Ballyteige Burrow Loop
Kilmore Quay
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
Waymarking: Purple
Trailhead: Harbour Car Park
Sat Nav: 52.172256, -6.591068
Parking: Harbour Car Park (free parking)
Trail Description
Of international conservation importance, Ballyteige Burrow or the Burrow as it is locally known, is one of the finest sand dune systems in the South East.
Walking along the shore provides opportunity to watch passing seabirds. Little terns occasionally nest on the beach at the western end. In the dunes, you will see meadow pipits, wrens, stonechats and linnets. In spring and autumn, wheatears and reed buntings pass through. In spring and early summer, the song of the skylark, a sound becoming scarce in much of the country, fills the dunes.
One of the few places in Ireland where the turf ant is found, there are also rare woodlice, snails, wasps and two of Ireland’s rarest bee species: the great yellow bumble bee and the shrill carder bee.
Don't Miss
- The Flora and Fauna: Found in abundance on the Burrow is the extremely rare wild asparagus. Wild thyme provides sweet scent and small purple flowers that carpet the Burrow in summer. Several species of wild orchid can be found which mostly bloom in spring and summer. Rare mosses and lichens grow here too. The wide variety of flowering plants, plus the extensive sunshine the South East enjoys, make the Burrow an excellent place for butterflies and moths.
- The Views: Spectacular panoramic view of the whole area taking in Ballyteigue Bay, Kilmore Quay, the Saltee Islands, Hook Lighthouse, Forth Mountain and Ballyteige Castle.
- The wonderful seafood available in all the local food outlets.
Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series 77
Grid Reference: S 965 032
Ascent: negligible
Walking time: 1 hour
Format: Loop
Surface: Mixed surfaces including sandy beach
Gates/Stiles: No
Start/Finish: Harbour Car Park
Equipment Recommended:
Other Useful Information
Mobile Coverage: Generally Good
Picnic Area: Beside the Harbour Car Park
Public Toilets: Beside the Harbour Car Park
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: Daily Bus from Wexford town, see Wexford Bus timetable for latest information.
Nearby Walking Trails
Getting Here
From Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford town take the N25 towards Rosslare Harbour. Turn right on the R739 and follow the signs to Kilmore Quay. Parking is available in the village adjacent to the 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