Wexford Walking Trail Festival 2023
22nd – 24th September
Wexford Walking Trail welcomes you to our 8th walking festival – celebrating a mix of Wexford’s member trails from around the county. In organising this year’s festival, Wexford Walking Trail is delighted to highlight our history and our geography – giving you an opportunity to reacquaint yourself with our wonderful county and the communities who work so hard to bring their trails up to and beyond a national standard.
Ferns will get the weekend off to a great start with an informative Friday evening walk around the village, followed by our Festival Launch in St Mogue’s Cottage. Join us for a cuppa and a chat.
Saturday brings us south to Carne. This shore-side, long walk will showcase the route to Carnsore Point, with alternative, shorter, routes available.
Sunday centres us in Bree, this time to explore the newly opened Ballybrittas dolmen trail on Bree Hill.
The chosen trails are suitable for all grades of walkers. Be prepared for whatever the weather brings. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Snacks and drinks are also recommended.
Festival Itinerary
DAY 1 - FESTIVAL LAUNCH
Friday 22nd September 6.30pm
Ferns Village Heritage Trail
Distance: 0.85km
Grade: Easy
Meet at Ferns Castle, Y21 D892, at 6.15 pm for 6.30 pm walk start
FERNS VILLAGE HERITAGE TRAIL provides the basis to the opening of 2023 Festival. Renowned through the ages as the Ancient Capital of Leinster, this will be a short walk through history – in the footsteps of miracle-working saints, Gaelic kings and Norman knights. Led by local guides, you’ll get an insight into characters and events which changed the course of Irish history.
Day 2
Saturday 23rd September 2.00pm
Carne to Carnsore Point Trail
Distance: 11 km
Grade: Moderate
Meet and register at Carne Beach Caravan Park Y35 AF3A at 1.30 pm for 2.00 pm walk start
Parking and toilet facilities close-by.
This beautiful coastal walk takes in Carne village before heading out towards Carnsore Point. Local guides will lead walkers along the coastal path, pointing out historic landmarks and various items of interest.
Afterwards refreshments will be available in the Lighthouse Pub by the entrance to the Carne Beach Caravan Park.
Note: There will be two shorter route alternatives available.
Find out more about Carne Trails
DAY 3
Sunday 24th September 11:00am
Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail, Bree Hill
Distance: 8 km
Grade: Moderate
Meet and register at the Bree Community Centre Y21 XF95 at 10.30 am for 11.00 am walk start
This final walk of our festival allows us to explore an ancient monument on a newly developed trail on Bree Hill. There are hills to be navigated, but we will take it nice and easy to ensure young and old can enjoy this journey into times past.
Refreshments will be served afterwards in Bree Community Centre.
Find out more about Bree Hill Trails
Wexford Walking Trail Festival 2023 Registration
Full Weekend (3 walks) Individual €20.00 Family €30.00
DAY 1 ONLY Individual €5.00 Family €10.00
DAY 2 ONLY Individual €10.00 Family €15.00
DAY 3 ONLY Individual €10.00 Family €15.00
Register via Eventbrite at this link:
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