A quiet, free woodland walk along the River Sow in south Wexford, where a short riverside trail passes several low waterfalls, the mossy ruins of a 19th-century mill and an old stone bridge. Locals know it; most tourists do not.
The trail is about 2.5 km and can be completed in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on pace and fitness level. It runs mostly through woodland beside the river, past trickling streams and small valleys, and there are steep steps in parts, so it suits older children better than buggies.
The most interesting feature is the run of short waterfalls on the River Sow, two of them right next to each other. Most are wide and low, but one is noticeably taller and especially photogenic. A recorded GPS trail of the route is 2.7 km out and back, graded easy, with only about 36 m of climbing.
The riverside walk leads past the moss-covered ruins of a 19th-century mill, a stone bridge beside it, and the ruins of an old house that children enjoy exploring. A working water pumping station also sits on the site.
The woods are popular with local dog walkers and the trail is dog-friendly with shaded stretches to rest. Note that the park is not fully fenced, so keep a close eye on your dog at all times, and bring your own bags.
The entrance is unmarked, on the road between Castlebridge and Crossabeg: from Wexford town cross the bridge, follow signs for Crossabeg through Castlebridge, cross a small bridge and continue about 400 m to the car park on your right. A metal gate guards the entrance to keep unauthorised vehicles out.
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