Overview
Ballysaggart is a quiet village in the heart of County Waterford, about 8 km north‑west of Lismore and 25 km south‑west of Fermoy. While the settlement provides a modest range of amenities – a Catholic church, a public house, a shop, a garage and a petrol station – its main attraction is the nearby Ballysaggartmore Towers. These twin Gothic gate lodges, set in mixed woodland, dominate a short, well‑maintained 2 km loop that is popular with families, photographers and anyone who enjoys a touch of romantic history in a natural setting.
History / Background
The towers were commissioned in 1834 by Anglo‑Irish landlord Arthur Keily‑Ussher (also recorded as Kiely‑Ussher). He owned an 8,000‑acre estate and wanted a grand entrance to a mansion that would impress his wife and rival nearby Strancally Castle. Construction began around 1850; the twin stone towers, a stone bridge and a gate lodge were completed, but the project ran out of money just as the Great Famine began.
Keily‑Ussher’s reputation as a harsh landlord – evicting tenants who could not pay rent – added a sobering note to the unfinished vision. The family eventually sold the property in the early 1860s, and the main house survived only until the Irish Civil War, when it was burned and later dismantled. The roofless gate lodges have remained a striking landmark ever since.
What to See & Do
- The Twin Towers – Walk up the stone‑flagged path to the twin arches, with pointed windows, decorative battlements and a fairy‑tale silhouette against the trees.
- The Bridge Lodge – One lodge spans a shallow ravine, creating a perfect frame for photos of the forest canopy.
- Woodland Loop – The 2 km circuit winds through mature ash, oak, sycamore, horse‑chestnut, spruce and fir, with an under‑storey of holly, hazel and bramble. Seasonal highlights include a poplar avenue in spring, a carpet of gold and amber in autumn, and fresh green shoots in early summer.
- Photography Tips – Early morning light filters through the trees and casts dramatic shadows on the towers; the bridge lodge works well for symmetrical compositions, especially after a light rain when the stones glisten.
- Benches & Picnic Spot – Wooden benches are placed at scenic points, and a small picnic table near the towers offers a quiet place to rest and listen to the local birdlife.
- Flora & Fauna – Expect a chorus of birdsong, occasional squirrels, and the changing colours of the diverse tree species.
- Family Activities – The easy, mostly flat path is suitable for children; bring a magnifying glass for leaf‑spotting or a simple scavenger‑hunt sheet.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Trailhead GPS | 52.14677, -7.9669 |
| Distance | 2 km (loop) |
| Duration | ~30 minutes (easy pace) |
| Difficulty | Easy – mostly flat woodland path; final stretch has exposed roots |
| Terrain | Gravel/compact woodland path |
| Parking | Small free car park at the trail entrance on the right‑hand side of the R666 (size and any fee to be confirmed) |
| Opening Hours | Open all year, free entry (please verify exact hours) |
| Suitable for | Families, children, older visitors; not wheelchair‑accessible |
| Gear | Comfortable walking shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing |
Getting there by car – From Lismore, follow the R666 south‑west for roughly 3 km; look for signs to the free car park and trailhead.
Public transport – The nearest bus stop is in Lismore (Bus Éireann route 245). From there, a short taxi ride (≈5 km) brings you to the trailhead. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby Attractions
Ballysaggartmore Towers sits within easy reach of several Waterford highlights:
- Lismore Castle Gardens – Formal gardens and historic ruins, just 8 km east.
- Vee Pass through the Knockmealdown Mountains – A scenic mountain pass for hikers.
- Cahir Castle – One of Ireland’s largest and best‑preserved castles, 20 km north‑west.
- Copper Coast Geopark – UNESCO‑listed coastline with dramatic cliffs, 30 km south‑east.
- Comeragh Mountains – Rugged peaks and glacial lakes, ideal for longer treks.
- Cappoquin – A charming riverside town with historic bridges.
These sites can be combined into a full‑day or weekend itinerary, making Ballysaggartmore Towers a perfect starting point for exploring the heart of County Waterford.
Enjoy a half‑day outing that blends history, architecture and the tranquil beauty of Waterford’s woodlands at Ballysaggartmore Towers.