St Helen’s Trail
Grade: Easy
Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles (8Km Return)
Waymarking: Yellow
Trailhead: St Helens Harbour Car Park
Sat Nav: 52.228 -6.324
Parking: Spaces at pier and adjoining car park
Trail Description
This walk highlights part of County Wexford’s stunning coastline. The historic Tuskar Rock Lighthouse will accompany you along your trek and for anyone interested in foraging for and using seaweed in your cooking, then this walk will get your tastebuds dancing! Find Bladderwrack, Kelps, Sea lettuce and Sleachcán amongst many other varieties. But always check with somebody who knows before eating!
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 Ballytrent trail also starts here and splits from the St. Helen’s trail around the 2km mark.
The St. Helen’s Trail (yellow waymarker discs) is a beautiful linear walk extending approximately 4 km from St Helen’s across the beach via Ballytrent and St Margaret’s and finishing at Carne’s blue flag beach. This is an 8km round trip and there are additional trails at Carne for the walker to enjoy. A small section of this trail could be impassable at high tide so please check tide times before commencing your walk.
Don't Miss...
- Tuskar Rock Lighthouse
- Foraging on the Beach
- Fishing
- Bird Watching
Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series 77
Grid Reference: S 969 166
Ascent: negligible
Walking time: 1hour 50 minutes (return)
Format: Linear (St Helen’s to Carne)
Surface: Mixed surfaces, mostly sandy beach
Gates/Stiles: No
Start/Finish: St Helen’s Harbour
Equipment Recommended: No special equipment required
Other Useful Information
Mobile Coverage: Generally Good
Picnic Area:
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.
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
You can avoid this headland by detouring along the GREEN route between Ballytrent /St Margarets / Ballytrent (see trailhead sign) This route measures 5.31 km and will take approximately 1 hr 15 minutes.
Other Walking Trails Nearby
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