Extension of popular Wexford walking trail officially opened

The popular trail that was first opened as 'The Country Walk' in 2011, stretching from the Riverside Park Hotel across the Promenade and over the River Urrin, is now measured at six kilometres long. A new entrance has been created at the old Davis Mills entrance, allowing walkers the option to use the railway footbridge or avoid it all together.

The council initially received funding of €200,000 back in 2021 when the Enniscorthy Smart Town Team Community Group in conjunction with Wexford County Council submitted at application to the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for an accessible link path to the Riverside Trail.

The project was expected to reach completion sometime in 2023, but by October 2023 work had yet to even begin.

Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne who officially opened the extension spoke of how popular the trail was for people who wanted to exercise, socialise, and take in the natural beauty of the landscape.

"This trail is extremely popular with locals and visitors and is recognised for its beautiful scenery. I promise to seek further funding to extend the trail to the Ringwood and Borodale," he said.

He also extended sincere thanks to Rory O'Mahony from Wexford County Council for working hard to complete the project, as well as Wexford Walking Trails for promoting the trail and driving footfall in their brochures and information packets.

On their website they highlight the 75 minute walk as a scenic and tranquil walk that gives residents the chance to take in historic local sites like the home of furniture designer Eileen Gray and safely observe local fauna.

Words of appreciation were also given to the landowners Kevin Cooney and John Molloy, David Byrne and David Cheevers from Irish Rail, and H & H Civil Engineering contractor Mich Hughes.

Enniscorthy District Manager Claire Lawless described it as the "most popular trail in County Wexford," while Minister James Browne took the opportunity to thank retiring Minister Heather Humphreys for her work in providing significant community funding for projects just like this one.

In attendance was also Chairman of Wexford Walking Trails Peter O'Connor, Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr John O'Rourke, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cllr Pat Kehoe, and Dervla Tierney and Alan Quirke from the Enniscorthy Town Team Community Group.