Churchtown Trail
Grade: Easy
Distance: 6.1km / 3.8 miles
Waymarking: Blue
Trailhead: Carne Pier
Sat Nav: 52.197 -6.348
Parking: Free parking at Carne pier or beach (follow signs for Carne Beach Caravan and Camping Park for beach car park). Additional temporary overflow parking available during the busy summer months.
March 2024: Please note that some storm damage has occurred on the trail between Churchtown and Nethertown Beach. An advisory waymarker post is in place. Please take care!
Trail Description
The trail begins alongside the Carnsore Point Trail at Carne Pier Car Park in this attractive seaside village with a blue flag beach. Individually waymarked, both trails begin by heading inland back up the road from the pier. Then take the first left hand turn, following the red and blue waymarkers down to Churchtown, where you can see the Holy Trinity Church ruins built around 1820. There is also a fine example of thatched cottage on the left known locally as the Bishop’s House.
Both trails take a right turn in Churchtown and then follow a country lane to the left which takes you down to a wonderful coastal path leading onto Nethertown beach. The coastal path shows off the vast granite rock formation, best seen at low tide. Black back gulls and terns can be seen perched on the rocks looking for their next meal. Great cormorants can also be seeing drying their wings on the massive granite boulders.
At Nethertown beach the trail divides. Follow the blue waymarker discs inland to return to Carne on the Churchtown Trail.
Don't Miss...
- Holy Trinity church
- Thatched cottage
- Gulls, Seals and Cormorants
- Sandy Beaches
Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series 77
Grid Reference: T 127 064
Ascent: negligible
Walking time: 1hr 20mins
Format: Loop
Surface: Mixed surfaces, sandy beach, public road
Gates/Stiles: No
Start/Finish: Carne Harbour
Equipment Recommended: No special equipment required
Other Useful Information
Mobile Coverage: Generally Good
Picnic Area:
Public Toilets:
Facilities: Facilities (refreshments and toilets) are available very close by in Carne Beach Caravan and Camping Park and Our Ladys Island viallge.
Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
You must clean up after your dog if it fouls in a public place.
SAFETY NOTICE
We as always have your safety and well-being in mind, please be aware of stormy and tidal conditions.
Please be aware that at certain times of the year there are livestock on the trail.
The trail is narrow on certain sections of the walk and there are electric fences along part of this route.
Other Walking Trails Nearby
Getting Here
Coming from Wexford, take the N25 towards Rosslare Harbour. After you pass through Tagoat village, take the next right turn signposted Carne /Our Ladys Island. Carne is approximately 6Km from this junction. Follow the road to Our Ladys Island. Continue straight through Our Ladys Island village, keep right as you come to a sharp bend at the graveyard, follow the road until you reach Carne beach and harbour.
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