Overview
Cahore Point sits on the east coast of County Wexford, just north of Gorey. The highlight is the Cahore Point Trail – a well‑marked, 4.8‑5 km loop that starts and finishes at the small stony pier. The route hugs the Irish Sea, drops onto golden sands and climbs gently over a rise of only 10 m, making it an easy, family‑friendly walk that can be completed in about an hour. Along the way you’ll pass stone lookout towers, the ruins of a World War II ÉIRE sign, and the Tudor‑Gothic Cahore Castle, while the surrounding dunes provide a haven for wintering waterfowl and rare butterflies.
History & Heritage
Cahore lies in the heartland of an ancient Gaelic stronghold known as The Macamores. The landscape is dotted with remnants that tell the story of the area:
- Cahore Castle – a Tudor‑Gothic country house built in the 1830s, visible from the trail and a striking backdrop to the coastal scenery.
- WW2 ÉIRE sign – the remains of a wartime navigation sign that once guided ships through the Irish Sea.
- Stone lookout towers – erected in the 19th century to aid coastal observation.
- Cahore Canal – a small drainage channel at the pier that carries water from the historic “Bog and Warren” marshes out to sea.
These features, together with the surrounding dunes, are part of the Cahore Polders and Dunes National Heritage Area, recognised for both cultural and natural value.
Geology
Cahore Point lies on a kilometre‑long stretch of Cambrian‑Silurian coastline. The exposed rocks are primarily quartzite, slates and siltstones belonging to the Cahore Group. Highlights from the Geological Survey Ireland report include:
- Cahore House Formation – grey‑green to purple‑grey wacke beds interbedded with slates.
- Olistostrome – a chaotic mix of quartzite blocks within a slate matrix, the result of an ancient debris flow.
- Faulting – the Cahore House Formation is faulted against massive quartzites of the Cahore Point Formation.
Designated as a County Geological Site, the outcrops provide an excellent field‑study location. Visitors should check tide times, as some rock‑scrambling sections are safely accessible only at low tide.
Wildlife Highlights
The dunes and coastal grassland are part of the Cahore Polders and Dunes National Heritage Area, designated a Green Coast beach. They support a range of breeding and wintering birds, including:
- Greenland white‑fronted geese (feeding on the dunes from Wexford Harbour)
- Golden plovers, lapwings and wigeons
- Little terns nesting in the sand
- Curlews and other waders heard across the dunes
The dunes also host reptiles and insects such as common lizards, newts, gatekeeper butterflies, and rabbits. Occasionally, pieces of coal from historic shipwrecks on the nearby Blackwater Bank wash up on the beach, adding a touch of maritime history to the shoreline.
What to See & Do
- Cahore Pier – launch point for the walk; watch fishing boats, occasional seals and crabbing from the small bridge.
- Stone Lookout Towers & WW2 ÉIRE Sign – quirky remnants that add a sense of place.
- Cahore Castle – a striking Tudor‑Gothic silhouette dating from the 1830s; the grounds can be admired from the trail.
- Cahore South Beach – a 500 m stretch of golden sand that links to Old Bawn Beach and, further along, the 20 km Morriscastle strand, one of Europe’s longest unbroken beaches.
- Geological Formations – look out for contorted strata and the olistostrome outcrops along the cliff edge.
- Sunrise & Sunset – the east‑facing aspect offers spectacular sunrise colours; on clear days you can spot Wicklow Head Lighthouse to the north. The western view over the sea delivers dramatic sunsets.
- The Strand Cahore – a gastro‑pub at the trailhead serving wood‑fired pizza, buffalo burgers and locally sourced seafood. It is dog‑friendly, provides waste bins for pets and has indoor seating plus a sea‑view terrace.
- Nearby Attractions – a short drive brings you to Glenavon Japanese Garden, Carrig Rua Hill, Wells House & Gardens, and the long‑stretch Morriscastle Beach.
Seasonal Highlights
- Winter – quieter beaches, frequent seal sightings at the pier and the arrival of wintering geese.
- Spring & Summer – anglers launch from the pier, families enjoy crabbing and swimming, and the little tern nesting season begins.
- Autumn – excellent bird‑watching as migratory species pass through; the golden light makes the cliffs glow.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Trail Length | 4.8 km (loop) |
| Typical Duration | 1 hour |
| Ascent | 10 m (very gentle) |
| Grade | Easy (Sport Ireland) |
| Waymarking | Red arrows |
| Surface | Mixed – paved sections, compacted sand and boardwalk |
| Accessibility | Wide, level sections are buggy and wheelchair friendly; a few steps lead from the pier to the trailhead. |
| Dogs | Allowed on a lead; owners must clean up after pets. |
| Parking | Free car park at Cahore Harbour (just before the pier) and additional spaces at the pier. |
| Public Toilets | Portaloos at the pier. |
| Mobile Coverage | Generally good across the route. |
| Nearest Town | Cahore Village (start/finish point). |
| Latitude / Longitude | 52.568943, -6.201724 |
| Map PDF | Cahore Point Coastal Walk Map |
| Opening Hours | Open year‑round |
To reach Cahore Point by car, take the R742 from Gorey towards Courtown, continue through Courtown to Ballygarrett, then follow the local road signs for Cahore (approximately 17 km from Gorey). From Wexford town, follow the R741 past Wells House, turn right for Kilmuckridge, then left at the village and continue 2 km to Cahore.
Overall, Cahore Point delivers a compact yet richly varied coastal experience that blends natural beauty, wildlife, geology and a touch of history, all within easy reach of County Wexford’s main towns.