Walking Trails

Villierstown offers some of the finest walking in West Waterford.  Surrounded by unspoilt beauty Villierstown has walking routes to suit all types of ramblers.  From woodland trails to scenic routes with views over the River Blackwater both locals and visitors will find what they are looking for. The VECP promotes four walking routes in the area. The first is ‘The Dromana Forest Loop’ which takes you through the trails of Dromana Wood on the northern hills overlooking the village. The second is ‘The Dromore Loop’ which takes you south along country lanes with unforgettable views of the River Blackwater and Knockmealdown mountains. The third is the ‘The Dromana Outer loop’ which takes you across Dromana Bridge and through some medieval sites. The fourth is the Sailors Rock / Dromana Wells Walk.

Take a look at the West Waterford Trails brochure for details of 10 of the most scenic walks in West Waterford.

More detail on the walks in and around Villierstown is given below.

‘THE DROMANA FOREST LOOP’

This trail starts around 1km outside the village at a forest picnic area/car park.  Leaving the car park in the direction of Villierstown you find the forest entrance after around 500m.  On entering the wood you find several trails on which you can explore ranging from 2km to 7km.  There are excellent views of the Blackwater in the earlier section of the route.  Heading further into the wood there are views to the south of the Drum Hills and to the north towards the Knockmealdowns, in all a really relaxing walk amongst the natural beauty of the woodland.  All routes lead to an exit onto the public road which finish the loop back to the starting point.

Flora: Old Oak woodland interspersed with beech.  A few pockets of Scots Pine and Spruce     grow on the southern slopes. Other species such as Ash, Holly, Rowan and Hazel can be     found. With Bilberry, Bracken and Bluebell also present.

Fauna: Deer are in evidence in Dromana Wood. Fox, Red Squirrel and Badger may also be spotted. Many birds also inhabit Dromana Wood all the common woodland species e.g. finches, tits, thrushes etc. and also contains residents such as Treecreeper, Jay and the nocturnal Long-Eared Owl. Birds of Prey such as Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and the scarcer Peregrine Falcon can be seen, with rarities such as Hobby and Osprey turning up during migration in Spring/Autumn. There have been reports of White-Tailed Eagles in the area too – most likely birds from the re-introduction project in Co. Kerry.

‘THE DROMORE LOOP’

Leaving Villierstown to the south you can take the Dromore Loop, leading along country lanes in a tranquil setting.  First you come on the Kiltera Ogham Stones a national monument with Pagan inscription. Two stones remain at the site while a third stone has been removed to the National Museum of Ireland. Continuing along through the rambling countryside with views of the nearby River Blackwater you come on the fantastic Strancally Castle standing on the east bank of the river.  You next come to Dromore Quay a perfect picnic site on the route.  Leaving the river bank behind, you next have a slight up-hill walk ahead of you but what it reveals by way of the Dromore View Point is nothing less than breath taking. Magnificent views of the majestic River Blackwater , the River Bride, the distant Knockmealdown and Comeragh mountain ranges, the houses of Headborough, Camphire and Dromana, all in full view.  Leaving the view point you follow the route back to Villierstown to conclude the loop.

‘THE DROMANA OUTER LOOP’

For those who just want a relaxing afternoon, it’s worth taking the Dromana Outer Loop Walk.  Starting in Villierstown you leave in the direction of Cappoquin, the first 2km is under the canopy of Dromana wood and some beautiful scenery awaits on this route although slightly hilly at times.  The next 1km is in open countryside with stunning views of the Knockmealdowns Mountains.  Along the route stands Dromana Bridge, a Hindu Gothic Gateway on a bridge crossing the River Finnisk built by Lord Stuart de Decies in 1849, it remains today the only example of this type of remarkable architecture in the country. The remainder of the journey takes you by the site of the Battle of Affane 1565. Through Bewley where there are ruins said to be that of a house of worship of the Knights Templar. Further along the route you again cross over the River Finnisk, this time near the remains of a small church and grave yard at Kilmolash. You conclude the journey by following the signage for Villierstown crossing along the hills of Ballingowan, with breath taking views to the south of the Majestic River Blackwater, in total approx 10km.

‘THE SAILORS ROCK / DROMANA WELLS WALK’

This walk is a combination of two looped trails approx. 4km in length
The first starts out from Villierstown Quay. Leaving the car park you take the woodland trail that takes you along the banks of the River Blackwater. A much favored walk of bird watchers and those trying to catch a glimpse of some of the fantastic species to be found in the surrounds of this small wood. Many water birds can be regularly seen, with waders such as Grey Herons and Little Egrets abundant, as well Cormorants, common species of gulls, and ducks including Teal and Mallard.  Other species such as Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Water Rail and Kingfisher can be seen (or heard) occasionally.  Reed and Sedge Warblers can be heard singing nearby in the breeding season. During winter, many Whooper Swans arrive from Iceland and spend their days grazing at nearby Camphire and roost along the river at night.  The sailors rock is a cliff face inside the wood that is said to hold the wishes of many a sailor who passed by it along the River Blackwater.

For the second stage of this trail your start point is the Dromana Forest car park. Following the forest trail from the car park you are spoiled by unforgettable views to the south of the River Blackwater, the hills of Dromore and the woodlands of Knockanore. Again being close to the river you stand a chance of some bird spotting, with the added bonus of forest animals never too far away. Deer are in evidence in Dromana Wood. Fox, Red Squirrel and Badger may also be spotted. Many birds also inhabit Dromana Wood all the common woodland species e.g. finches, tits, thrushes etc. and also contains residents such as Treecreeper, Jay and the nocturnal Long-Eared Owl. Birds of Prey such as Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and the scarcer Peregrine Falcon can be seen, with rarities such as Hobby and Osprey turning up during migration in Spring/Autumn. There have been reports of White-Tailed Eagles in the area too – most likely birds from the reintroduction project in Co. Kerry. The loop leads you back to the car park.