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Man

The beach walk begins at the 'Ladies Slip'. If you arrive just at low tide you will see the rocky seashore under the cliffs to the right. Here, you will find many underwater creatures exposed by the receding tide, including crustaceans such as crabs, and barnacles which adhere fast to the rocks. Various types of algae, like bladder-wrack and gut-weed, can be discovered here.

Tip: Never explore the rocky seashore alone. Wear non-slipshoes and always be aware of thetides and changeable weatherconditions.

As you walk down the beach, the promenade and storm-wall come into view on your left. If you look carefully in the sand you will see lug-worm casts, as well as sea snails tracks from where they were feeding at high tide. Lug-worms live in u-shaped burrows about a foot under the sand and you may also discover seashells and remains of crabs along the way.

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Tramore's greatest attraction is

its 3km golden beach. It provides

the perfect setting for a relaxing

walk, taking in natural habitats

and wildlife. Discover all this and

more, using this guide. Before

going on this walk always

acquaint yourselves with tidal and

weather conditions.

At the Lifeguards' hut, the beach takes on a different form. The ridge running the length of the beach is called the “shingle embankment” and was laid down at the end of the Ice Age. You will find specia-lised types of plants growing here, such as sea--beet, with large thick fleshy leaves; and sea sandwort, identifiable by small leaves and white flowers. At the halfway point down the beach, take some time to look at the stunning views of the Bay and headlands. Facing the water, turn left to see Brownstown Head with its two beacon towers, while on the right is Greater Newtown Head, with three beacon towers erected in 1821 to insure safe passage to mariners. From their promontory on the headlands, the beacons alerted sailors to the dangers of rocks below. The centre column is mounted by the Metal Man figure, whose twin is in Sligo. They say on stormy nights you can here him cry out, “Keep out, keep out, good ship from me, for I am the rock of misery.” Historically there have been many shipping tragedies here. Thankfully, modern technology has made sailing safer.

Continue down as far the neck of the sand dunes. You will notice some large rocks piled in order to prevent sea erosion. To the left of these rocks you will see a cut-though. Proceed along that route and stop next to the fence. On the right you will see a pile of what appears to be broken and burnt seashells. These are a national monument; the shells are evidence of the first settlers in Tramore, dating back some 10,000 years. This was their cooking area, known today as a kitchen midden. If you turn to the left you will see marram grass, which is only found in the environs of sand dunes. Theses grasses are dry and spiky to the touch, but maintain the sand dunes by their binding roots, while their leaves preventing wind from blowing too much sand away.

Tip: Only use the provided walkways. Do not enter fenced-offareas as these areas are veryenvironmentally sensitive.

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Continue forward and you will arrive at the Back Strand. This area is an area of Special Conservation. The Back Strand is abundant in bird and fish life and the sand is littered with cockleshells which live under the mud-flats. Wading birds can be seen feeding at low tide, especially oyster-catchers, with their unmistakable black and white bodies and red beaks. This area fills and empties twice a day with the tides. You might be interested to observe that the sand is full of air and feels light and soft under the feet.

Walk to the left and you will pass through what was the Malcolmson embankment, built to reclaim the Back Strand for a golf-course and race-course, the stands of which can be seen today. In the December of 1911 the embankment gave way in the middle, for the second time that year. The reclaimed land remains flooded to this day.

As you walk back to Tramore the habitat takes on a new form; that of a salt marsh. You will see a reed-like grass called cordgrass covering a large area and in the early to late summer, carpets of sea pinks can be seen growing. At low tide, there are sea bait pickers in this area of the Back Strand, as fishing is a very popular past-time for locals and visitors and during the summer months a multitude of shoals of mackerel come to our shore. Keep an ear out and you may just hear a skylark in full song but you need a good eye to spot one as they fly up really high; look to the water's edge you may see a tall bright white bird wading for food. This is the little egret.

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Created by Alpha Design (www.alphadesign.ie) for Discover Tramore — Your first choice for enjoying Tramore! (www.discovertramore.ie / mobile.discovertramore.ie)

Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in this publication. If any errors or ommisions are brought to our attention, future editions will be amended accordingly. maps@discovertramore.ie

We hope you enjoyed some of the

sights and sounds of Tramore's great

front garden.

