Forth Mountain Trail 
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Waymarking: Red
Trailhead: Skeaterpark
Sat Nav: 52.29355, -6.58015
Parking: Skeaterpark Car Park (R733)
Additional Parking: Pennylands Car Park
Trail Description
Forth Mountain is a rock outcrop rising to a height of 780 feet (235m) just south west of Wexford town. No other mountain in Ireland can boast of 500-600 million-year-old rock, a pivotal location in the 1798 Rebellion, the remains of houses built in the early 1900s, a grotto, and a climb of almost 235m high.
Shelmaliere Commons: The start of the trail in the New Line car park is very steep. You will pass Carrigatinna Rock on your right, one of many Cambrian quartzite mounds. Further on, the right track takes you out to Skeator Rock where panoramic views of the Wexford coastline include Rosslare, Our Lady’s Island, Saltee Islands, Hook Head lighthouse and across into Dunmore East and the Waterford estuary.
In Pennylands, delightful viewing points include the Grotto and another near Clourane.
The Tincurra trails are a gentler gradient and you can enjoy the picturesque views of Barntown, the Blackstairs Mountains and the west of the county as you follow the trail downhill.
Don’t Miss…
- Shelmaliere Commons: Skeator Rock (The Irish Sceach Tor meaning Bushy Summit) viewpoint’s stunning views of Rosslare and the Saltee Islands.
- Forth Commons / Pennylands: Clourane – views of the Blackstairs Mountains and north of the county. The Grotto, overlooking Kilmore and south of the county.
- Tincurra: Views overlook Barntown, Blackstairs Mountains and the west of the county.
- Forth Mountain in autumn. Spruce, pine and Japanese larch forest with rare lichens and heather and gorse in full bloom displaying the county colours of purple and gold.
- Animals and birds to spot include cuckoos, woodcocks, pheasants, raven and foxes.
Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series 77
Grid Reference: S 969 166
Ascent: 210 metres
Walking time: 2 hours
Format: Loop
Surface: Mixed surfaces
Gates/Stiles: Chicane stiles in place at intervals along the trail
Start/Finish: Skeaterpark
Equipment Recommended: Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended for a moderate grade trail.
Other Useful Information
Mobile Coverage: Generally Good
Picnic Area:
Public Toilets: None
Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
You must clean up after your dog if it fouls in a public place.
Public Transport:
Getting Here
The car park is on the R733, 6.5km from Wexford town and 12km from Wellingtonbridge. Coming from Wexford town, take the R733 exit for Duncannon from the roundabout at Whitford House Hotel and continue for 6.5km where you will find the car park on the righthand side.
These trails are located in Coillte owned forests.
Wexford Walking Trails clg appreciates the support and co-operation of Coillte under their Open Forest Policy.
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