the gold (oir)’.
Don't Miss...
- Riverside pathway
- Anglo-Norman 12th century fort
- Soldier’s Hole swirl pool
- Mixed woodland
Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series: 69
Grid Reference:
Ascent: 10m
Walking time: 20 minutes
Format: Linear (return by same route)
Surface: Mixed surfaces
Gates/Stiles: No
Start/Finish: Trailhead Car Park
Equipment Recommended: Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended for a moderate grade trail.
Other Useful Information
Mobile Coverage:
Picnic Area: No
Public Toilets: no
Facilities: Enniscorthy
Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control at all times. You must clean up after your dog if it fouls in a public place.
Getting Here
From Enniscorthy: Borodale is just 4.4km from Enniscorthy town centre. In Enniscorthy town, at the roundabout below Enniscorthy Castle, take the exit for the R744 signposted New Ross/Clonroche and continue for approximately 2km. Turn left onto the L2045 (signposted Bree/Ballyhoge) and continue for 2.4km. The trailhead car park is on the left after crossing the River Boro bridge.
From Wexford: Follow the N11 towards Oilgate. At the roundabout after Oilgate village, take the exit R772 toward Enniscorthy town. After 1.8km, turn left (signposted Edenvale/Bree)and follow the road until you come to a T-junction. Turn right. Continue for approximately 2km. The trailhead car park is on the right.
Trail Grades
Trail grades give an indication of what to expect when out on a trail. The grade will give an idea of the level of fitness and ability required to use the trail.
Before attempting a trail, it is important to consider the grading to ensure it matches your ability and level of fitness.
Wexford Walking Trails are graded by Sport Ireland according to their criteria which is explained here.
Multi-Access
Flat smooth trails, suitable for all users including people with reduced mobility, wheelchair users, people with a vision impairment, using crutches, with a buggy, with small children, older people and so on. Normal outdoor footwear can be worn. Source : Sport Ireland
Moderate
These trails may have some climbs and may have an uneven surface where the going is rough underfoot with some obstacles such as protruding roots, rocks, etc. The routes are appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness and some walking experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended. Source : Sport Ireland
Easy
Generally flat trails with a smooth surface and some gentle slopes or shallow steps. These trails are generally suitable for family groups including children and older people. Normal outdoor footwear can be worn. Source : Sport Ireland
Strenuous
These are physically demanding trails, which will typically have some sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough including many obstacles. Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground and with a high level of fitness. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required. Source : Sport Ireland