Kilmore Quay: Coast, Trails and Island Views

Discover the Kilmore Quay coastline along its trails, around its tidal areas and from the water. An extensive Special Area of Conservation (SAC) lies on the eastern side of the village. It stretches from Forlorn Point to Little Beach beside the harbour and further along the coast from Nemestown to Ballyhealy. This gives you several ways to plan your holiday: walks, nature watching, places of remembrance and trips on the water. Which of these experiences you would like to focus on can help guide your choice of holiday accommodation in Kilmore Quay.

Trails between dunes, beach and coast

The Kilmore Quay Walking Trail starts at the car park beside the harbour. It is signposted along the trail beside the dunes and returns along the beach. Its route therefore links a section by the dunes with the beach. The shoreline also offers an opportunity to watch seabirds passing by. If you enjoy walking, there are several specific things to take in here: the coastal landscape, the beach and the birds by the water.

The Walking Trail also passes a memorial garden for people who lost their lives at sea. Another coastal path also starts at the harbour car park and runs 4.5 km to Ballyteige Burrow near Kilmore Quay. The stated distance gives you a concrete point of reference for planning the day, without specifying a walking time. Forlorn Point also offers a special natural moment: at low tide, the rock pools are particularly good. So when exploring, the tides matter as well as the location.

Experience the rocky coast and beach

The rocky coast from the end of the beach to Nemestown is suitable for turning over stones and observing marine life. This is a different way of experiencing the coast from walking along the trail beside the dunes or watching birds on the shore. In summer, The Little Beach beside the harbour is also popular with families. If you are travelling with children, you can consider this beach as one seasonal point of reference for your stay, without treating it as the same experience as the other coastal activities.

Discover the Saltee Islands from the village

Visible from Kilmore Quay, the Saltee Islands are now predominantly a wildlife sanctuary and are privately owned. Boats from Kilmore Quay can cruise around the islands or, weather permitting, land on Great Saltee. The ferry journey from Kilmore Quay to Great Saltee takes approximately 20 minutes. There are therefore different ways to experience the islands from the water; landing on Great Saltee depends on the weather. If a boat trip is part of your itinerary, this condition is an important consideration.

Maritime heritage and places of remembrance

The village’s connection to the sea is also reflected in its history. The first RNLI lifeboat was stationed in Kilmore Quay in 1847; the RNLI has been permanently based there since 1884. At the Stella Maris Heritage Centre, you can explore an interactive exhibition on Kilmore Quay’s natural, built and cultural heritage. It offers a way to learn about different aspects of the village’s history, while the memorial garden along the Walking Trail is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives at sea. A memorial service is held in the Memorial Garden every June. As well as coastal trails and nature watching, you can therefore include places and traditions in your travel plans.

Discover more places

If you would like to explore pages for places beyond Kilmore Quay: Raheen, Courtown, Arthurstown, Ballinaboola, Enniscorthy, Bridgetown, Ballymurn and Cam Eolaing.

For the wider travel overview: County Wexford.