Tintern Walking Trails

Tintern Abbey, Saltmills, New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland

There are four walking trails around Tintern for all to enjoy. The trailhead is located at Tintern Abbey. 

Tintern Abbey is a Cistercian abbey, founded c.1200 by William, the Earl Marshall, and named after Tintern in Wales. The remains consist of nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. It was partly converted into living quarters after 1541, and further adapted over the centuries. The Abbey was occupied by the Colclough family from the 16th Century until the 1960s.

 

The Gardener’s Trail starts at Tintern Abbey. Cross the Tintern River via the old stone bridge. Enjoy the mixed woodland containing 200-year-old beech trees. About halfway along, discover Colclough Walled Garden (admission charge) which once supplied the Colclough family who lived in the abbey. Look out for the ruins of the head gardener’s cottage on the return path to the trailhead. This trail is suitable for buggies and wheelchair users.

The Tintern Demesne Trail  along the Tintern River and around the demesne boundary showcases Nature’s bounty. Fine beech, oak, and chestnut trees are home to kingfishers, egrets, buzzards, red squirrels, stoats, and seven types of bat. As the path winds through the woods enjoy picturesque views of the Abbey across the green pasture.

 

The Bannow Bay Trail  is the longest trail. The trail meanders out to Saltmills, along the edge of Bannow Bay and back to the trailhead at the Abbey covering just over 7 Km.

 

The Foxboro Trail  along the Tintern river includes some climbs. It offers a pleasant serene landscape. The combination of drifts of ferns, bluebells and wild garlic makes this a stunning walk-in springtime.

 

If you want to explore more Wexford walking trails, don’t miss our blog Best Walking Trails in County Wexford.

More information about the Tintern Abbey Walking Trail, here