The looped walks at Askamore in North Wexford are just waiting to be discovered. The views across the green plains and gorse-yellow hedgerows of fine agricultural land to the coast beyond is just stunning. You’ll be able to see the windmills on the Arklow sandbanks, down along to Kilmuckridge and on to Wexford.  

Honestly, on a clear day, this view is a tonic. And I’m lucky enough to live just a few kilometres away!

Stunning views from Askamore Looped Walks, Co Wexford
Breakfast in Askamore
Eating out during the Covid-19 pandemic took on a whole new meaning!

Four looped walks

So, there are four way-marked looped walks. The Askamore Loop is 6km long, the Ballybeg Loop comes in at 9km. The Slieveboy Loop is longer again at 12km and St Brigid’s Loop is 10km. All distances are from the trailhead which is in the car park in Askamore village. But, do stop off at a shop or in nearby Carnew for water or supplies, as there’s no shop in Askamore.

Wicklow Hills in the distance Askamore
You can see the Wicklow hills in the distance as you come back down towards the trailhead.

All four walks start with a moderate but consistent walk uphill – turn around at any stage for fantastic views of the Wicklow hills. The different walks throw up various views, down to medieval Ferns, across to Mount Leinster and the Blackstairs Mountains.

If you’re lucky, you might see a deer or two. You’ll definitely see sitka spruce, conifers, the bright yellow of gorse, ragwort, rosebay willowherb.

gorse aplenty askamore looped walks
There’s a blaze of colour across the landscape from the plentiful gorse hedgerows.

Wexford Walking Trails

Not surprisingly, the Askamore looped walks are part of Wexford Walking Trails. And Wexford Walking Trail is part of the Wexford Trails brand. Trails already launched are: Wexford Garden Trail, Wexford Craft Trail, and Wexford Heritage Trail.

Other walks in Wexford Walking Trails include Coolmeelagh and Kilbrannish in nearby Bunclody, Tara Hill, and Croghan Mountain in north Wexford. South Wexford walks include Forth Mountain, Kilmore Quay, Raven Point Wood and Tintern.

Coolmeelagh Walk is on the road between Carnew and Bunclody, with amazing views of
the Wicklow hills.

Get Ireland Walking

By the way, if you’re looking for a walking group, or want to set one up, check out Get Ireland Walking. It’s a national initiative that aims to maximise the number of people participating in walking – for health, wellbeing and fitness – throughout Ireland.

Get Ireland Walking is an initiative of the Sport Ireland, funded by Healthy Ireland, supported by Mountaineering Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation, HSE Health Promotion and Improvement, Age and Opportunity, the Gaelic Athletic Association, Ireland Active, Arthritis Ireland and others. So, plenty of support and advice there for any aspiring walker!

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Here’s the map!