Ballytrent Loop

Grade:         Easy

Distance:  7km / 4.35 miles

Waymarking: Red

Trailhead:   St Helens Harbour Car Park

Sat Nav:  52.228 -6.324

Parking: Spaces at pier and adjoining car park

St Helens Pier

Trail Description

The trail begins in the carpark adjacent to the picturesque fishing harbour at St Helen’s, initially following the path along the sand dunes. The historic Tuskar Rock Lighthouse will accompany you along this part of your trek.

Anyone interested in foraging for and using seaweed in your cooking, then this walk will get your taste buds dancing! Find Bladderwrack, Kelps, Sea lettuce and Sleachcán amongst many other varieties. But always check with somebody who knows before eating!

The Ballytrent Trail splits from the St. Helen’s trail at around the 2 kilometre mark: A trail leads off the beach along a quiet road  towards the historic 18th century Ballytrent House. A tall flagpole can be seen from the beach, a device that was once used to signal to ships before the day of radio communications.

The roadway continues through picturesque countryside, eventually leading past the ruins of Ballycronigan House, a once splendid country house built around 1819. The trail re-joins the beach at the bottom of the hill. Turn left and continue back along the beach to St. Helen’s. 

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Don't Miss...

  • Tuskar Rock Lighthouse
  • Foraging on the Beach
  • Ballytrent House
  • Ruins of Ballycronigan House

Useful Trail Information

OSI Discovery Map Series 77

Grid Reference: S 969 166

Ascent: negligible

Walking time:  2hrs

Format: Loop 

Surface: Mixed surfaces, sandy beach, public road

Gates/Stiles: No

Start/Finish: St Helen’s Harbour

Equipment Recommended: No special equipment required

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Other Useful Information

Mobile Coverage: Generally Good

Picnic Area:  Picnic bench at St Helens Harbour

Public Toilets: None

Facilities:  Facilities (refreshments and toilets) are available very close by in the St. Helen’s Golf Club. 

Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
You must clean up after your dog if it fouls in a public place.

Forth Mountain Red Trail Map

HIGH TIDE WARNING!!!

 The section between Ballytrent and St Margarets headland is impassable at HIGH TIDE

 Please consult www.tidesnear.me for further information

 WALKERS SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO

CLIMB OVER THE ROCKS

CLIMB UP ON TO THE HEADLAND OR

WADE THROUGH THE WATER

THESE OPTIONS ARE UNSAFE

Getting Here

Take the N25 towards Rosslare Harbour. In Kilrane village turn right onto Ballyknockan road. (Follow signs to St Helens Golf Club)  At the Golf Club entrance turn right and continue 500m to the harbour car park.

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