Just a stone's throw from Courtown village and its busy beach, Courtown Woods provides a peaceful green escape filled with history and nature. The woods have roots reaching back before the Famine, when oak and ash trees were common. Later, in the 19th century, the fifth Earl of Courtown planted impressive conifers like California redwoods and cedars. By the 1950s, the government took over the 25-hectare woodland mainly for timber, but you can still find reminders of its grander past, like a huge cedar of Lebanon on the Top Walk and an old yew tree planted back in the 1870s. The canal flowing through the woods was built during the Famine as part of a relief project, a reminder of tougher times. And hidden among the trees is a real treasure: the 9th- or 10th-century High Cross of Kilbride, hinting at early Christian life here.
Four easy walking trails invite you to explore. The River Walk (about 40 minutes) follows the Owenavorragh River past Ballinatray Bridge, an old Famine-era structure. The Top Walk gives you lovely views from higher ground, while the High Cross Walk leads directly to the ancient stone cross. The Canal Walk is the shortest (around 25 minutes), following the historic man-made channel. Keep an eye out for interesting trees like the swamp cypress with its strange 'knees', and in spring, the ground is carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic – signs of ancient woodland. You can even join guided foraging tours to learn about edible plants and Celtic tree traditions.
The woods offer a wonderful contrast to the sunny beach nearby, providing cool shade and quiet paths. Spring is fantastic for wildflowers, but the trails are open 24/7 and lovely year-round. It's quite special to know this is one of Ireland's rare surviving ancient woodlands (less than 0.1%!), home to wildlife like kingfishers and woodpeckers. Local folklore adds a touch of mystery with tales of a ghost haunting the Chestnut Walk, while finds of Bronze Age items suggest people have been here for millennia.
Courtown Woods beautifully blends the old and new. You've got the Victorian-era tree collection alongside more recent plantations, and the nearby Active Tribe Centre offers modern activities like zip lines. Yet, the woods themselves retain a quiet, thoughtful atmosphere. Walking here feels like stepping through layers of time, surrounded by trees that have stood for centuries.
Getting There
Visitors to Courtown Woods can reach the site via car, with clear driving routes from nearby towns and the motorway. From Gorey, it is a 10-minute drive along the R742 road. As you approach Courtown from Gorey, take a left turn at the "V" junction and follow signs for Courtown Adventure and Leisure Centre. The woodland car park and Trailhead 1 will be on your left after the turn. Trailhead 2 is located near the main entrance of the Leisure Centre.
For those traveling from the M11 motorway, take exit 23 and follow the R742 towards Courtown. Continue to follow signs for the Adventure and Leisure Centre once on the R742.
Driving times from major nearby locations:
- Enniscorthy: ~30 minutes
- Wexford Town: ~45 minutes
Parking
The main car park is located at Courney Leisure Centre Car Park, which also includes a "big car park" near the children's playground. This is a central access point and serves as the starting point for many trails, including the High Cross Walk and River Walk. A second parking area is found on Burrow Road past the harbour in Courtown, offering access to trails like the Canal Walk. Nearby, a third car park is situated near Ballinatray Bridge, while a fourth option is available at the Active Tribe building. Additionally, the trailhead itself has parking, likely integrated with one of the existing lots.
The Harbour House B&B offers on-site public parking free of charge, with Courtown Woods just 100 yards away from its entrance-a convenient option for those staying nearby.
During peak times, if spaces are limited at the Leisure Centre Car Park, visitors can utilize the other lots (Burrow Road, Ballinatray Bridge, or Active Tribe) to ensure access. All parking areas are within walking distance of trail entrances, though specific distances vary. Accessibility accommodations are not detailed in available sources, so it's advisable to contact local authorities for the latest updates.
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