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Three Rocks Trail

Take time to make your way, among landmarks and landscape, to find breath- taking scenery, biodiversity, and stories of bravery. Three Rock s Trail leads you a long part of the route traversed by the Wexfordmen during the 1798 rebellion in Wexford, while you are immersed in scenic beauty.

A little adventure goes a long way!

Ferrycarrig Castle (16th century) and Bridge – A tower house, built by the Roche family, now overlooking Ferrycarrig Bridge, the latest of three bridges to cross the river here.
The Crimean War Monument / Round Tower (1858) – Remembering the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of County Wexford who lost their lives in the Crimean War (1853- 1856).
Lost Town of Carrig – Alongside the Crimean War Monument stood the first Norman castle in Ireland, outside of which grew the now Lost Town of Carrig abandoned in the 14th century.
Carrig Church and Graveyard – The ancient ruin here, dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, is the Parish Church of the Lost Town of Carrig, dating back to at least 1404.
Attack Site –Lt. Col. Jonas Watson of the Crown Forces was shot here on the 30th May 1798, leading a Yeomanry attack against the Wexford Army.
Barntown Castle (16th century) – Is a ‘tower-house’, a type of fortified dwelling that was extremely common here in Ireland between the 15th and 17th centuries. Like the tower house at Ferrycarrig, Barntown Castle was built by the Roche family.
Barntown Schools and Community Hall (1871-1989) – The second primary school to serve the community of Barntown was once located here. It served as a school house until 1954 and then as the community hall until 1989, when it was demolished.
St Alphonsus Church Barntown (1848) – This church was designed by Augustus Welby Pugin, one of the architects of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The Church is a masterpiece, referred to as ‘The Gem of the Diocese of Ferns’.
The Village with Old School & Church – The school house established in 1819, no longer remains. Only part of the old church remains, which is thought to have been built in the mid-1700s.
The Three Rocks 1798 Campsite – The site was used as a rebel base to launch an attack on crown forces on the 30th May 1798, the famous battle known as the Battle of Three Rocks.
Carrigfoyle/ Windgap Quarry – The site was extensively quarried between the early 1900s and 1984. The excavated pit filled with water to create a beautiful lake surrounded now by trees. The area now has amazing recreation trails.
Three Rocks Battle Site – One of the most important battle sites of the 1798 Rebellion. General Thomas Cloney, commanding a rebel force, defeated the Meath Militia on route from Duncannon to defend Wexford Town, on the 30th of May 1798.
1798 Militia Burial Site – It is believed that some of the Meath Militia who were killed in the Battle of Three Rocks are buried in this site.
Carrigfoyle Rock (Cliff Rock/Rock of the hole) – A well-known viewing point, with panoramic views across the four compass points.
Carrigshinna Rock (Rock of the Fox) -This is a very beautiful part of Forth Mountain with cliffs, crags, valleys and woods and the unique Forth Mountain floral associations.
Drooping Rock – Rock Outcrop on the exposed Northern facing slopes of Forth Mountain.
Clourane (Ruins of an ancient Cairn) – a collection of loose stones near the pinnacle of Forth Mountain. Legend says that St. Munna collected these to build a monastery here, and then moved to Taghmon.
The Raven Rock – The three baronies of Forth, Bargy and Shelmalier meet at the Raven Rock.
Jim Furlong’s House – This is a typical ‘Forth Mountain House’ with two rooms and built of stone. Jim Furlong played the fiddle and this was a well-known ‘Céilí House’ up until the 1950s.
Skeater Rock (Bushy Summit) – This viewing point gives commanding views of South Wexford and East Waterford coastline and was used by the men of Shelmalier as a lookout in 1798.
Carrigatinna Rock (Rock of Fire) – This craggy outcrop to the south of Skeater Rock is covered with fraughan berries and heather blooms in summer.
Trail Head – Forestry Car Park at Skeater Park – Situated along the Newline Road built in 1810, to ensure rapid transit of troops and cannon from Duncannon Fort to Wexford in the wake of the 1798 Rebellion.

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Trail Route

Type of Route: Linear

Distance: 13.6km (8.5 miles)

Ascent: 230m

Walking time: 3.5hrs

Waymarking: Road Signage with Three Rocks Trail Logo & off road follow the blue arrow.

Grade: Moderate[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

Ferrycarrig Trailhead

Osi Discovery Map Series 77

Grid Reference: T 01633 23260

Sat Nav: 52.351820, -6.5089660

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Skeater Park Trailhead:

Osi Discovery Map Series 77

Grid Reference: S 969 166

Sat Nav: 52.293, -6.580[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][pdf-embedder url=”http://barntown.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Three-Rocks-Trail-Route-Map-1.pdf” title=”Three Rocks Trail Map”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Walking Trails Management Organisation:
If you have any comments on this trail please email:
barntown.ie@gmail.com and /or wexfordwalking@gmail.com

Dog Policy:
Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
No Dog Fouling, please clean up after your dog.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Definition of the Trail Grading – Moderate – These trails will have some climbs and may have an uneven surface where the going is rough underfoot, with some obstacles such as protruding roots, rocks etc. The routes are appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness and some walking experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]