With thanks to Alan Walsh

www.discovertramore.iemobile.discovertramore.ie

Route 1 (Tramore è Wexford via Dunmore East, Passage East, Ballyhack, Hook Head, Fethard, Wellingtonbridge and Kilmore Quay)

Tramore è Dunmore East

Dunmore East è Passage East

Passage East è Ballyhack

Ballyhack è Hook Head

q Head northeast on R675/Turkey Rd toward Lower Branch Rd/R675, continue to follow R675 (Go through 3 roundabouts).q Turn right at Dunmore E Rd/R685, continue to follow R685.q Turn left to stay on R685, turn right at R684.q Slight left at Cuan An Dúin/R684, continue to follow R684.q Arrival, Dunmore East.

q Head north on Dock Rd/R684 toward R684, continue to follow R684.q Turn right at Inisfallen, continue on Marian Terrace.q Continue on Dunmore Holiday Villas, continue on Bayview.q Turn right toward Creadan View, continue straight onto Creadan View.q Continue on Chapel St, turn left at Dobbyns St.q Slight right at Barrack St/R683, continue on The Quay.q Arrival, Passage East.

q Head southwest on The Quay toward Post Office Square, turn right at R683.q Take the Passage East – Ballyhack ferry.q Continue straight onto R733.q Arrival, Ballyhack.

q Head southwest on R733, turn left to stay on R733.q Slight right at R733/Woodlawn, continue to follow R733.q Turn right.q Turn right.q Arrival, Hook Head.

This drive, about 80 km, follows the

South East coastline. Along the way

you will encounter meandering

rivers, tiny villages and some

breathtaking views. This guide has

been designed so that the starting

point is Tramore.

Hook Head è Fethard

Fethard è Wellington Bridge

Wellington Bridge è Kilmore Quay

Kilmore Quay è Wexford

q Head northeast.q Take a left turn after 7.3km.q Take a right turn after 1.3km.q Arrival, Fethard.

q Head northwest on R734/Sluice Ln toward Sluice Ln, continue to follow R734.q Turn left to stay on R734.q Turn right at R733.q Slight right at R736/St John's Ct, continue on R733.q Arrival, Wellington Bridge.

q Head southwest on R733.q Turn left after 0.2 km.q Turn left after 1.1 km.q Turn right after 0.1 km.q Turn left toward R736.q Turn left at R736.q Turn right at R736/St Annes Villas, continue to follow R736.q Turn left at R739.q Arrival, Kilmore Quay.

q Head northeast on R739 toward Saltee View.q Turn left to stay on R739.q Slight left at N25.q At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto R730/Rosslare Rd.q Continue to follow R730.q Arrival, Wexford.

Route 2 (Tramore è Ardmore via Annestown, Bunmahon, Stradbally and Dungarvan)

Tramore è Annestown

Annestown è Bunmahon

Bunmahon è Stradbally

Stradbally è Dungarvan

Dungarvan è Ardmore

q Head southwest on Lower Branch Rd/R675, continue to follow R675 (Go through 1 roundabout).q Turn left at Dungarvan Rd/R675, continue to follow R675 (Go through 2 roundabouts).q Turn left to stay on R675.q Arrival, Annestown.

q Head west on R675.q Turn left to stay on R675.q Turn left to stay on R675.q Arrival, Bunmahon.

q Head southwest on R675 toward R677.q Slight left toward Viewmount Dr.q Turn right at Viewmount Dr.q Arrival, Stradbally.

q Head northwest on Viewmount Dr toward Marian Terrace.q Turn right at Marian Terrace.q Turn left toward R675.q Turn left toward R675.q Turn right toward R675.q Turn left at R675.q Turn right at Davitts QuaY, continue on Shandon.q At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto N25/Shandon Rd.q Arrival, Dungarvan.

q Head west on N25/Shandon Rd toward N25.q Continue to follow N25 (Go through 3 roundabouts).q Slight left at R673.q Turn left to stay on R673.q Turn left at Main St.q Arrival, Ardmore.

Created by Alpha Design (www.alphadesign.ie) for Discover Tramore — Your first choice for enjoying Tramore! (www.discovertramore.ie / mobile.discovertramore.ie)

Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in this publication. If any errors or ommisions are brought to our attention, future editions will be amended accordingly. maps@discovertramore.ie

www.discovertramore.iemobile.discovertramore.ie

Fenor

Annestown

Dunhill (Optional)

Fenor boasts an award-winning bog nature reserve, offering a boardwalk trail to learn about and enjoy the flora and fauna that have made it their habitat. Walk around Ballyscanlon Lake and forest, or swim at nearby Kilfarassy beach which is also popular for fishing.

