Faythe Heritage Trail
Grade: Easy
Distance: 2.6km (1.6 miles)
Waymarking: Blue
Trailhead: St Mary’s GAA Club Car Park
Sat Nav: 52.3288 -6.4534
Parking: St Mary’s GAA Club, Street Parking nearby
Trail Description
The Faythe, described in the 17th century as a low thatched suburb and the centre of Wexford’s sea-faring community was home to mariners, sea captains, fishermen, sail makers, boat builders and rope makers – remembered through the local street names such as Rope-Walk and Fishers Row.
The walk brings you down by the Swan fountain and past the old Malt stores. Passing the site of Pierce’s Foundry (now a Tesco supermarket) and the new Garda Regional Headquarters you enter the Rock’s up Harris’s Lane which is lined with mature native trees.
Moving from urban to natural rock outcrops in a native woodland setting, prepare for stunning views of the Wexford estuary. Its mud flats (slobs), teeming with wildfowl, provided an unlimited source of food to early settlers and spawned a specialist community of hunter-gatherers in Mesolithic times.
Don't Miss...
- Mural to George Ross: Senior All-Ireland button-accordion champion 1956 and resident of the Faythe.
- The Faythe Primary school: founded by the Sisters of St John of God in 1891.
- Memorial gate to the 1911 lockout and memorial stone to United Nations’ service men.
- The Swan cast iron fountain or trough, made in Pierce’s Foundry in 1888.
- The Malt Stores.
- Trespan Rock from where Oliver Cromwell fired his canon at Wexford Castle.
- Views of Wexford Harbour, Raven Point, Tuskar Rock, Rosslare and the sand-bar where the Wexford whale was stranded.
- The three Church spires (Bride Street, Rowe Street and the Friary) lined up one behind the other.
Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series 77
Grid Reference: T 05494 20800
Ascent: negligible
Walking time: 50 mins
Format: Loop
Surface: Mixed surfaces, street & hardcore paths
Gates/Stiles: No
Start/Finish: St Mary’s GAA Club, The Faythe
Other Useful Information
Equipment Recommended: No special equipment required
Mobile Coverage: Generally Good
Picnic Area:
Public Toilets: None
Facilities:
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
From Wexford Quays head south along the Quays on the R730, continuing straight down Trinity Street, onto South William St. You will arrive at a pedestrian crossing , green area on your left, pub and supermarket on your right. Just beyond the pedestrian crossing there is a small laneway on the right leading to St Mary’s GAA Club where parking is available.
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