Rosslare Walking Trail

Distance: 2.87km (1.8 miles)
Ascent: Negligible
Walking time: 45min
Waymarking: Blue
Grade: Easy

The history of Rosslare Harbour originates in the 19th century when Wexford Town was the main shipping port of the South East. By this time Wexford was in decline due to the silting up of the estuary which caused much navigational difficulty and delays due to tidal and weather conditions. This coincided with the development of the railways throughout Ireland and the UK and plans to connect London to the West of Ireland via rail and sea became a reality. Merchant venturers on both sides of St George’s Channel were casting speculative eyes on the 50 mile stretch of sea between SE Ireland and SW Wales. They wanted to open a new, speedy, rail-linked crosschannel steamer service to carry mail, passengers, livestock and cargo. Rosslare Harbour and Fishguard in Wales developed jointly to support this shipping link while later developments in continental travel and trade created even greater expansion of the port and village and linked Rosslare Harbour to Europe via ports in France and Spain. Your walk will take you along the cliff top past dwellings built for maritime communities such as the Coastguard, Lighthouse keepers or Lifeboat volunteers. Along the route you will also observe the streets and facilities provided for the railway men, seamen and port employees who came to build and to maintain port services for the trains and the mail boats

DON’T MISS
The concrete emplacements at ground level are old WW2 observation posts/gun positions used by the Military for observation and protection and to blow the explosive charges on the old viaduct in case of emergency.
The sandy beach below you is very popular all year round and provides excellent and safe bathing particularly during the warm summer months. Watch out for hawks hovering over the dunes in search of prey.
Continue your stay in Rosslare Harbour by walking the rough path along the top of the cliff from the playground to Greenore Point. This is a public right of way and is famous for its panoramic views and natural beauty.
Enjoy the children’s playground in Rosslare Harbour.
Read the Village Park sign and visit the diverse areas hidden in the trees.
GETTING HERE
Directions: Follow N25 to Rosslare Harbour and just after Supervalu supermarket on left is the carpark and start point (viewing point).