Croghan Bridge | Wexford

Overview

Croghan Bridge is a modest three‑arch stone crossing that marks the start of the Croghan Mountain trailhead on the Wicklow‑Wexford border. It sits at 52°46′06″ N, 6°18′29″ W, just off the local Croghan Road. The bridge frames a landscape of rolling uplands, the sleek silhouette of the Raheenleagh wind‑farm and the headwaters of the River Bann. Hikers, cyclists and dog‑owners use the area for a quiet escape from the more frequented Wicklow peaks.

Background

The name Croghan comes from the Irish Cruachán Uí Chinnsealaigh – “little stack of the Kinsella family”. The mountain is also known as Croghan Kinsella, preserving the historic link to the local Kinsella clan. The wind‑farm on the eastern slopes received planning permission in 2012 and began generating power in September 2016, its eleven turbines now a striking backdrop to the ancient stone bridge.

Trail network

From the bridge you can choose three well‑marked, moderate‑difficulty routes. All trails use colour‑coded way‑marks (white on green, blue on white, red on white) and start from the White Heaps car park.

Trail	Length	Elevation gain	Estimated time*	Format	Difficulty	Highlights
Forde Farmhouse Trail	4.2 km	120 m	1 h	Loop	Moderate	Ruins of the 19th‑century Forde farmhouse, historic windmill, gentle ascent, countryside panoramas
Croghan Trail	8 km	341 m	2 h 20 min	Linear	Moderate	160 m climb to Croghan Mountain summit, sea‑view outlooks, River Bann source, wind‑farm backdrop
Bann River Trail	5.5 km	180 m	2 h 30 min	Loop	Moderate	Extended loop via Forde Farmhouse, follows the early course of the River Bann, mixed forest scenery

*Times are based on typical walking pace; individual speed may vary.

All routes are suitable for sturdy‑wheelchair users on the initial approach, but the trails themselves involve uneven ground and moderate ascents, so they are best for able‑bodied walkers, cyclists and dogs on leads.

Getting there and transport

By car: 20 min from Gorey, 25 min from Arklow, 40 min from Enniscorthy. Follow the R741, then turn onto the local road to the White Heaps car park. The bridge is only about 1 km from the tiny settlement of Monale and 0.7 km from Pallis Bridge (both shown on satellite maps).
Public transport: The nearest bus stop is in Gorey; from there a local taxi can reach the trailhead (approximately 5 km). No direct train service serves the bridge.
Parking: A small free car park sits beside the bridge. It fills quickly on sunny weekends but is usually free on weekdays; consider arriving early or visiting on a weekday for easier parking.

Practical information

Way‑marking: Coloured arrows are placed at regular intervals and are visible in low light.
Facilities: No toilets or refreshment kiosks on site – bring water and snacks.
Accessibility: The bridge and car‑park approach are level; the trails are not wheelchair‑accessible beyond the bridge.
Seasonality & weather: Trails are open year‑round. Typical spring‑autumn temperatures range from 8 °C to 16 °C, with occasional wind from the turbines. Autumn and winter give the most dramatic turbine views, while late spring and early autumn often provide the clearest summit vistas.
Safety: Stay on marked paths; the turbine area is fenced off for safety.
Dog‑friendliness: Dogs are welcome on all three trails. Keep them on a lead near the wind‑farm turbines and respect any livestock grazing signs.

Nearby attractions

After a hike, consider a short drive to:

Wexford Lavender Farm (20 min) – fragrant gardens and a café.
Tara Hill (30 min) – coastal walks and sea‑views.
Glendalough (40 min) – historic monastic site.
Annagh Hill (15 min) – another modest summit with forested slopes. (Annagh Hill)
Monaseed and Hollyfort villages (10‑15 min) – pleasant stops for a coffee or local shop.