The Rocks – Fitness Trail
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 1.5km (1mile)
Waymarking: Red
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 Fitness Trail (Red) starts at St Marys GAA club house and heads past ‘slidey rock’, then ascends to wonderful panoramic views across Wexford town and harbour.
From the upper viewing-points you can see Maudlintown, with its streets named after Wexford ships and home of the Wexford Cot. The Wexford Cot is a unique clinker-built wooden boat said to be based on Viking ships. At times you can see cot-sailing and mussel-dredgers in the harbour.
Look south to Tuskar Rock Lighthouse with Raven Point to the north. Notice the sandbar, at the mouth of the harbour, where the Wexford whale was stranded in 1891. The skeleton of the blue whale hangs in the central lobby of the Natural History Museum in London.
Don't Miss...
- Trespan Rock from where Oliver Cromwell fired his canon at Wexford Castle.
- Panoramic Views of Wexford Harbour
- Views of Wexford Town
Useful Trail Information
OSI Discovery Map Series 77
Grid Reference: T 05494 20800
Ascent: negligible
Walking time: 40 mins
Format: Loop
Surface: 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