A community-built gravel trail following the Anne River from Dunhill village to the coast, threading marshland, ponds and old castle ruins. Flat, buggy-friendly and free, it is one of Waterford's quietest wildlife walks.
A linear, easy 4.4 km gravel path (about 1 hour one way) runs from Ballyphilip Bridge near Dunhill down to Annestown Village, following the Anne River through forest, marshland and ponds. The surface is well maintained and flat, so it suits all ages, buggies and wheelchairs.
The ponds and wetlands are home to swans, ducks, herons, otters and deer, plus protected bird species. Visit early in the morning for the best chance of sightings, and bring binoculars.
The mid-point of the walk is the ruined tower house of Dunhill Castle, sited on a ridge over the valley and once besieged by Cromwell's forces. The castle itself is up a steep, uneven grassy slope and is not wheelchair accessible.
The trail ends at the coast in Annestown, where the valley opens to coastal views and a sandy beach — the payoff for the walk back.
Children enjoy the fairy doors along the route, the amphitheatre and the predator fences around the wetland project. Keep dogs on a lead — there are ducks, swans and otters about.
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