Blackwater: Forest, Coast and Leisure

Blackwater in County Wexford brings together protected heritage, a forest trail leading to the beach and a range of leisure activities. If you’re looking for hotels in Blackwater, these different sides of the village can help you decide what kind of destination you’re looking for: would you like to focus mainly on the landscape, architectural history or activities?

Historic Buildings in Blackwater

Shell Cottage is a protected historic thatched house. Shells are set into its plastered exterior walls, shaping the building’s appearance. Blackwater Bridge is also a protected historic structure. Its two shallow arches provide a different architectural feature from the house. Both places are tangible examples of heritage rooted in the local landscape.

The Blackwater Forest Trail: Forest, Sea and Beach

The Blackwater Forest Trail starts and ends at the Church Car Park in the village of Blackwater and is rated moderate. Forest paths and public roads alternate along the route. The trail passes through wooded areas where bluebells, ferns, mushrooms and rushes grow; the landscape is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and birds. Individual wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Views of the sea open up through the hedgerows, and the trail leads to Knocknasillogue Beach. Beach conditions depend on the weather and tides. Be prepared for stormy and tidal conditions at the beach, and take care on the road section. Suitable walking shoes and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing are recommended. Refreshments and toilets are available in the village of Blackwater; availability may change.

The moderate rating, changing terrain and road section are useful points to bear in mind when planning your walk. This is not just a forest path: the experience also includes sea views and the section leading to the beach. If you plan to include the beach, take account of conditions that depend on the weather and tides.

Golf, Footgolf and Footpool

Blackwater Golf Course is a scenic par-3 valley course with streams, lakes and mature trees. It operates on a pay-and-play basis, is open to everyone and is open year-round. Blackwater Footgolf is a challenging 18-hole course suitable for all ages. The two golf offerings therefore differ both in how they are played and in how they are described.

The Blackwater Golf Course venue also has Blackwater Footpool: a large outdoor pool table played on artificial turf with footballs. Check the latest information about the golf course and Footpool availability before your visit.

Animal Encounters and Play Activities at the Open Farm

Blackwater Open Farm offers encounters with rabbits, chicks and larger animals. Facilities listed include a zipline, a climbing net, a covered adventure playground, a pedal go-kart track and a covered tractor track. The farm also has a dedicated dog play area. Facilities may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Beaches and Other Places of Interest in County Wexford

Near Blackwater, the white sandy beach of Curracloe Beach stretches from Raven Point to Ballyconigar. A nature trail runs through the dunes. Beach access and conditions depend on the season and weather. Curracloe Beach is a different coastal destination from the section at Knocknasillogue Beach, which the Blackwater Forest Trail leads to.

The wider destination of County Wexford also offers cultural and historical attractions. The Irish National Heritage Park is a 35-acre open-air museum with 16 reconstructed sites. It offers activities, re-enactments, workshops and courses for visitors of all ages. Guided tours at Hook Lighthouse explore 800 years of lighthouse history; the lighthouse stands at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford.

Discover more destinations: Courtown, Ferns, Milehouse, Cam Eolaing, Ballygillane Little, Bannow Bay, Kilmuckridge, Gorey.

For the wider travel overview: County Wexford.