Just along from Fenor is Annestown, situated near the bridge over the river Anne, from where you can see the distant Dunhill Castle. A golden beach offers popular bathing in the summertime. An old lime kiln can be seen in the car park.

Dunhill, which is part of the Dolmen Drive, is rich in history. Among the sights is the 19th century church overlooking the village, and also the megalithic dolmens.

Boatstrand

Bunmahon

Stradbally

This fishing village has a lovely harbour and beach, with fantastic views of the coastline and of the Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains. From Dunabrattin Head you can see breathtaking scenery, right up to the Helvick Head peninsula where the Ring Gaeltacht is located.

This village at the end of the River Mahon has a Blue Flag beach, surrounded by cliffs. Recent heritage projects (one being the restoration of the engine house at Tankardstown) have seen the area's copper-mining history brought to the fore.

Reaching the tidy village of Stradbally, enjoy its many charms; medieval church, thatched cottages, a beach enclosed by woodland at the Tay estuary, and Ogham stones at nearby Drumlohan. Follow the coast road to the maritime market town of Dungarvan, perhaps stopping off at Clonea, with its Blue Flag beach and championship golf course. Why not try the South East Coastal Drive (see back) if you have some time?

Copper

The Copper Coast refers to the

copper-mining heritage along

the South Eastern coastline

between Tramore and

Dungarvan. The geology of this

area has gained it the unique

status in Ireland, of European

Geopark. At the heart of this

region are gorgeous

landscapes and seascapes,

and cliffs, coves, caves and

beaches. We recommend you

explore for yourself the

breathtaking scenery.

Created by Alpha Design (www.alphadesign.ie) for Discover Tramore — Your first choice for enjoying Tramore! (www.discovertramore.ie / mobile.discovertramore.ie)

Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in this publication. If any errors or ommisions are brought to our attention, future editions will be amended accordingly. maps@discovertramore.ie

