A 235m quartzite ridge rising just southwest of Wexford Town — 500-million-year-old rock, sweeping coastal panoramas, and two waymarked trails steeped in 1798 Rebellion history.
The main event: a 10km moderate loop (red waymarks, ~2.5 hrs) starting from the New Line car park. Pass Cambrian quartzite mounds including Carrigatinna Rock, cross grassy Shelmaliere Commons to Skeator Rock, then climb through Pennylands and descend the gentler Tincurra trails. Mixed surfaces with some steep sections — proper walking footwear recommended.
A disused quartzite quarry reclaimed by nature, now centred on a striking man-made lake. Exposed cliff faces and rocky outcrops give the area an almost exotic feel, surrounded by an unusual pine forest. Accessible via the Carrigfoyle car park off the Barntown road. Toilets are available here.
A 13km linear trail (blue waymarks, ~4 hrs) following the route taken by Wexford rebels during the 1798 Rebellion. Starts at the 16th-century Ferrycarrig Castle and passes Barntown Castle, the Three Rocks 1798 Campsite, Carrigfoyle Rock viewpoint, Raven Rock, and Jim Furlong's traditional stone house before finishing at the New Line car park. You'll need to arrange collection or a shuttle.
The high point of the loop trail. From this bushy summit (Irish: Sceach Tor) you get sweeping views of the entire Wexford coastline — Rosslare, Our Lady's Island, the Saltee Islands, Hook Head Lighthouse, Dunmore East, and the Waterford Estuary. On a clear day, you can see into counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Wicklow, and Waterford.
In the Pennylands area of the mountain, two delightful stops: a grotto overlooking Kilmore and the south of the county, and the Clourane viewpoint facing the Blackstairs Mountains and north Wexford. Particularly beautiful in autumn when the spruce, pine, and Japanese larch forest is underlit by purple heather and yellow gorse.
Forth Mountain is one of Ireland's best spots for Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Crossbill, and Common Cuckoo. The pine woodlands also hold Jay, Treecreeper, Siskin, and Lesser Redpoll. Dusk walks in May–June can reward with roding Woodcock and — rarely — Eurasian Nightjar. Winter evenings bring Short-eared Owl, Fieldfare, and Common Snipe.
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
