Rosslare Harbour Village Loop

Grade:              Easy

Distance:         3.5km (2.8 miles)

Waymarking:  Blue

Trailhead:   Rosslare Harbour Viewing Point 

Sat Nav:   52.2512, -6.3427

Parking:   Free car park at the trailhead and at the  playground

Trail Description

Starting at the Viewing Point, follow the cliff path towards the Marian Statue taking time to enjoy the comings and goings down on the ‘pier’. The concrete emplacements at ground level are old WW2 observation posts/gun positions used by the Military for observation and protection and to blow the explosive charges on the old viaduct in case of emergency.

 The sandy beach below you is very popular all year round and provides excellent and safe bathing particularly during the warm summer months. Watch out for hawks in search of prey hovering over the dunes.

Looping back along the road from the playground you will pass the Railway Social Club built in 1900. This was originally a ‘Co-Operative’ shop, pub and social hall, fire brigade and ball alley built for the community who lived in the Railway Houses to the rear. The largest of these buildings, the Dormitory was used for train drivers and ‘guards’ who slept overnight to take the early trains back to Dublin and Limerick Junction. 

Entering the Village Park take time to read the information sign and site plan. This land was once used as a village green, a shelter belt against prevailing westerly winds and the local ‘landfill’. It has now been lovingly developed into a park containing four distinctive areas. The trail meanders around the park around passing the Biodiversity Pond. The pond, created in 2022, attracts an ever-increasing array of wildlife as it evolves.

Heading back along the road, take note of the Apparatus or Rocket House used by the Coast Life Saving Service from the mid 1800’s until 1945. This apparatus propelled enough rope out to stranded vessels to help to save lives using a ‘Breeches Boy’ back to the beach. In 1949 when Ireland was
declared a Republic, rockets were fired in the air from here to celebrate the occasion.
 Call into St Patrick’s Catholic Church for a moment of quiet contemplation.

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Don't Miss...

  • Tuskar Rock Lighthouse
  • Village Park and Gardens
  • Adult Outdoor Gym
  • Children’s Playground
  • The Coastguard Station

Useful Trail Information

OSI Discovery Map Series 77

Grid Reference: T 131 124

Ascent: negligible

Walking time: 45-60 minutes

Format: Loop

Multi-User Accessible Trail: Yes

Surface: Mixed surfaces

Gates/Stiles: No

Start/Finish: Rosslare Harbour Viewing Point

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Other Useful Information

Equipment Recommended: No special equipment required

Mobile Coverage: Generally Good

Picnic Area:  At the Viewing Point

Public Toilets: 

Facilities: There is a selection of retail, food and fuel services within the village and port.

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

 

By Rail: Rosslare Europort Train Station is at the base of the hill below the trailhead (approximately 300m). There are daily services. For more information, please visit Irish Rail’s website

By Road: Take the N25 towards Rosslare Harbour and continue until you arrive in Rosslare Harbour village. You will pass a supermarket on your left and a church on your right. After the supermarket, there is an exit on your left to the car park where the trailhead is located. (before you go down the hill into the port)

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