FAMILY DAYS OUT IN WEXFORD: ARTHURSTOWN- DUNCANNON COASTAL TRAIL
May 2021: This new trail isn’t fully completed yet but is open to the public.
The coastal walk is due to the hard work of some locals, and it is really paying off attracting lots of visitors already. The path travels from Arthurstown Quay towards Duncannon on the coast and then up through Dunbrody Park where it currently meets the busy public road at Killesk Church in Blackhill.
Having grown up in Duncannon it was fantastic to see this “hidden” part of the coastline, walking through Dunbrody Park through wooded areas and bluebell dells that were previously out of bounds.
We walked the stretch from Arthurstown to Killesk and back, not going on the public road, it took about an hour with lots of stops along the way to admire the view up the estuary, across to Waterford and down towards Duncannon and the Hook Peninsula. It took about an hour to do this part with frequent stops. Younger children might find the steep incline tiring and I’d avoid the public road with young children too.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The trail starts at metal steps on the quayside, apart from this part a “big wheel” buggy would manage the terrain as long as you’re able to push it up steep inclines.
The walk switches back and forth at first and then follows the estuary, there are views across to Crooke in Co. Waterford and to Duncannon and out along the Hook Peninsula.
The path is uneven and some sections are steep, if the weather is wet it could be slippy so wear appropriate footwear, we wore runners on a dry day.
Not all of the path is fenced, but the trail is back from the edge so it still feels very safe, but watch your toddler to adult ratio
Much of the walk is shaded and wooded and it is not all trailmarked yet.
A steep incline brings you to farmland in the grounds of @dunbrodyhouse_ireland
Public toilets with a changing table are available in Duncannon village.
Coffee/Food: Kings Bay Inn in Arthurstown are doing takeaway coffee as are Zephyr in Duncannon. Takeaway food available from The Strand, Roches Bar and Off the Hook in Duncannon
