Tara Hill Blue Trail
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 5.4km (3.4 miles)
Waymarking: Blue
Trailhead: Crab Tree, Ballincarrig
Sat Nav: 52.69473, -6.22795
Parking: Limited parking at the trailhead
Trail Description
The more demanding Blue Trail or Slí na n-Óg trail, beginning from the Ballinacarrig parking place (known locally as the Crab Tree) brings you on a walk which encompasses not just the higher slopes of Tara Hill itself, but its fascinating historical past.
Along the way you will encounter the remains of a famine village, Soldier’s Hollow, Table Rock and on the summit, the cairn. This cairn has the crow’s-foot mark showing it was part of a military survey, using its height to provide possible defence in times of invasion.
From this position can be seen Croghan in the northwest, to the eaat over the sea Mount Snowdon in Wales, and Oulart Hill further south.
Don’t Miss…
- The cairn on the summit
- Mary Neal’s Spout
- Remains of a famine village
- The magnificent crab tree
Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series 62
Grid Reference: T 207 619
Ascent: 201m
Walking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Format: Loop
Surface: Mixed
Gates/Stiles: No
Start/Finish: Trailhead
Equipment Recommended: Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required.
Other Useful Information
Mobile Coverage: Generally Good
Picnic Area: none
Public Toilets: none
Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control at all times. If your dog fouls in a public place then you must clean up after it.
Public Transport: none
Other Walking Trails Nearby
Getting Here
Travelling on the M11, take Exit 22 for Gorey. At the Tinnock Roundabout at the end of the slip road take the fourth exit to Gorey town centre along R772. After 2.7 km, turn left and continue for 2.9 km until you come to a fork in the road, keep left. After 450m turn left, continue along this lane for 400m until you reach a small parking area beside a large crab tree. This is the start/finish of the Blue Trail.
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