www.discovertramore.iemobile.discovertramore.ie

TramoreTramoreTramore

KnockeenKnockeen

DuaghDuagh

CoolgowerCoolgower

BallykinsellaBallykinsella

TowergareTowergare

MunmahogeMunmahoge

KilbrideNorth

KilbrideNorth

KilbrideSouth

KilbrideSouth

DrumcannonDrumcannon

SporthouseSporthouse

CullencastleCullencastle

BallydrislaneBallydrislane

LisselanLisselan

BallinattinBallinattin

SomervilleSomerville

Árd Na GroiÁrd Na Groi

CarrigavantrySouth

CarrigavantrySouth

BallycamaneWoods

BallycamaneWoods

RiverstownRiverstown

TramoreHeightsTramoreHeights

NewtownNewtown

NewtownWoods

NewtownWoods

WesttownWesttown

GarrarusGarrarus

CoolnagoppogeCoolnagoppoge

KnockenduffKnockenduff

CarrigavantryCarrigavantry

IslandtarsneySouth

IslandtarsneySouth

Fenor SouthFenor South

FennorFennor

AnnestownAnnestown

BallinagorkaghBallinagorkagh

DunhillLodgeDunhillLodge

DunhillUpperDunhillUpper

BallyheadonBallyheadon

BallynageeraghBallynageeragh

ShanacloneShanaclone

Dun AillDun Aill

BallyphilipBallyphilip

BallydermodyBallydermody

BallymorrisBallymorris

BallybreginBallybregin

BallylenaneBallylenane

Smoor MoreSmoor More

BallycraddockBallycraddock

CarrickphilipCarrickphilip

Smoor BegSmoor Beg

JohnstownJohnstown

KilloneKillone

An RáithinAn Ráithin

PembrokestownPembrokestown

LisnakillCross

LisnakillCross

GaulstownGaulstown

LoughdaheenLoughdaheen

BallymoatBallymoat

ShinganaghShinganagh

LisnakillLisnakill

SlieveroeSlieveroe

BallinacloughBallinaclough

CarraigbraghanCarraigbraghan

Knockeen

Duagh

Coolgower

Ballykinsella

Towergare

Munmahoge

KilbrideNorth

KilbrideSouth

Drumcannon

Sporthouse

Cullencastle

Ballydrislane

Lisselan

Ballinattin

Somerville

Árd Na Groi

CarrigavantrySouth

BallycamaneWoods

Riverstown

TramoreHeights

Newtown

NewtownWoods

Westtown

Garrarus

Coolnagoppoge

Knockenduff

Carrigavantry

IslandtarsneySouth

Fenor South

Fennor

Annestown

Ballinagorkagh

DunhillLodge

DunhillUpper

Ballyheadon

Ballynageeragh

Shanaclone

Dun Aill

Ballyphilip

Ballydermody

Ballymorris

Ballybregin

Ballylenane

Smoor More

Ballycraddock

Carrickphilip

Smoor Beg

Johnstown

Killone

An Ráithin

Pembrokestown

LisnakillCross

Gaulstown

Loughdaheen

Ballymoat

Shinganagh

Lisnakill

Slieveroe

Ballinaclough

Carraigbraghan

BallynageeraghPortal Tomb

CroaghStanding Stones

KnockeenPortal Tomb

LisdugganChambered Tomb

CullencastleCarriglong

Passage Grave

PickardstownMenhir

BallymoatMenhir

BallinacloughMenhir

GaulstownPortal Tomb

Carrigavantry Wedge Tomb

MatthewstownPassage Tomb

DunhillPortal Tomb

Knockeen Dolmen è Gaulstown Portal Tomb

Gaulstown è Ballymoat Menhir

Ballymoat Menhir è Matthestown Passage Tomb

Continue forward until you arrive at a T-Junction and take a left (signposted for Dunhil). At the cross roads, take a right onto the R682. Continue forward until the next crossroads at Lisnakill taking a left onto the narrow roadway. Continue forward to Lisnakill Cross, taking a left to Gaulstown Dolmen. Smaller then Knockeen Dolmen, it consists of 6 upright slabs. Its internal height is over 6ft. Located close by is a Cist grave.

Continuing forward from Gaulstown for a short distance until you arrive at the Ballymoat standing stone, standing 11ft. high. It is thought that this spot marks the final resting place of our primitive ancestors.

Continue forward to the T-Junction located at the end of the road and take a right. Take a left at the two story house a short distance up the road and you will see Matthewstown Passage Grave, locally referred to as “Thomas McCabe's Bed”. This tomb consists of three large stones resting on four support stones (originally 5). A local story goes that farmer once brought a horse and cart to remove the stones, but the horse dropped dead. A second horse was produced but it to had ill faith. The stones remain unmoved for centuries.

Matthestown Passage Tomb è Ballynageeragh Portal Tomb

Ballynageeragh Portal Tomb è Dunhill Portal Tomb

From this point, you have completed the Dolmen Drive and have seen many of Tramore's surrounding areas fantastic portal tombs and portals. From here, you can travel onto other costal destinations such as Annestown and Bonmahon. Alternatively, you may wish to return to Tramore via the costal route. Just continue on past Dunhill Portal Tomb through the village of Fenor and onto Tramore. You can also take a slight detour as you drive through Dunhill and drop by Dunhill Castle.

Continue forward to the T-Junction, taking a left onto the main road, and drive onto the village of Dunhill. At Harney's pub take a right turn towards the school. Once at the school, turn left and continue forward to Ballynageeragh Portal Tomb located in the heart of a cornfield. The massive capstone measures 13ft by 9ft, resembling the Knockeen Dolmen.

Turn back towards Dunhill School, and take a right to get back to the village of Dunhill. Once at the junction, take a right then an immediate left. Continue a short distance forward, past the front of the church, until you arrive at Dunhill Portal Tomb. It is not known whether this dolmen was incomplete or not.

Tramore Station è Cullencastle

Cullencastle è Knockeen Dolmen

Depart from the old Tramore Train Station in the direction of Waterford City. At the first roundabout, take the first exit. Continue straight on, taking the second exit on the roundabout at Tramore Racecourse. At the next roundabout take the third exit and continue forward. At the T-Junction, take a left onto the R682. Follow this road and turn right at the crossroad to visit “Cullencastle”.

Caislean a`Chuilinn (Castle of the Holy). The castle which gives its name to the town land is situated on an outcrop of rock. It can be viewed from the roadside only.

Continue through the Crossroads beside Cullencastle to visit the Knockeen Dolmen or Lisduggan Chambered Tomb. The Knockeen Dolmen is said to be the most beautiful of its kind in Ireland. It comprises of 6 upright slabs (varying in height, tallest being 8ft x 7ft) and its total height is just over 12ft.

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Created by Alpha Design (www.alphadesign.ie) for Discover Tramore — Your first choice for enjoying Tramore! (www.discovertramore.ie / mobile.discovertramore.ie)

Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in this publication. If any errors or ommisions are brought to our attention, future editions will be amended accordingly. maps@discovertramore.ie

www.discovertramore.iemobile.discovertramore.ie