Kilmore Quay – Coastal Walks and Maritime Heritage

Kilmore Quay combines coastal walks, shoreline wildlife watching and maritime heritage. When planning your visit, you can choose from a range of activities: a marked trail by the harbour, wildlife watching along the rocky coast and seasonal boat trips. Local attractions range from RNLI history to an interactive heritage centre. This makes it easy to plan a stay around your own interests, combining coast and culture.

Coast and Natural Environment

An extensive Special Area of Conservation (SAC) lies on the eastern side of Kilmore Quay. It stretches from Forlorn Point to Little Beach beside the harbour, then continues along the coast from Nemestown to Ballyhealy. The Saltee Islands are visible from Kilmore Quay; they are now primarily a wildlife sanctuary and are privately owned. If you would like to include the protected area in your plans in more detail, also check the current official conservation information.

The rock pools at Forlorn Point are particularly good at low tide. Check the tide and local conditions if you plan to explore this natural attraction. The rocky coast from the end of the beach to Nemestown is suitable for turning over stones and observing marine life. Little Beach beside the harbour is popular with families in summer.

Walks by the Harbour

The Kilmore Quay Walking Trail starts at the car park beside the harbour. It is signposted along the path next to the dunes, and the return route follows the beach. The shoreline section offers an opportunity to watch seabirds passing by. The trail also passes a memorial garden for people who lost their lives at sea.

Coastal Walk to Ballyteige Burrow

A 4.5 km coastal walk starts at the harbour car park and leads to Ballyteige Burrow near Kilmore Quay. The stated distance gives you a specific point of reference when planning; check local conditions before setting out.

Boat Trips to the Saltee Islands

Boats from Kilmore Quay can circle the Saltee Islands or, weather permitting, land on Great Saltee. Boat trips operate seasonally. The journey to Great Saltee takes about 20 minutes; schedules and journey times may change with conditions. Check the operator’s latest information before making firm plans for the trip. If landing is important to you, take the weather caveat into account: the possibility of landing on Great Saltee depends on the weather.

Maritime History and Culture

The first RNLI lifeboat was stationed in Kilmore Quay in 1847; the RNLI has had a permanent presence in the town since 1884. The dates refer to two separate milestones: the first lifeboat stationing and the organisation’s later permanent presence. The Stella Maris Heritage Centre is an interactive exhibition about Kilmore Quay’s natural, built and cultural heritage.

A memorial service is held every June in Kilmore Quay’s Memorial Garden. If you would like to time your visit to coincide with it, check the latest event dates.

Discover more destinations: Ferns, Newbawn, Carne, Castlebridge, Ardamine, Duncannon, Wexford, Ballymurn.

For the broader travel overview: County Wexford.