Stroll the Cahore Level Path in Wexford – a 5km loop that ends with excellent pub grub
Wexford’s sandy shoreline simply retains on giving.
urracloe, you may know. Rosslare, Carne and Morriscastle too. However what about Cahore? Perched on some extent simply over 2km from Ballygarrett, south of Gorey, is among the southeast’s sweetest little strolling stops.
The 5km coastal loop right here has been newly waymarked, surfaced and formally accredited by Sports activities Eire because the Cahore Level Path, and I took a spin earlier than the winter lockdowns to provide it a strive.
Setting out from The Strand Bar (extra of which, later) above the pier, the path loses no time in delivering the coastal views. Inside a couple of crunchy, gravelly steps you are peering again over the cove, out over the Irish Sea, and southwards in the direction of the ridiculously lengthy strip of sand beginning at Previous Bawn Seaside.
The primary stretch brings a few curiosities, together with a folly-style tower, bird-life flitting in regards to the cliffs, and landmarks like Cahore Fortress and the nuns’ steps, reminiscent of the times of a former convent.
Gulping recent, salty, sea air into your lungs, no sooner are the cheeks reddened than a detour choice opens up – you’ll be able to proceed alongside the surfaced path, or take a path down onto the seashore.
Regardless of the climate, skipping onto the sands is tough to withstand. We had slinking splashes of sunshine on our stroll – sufficient to work up a sweat working down the dunes (on day, you’ll be able to see so far as Wicklow Head Lighthouse), earlier than charging again into the brisk waves for a swim.
Cahore, Co Wexford. Photograph: VisitWexford.ie
Afterwards, both return to the trail or keep on south alongside the strand for an additional kilometre or so – mushy sand underfoot will not bother adults or greater children, however assume twice with toddlers and buggies in tow.
A waymarker will level you again off the seashore at Cahore South, and there you’ll be able to rejoin the path – newly developed by Wexford County Council and the Ballygarrett Tidy Cities group – north in the direction of the village.
The ultimate stretch alongside boreens and nation roads lacks footpaths, and there’s some native and vacation dwelling visitors, so watch out if there are toddlers working unfastened at this level.
Cahore itself might strike you as a blink-and-miss-it discover – it is not as well-known as Courtown or the sensible seashore at Curracloe, as an example. However these within the know are actually onto one thing, and since 2018 the place has been on the foodie radar, too. That is when Aileen and Pat Hanley rebooted the outdated Strand Bar overlooking the pier.
Stepping in right here is like stepping again into the cosy arms of an outdated pub, solely with the sophistication and aptitude of a contemporary gastro-destination. There are open fires, image home windows, board video games, workers that know their styff, and opulent grub overflowing with carefully-sourced Irish elements – assume grazing boards laden with Kilmore Quay Prawns, Meyler’s Bullring Smoked Salmon and recent crab; pizzas utilizing Toons Bridge Irish Flor di Latte Mozzarella or Meadowfield Goats Cheese bon-bons.
Bookings are a should at weekends, particularly given Covid-related time and capability limits, although Pat and Aileen cleverly added a brand new takeaway, The Hatch, throughout the pandemic.
Pat and Aileen Hanley at The Strand Cahore. Photograph: Pól Ó Conghaile
Yup, this shoreline retains on giving all proper.
Have to know
Degree: Straightforward. The path is surfaced all the best way, until you detour down onto Previous Bawn Seaside, which might make the going difficult for buggies (however numerous enjoyable in different methods).
Distance: 5km. Doable in an hour, or slightly extra with stops.
Ideas: If travelling at weekends or throughout vacation season, arrive early – Cahore generally is a busy little resort, with parking filling up shortly. Pack binoculars for bird-spotting, too.
A chew close by: A chew on the Strand Cahore must be non-negotiable – whether or not you order from the brand new Hatch or guide forward to take a seat by a few of the finest image home windows on the east coast. From wood-fired pizzas to smokies, calamari bites, sambos or grazing boards, it is the right pit-stop after a stroll.
Extra data: visitwexford.ie; wexfordtrails.ie; sportireland.ie
Your strolling guidelines
- Security comes first on a stroll, irrespective of how straightforward. Test the climate, go away phrase of the place you’re going and whenever you’ll be again, and pack good. And keep in mind, by no means go away valuables seen inside parked vehicles.
- A totally charged telephone, water and snacks, layers of applicable clothes and durable footwear are important for many walks. Convey a bag for garbage, and clear sneakers and socks within the boot for afterwards.
- Covid-19 measures: Keep away from peak occasions at busy spots (going early, late or midweek), don’t organize to fulfill in massive teams, observe social distancing, and park considerately — go away room for farmers, locals and emergency companies to move.
- Test web sites earlier than travelling for the newest opening hours for eating places and pubs, most require reserving forward, and have a Plan B in case your automotive park is full.
- Accountable walkers all the time respect personal property.
For extra nice walks, go to our Irish walks hub.
On-line Editors