Visitors to this charming West Waterford village will find plenty of activities with boating, kayaking and fishing on the River Blackwater. The area is steeped in history and heritage and there are a number of the nearby country houses which are worth a visit as part of Waterford’s Garden Trail.
Villierstown and Dromana Wood Walks
Dromana lies adjacent to the majestic River Blackwater and just over a kilometre from the village of Villierstown. The wood once formed part of the Villiers-Stuart estate which had over 40,000 acres of land. Mature oaks & beeches are scattered throughout the property. Buzzards frequent overhead, butterflies, hoverflies and moths abound during the summer months whilst they are busy pollinating the many wild flowers.
There are two way marked looped walks to enjoy within this woodland area:
Dromana Wells Walk is a waymarked looped walk that takes the visitor through Dromana Wood. It has a variety of woodland habitats and beautiful views. Deer, fox, red squirrel and badger are in evidence in Dromana wood as well as uncommon bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon, Hobby and Osprey.
The Sailors Rock Walk can be accessed from Villierstown village and the quay. It is a looped woodland walk that takes in sections of the species rich alluvial woodland beside the Blackwater River and a stand of Douglas fir. There are opportunities to view a variety of bird species on the river also. 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 R. Blackwater. Visitors to the area will find plenty of activities with boating, kayaking and fishing on the River Blackwater.
The area is steeped in history and heritage and there are a number of the nearby country houses which are worth a visit as part of Waterford’s Garden Trail e.g. Dromana, Tourin or Salterbridge. There is accommodation nearby in Blackwater Eco Pods in Villierstown.
The main trailhead for both walks is the village Villierstown however there is some space for parking at Villierstown Quay (Sailors Rock Walk) and at Dromana Woods
How to Get There
From Lismore/Cappoquin: Follow the N72in the direction of Dungarvan and take the 1st right after Cappoquin GAA Club onto the L-2017, sign posted to Villierstown. After 2kms follow the L-2012 south over Dromana Bridge for a further 5kmsbefore reaching Villierstown.
From Dungarvan: Follow the N72 towards Cappoquin and Lismore for 12kms. Turn left at Junction with R671 in directionof Youghal and Clashmore (follow signs for Dromana Drive). After 5kms turn right onto L-2015 for a further 3.5kmsbefore reaching Villierstown.
Did You Know
• River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation: The River Blackwater is tidal at Villierstown and is a habitat for many water birds including Heron, Egret, Cormorant, gulls and ducks. Other species such as Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher can be occasionally seen and heard.
• Dromana Bridge and Gate House: This unique architectural feature was built in the 19th century and was inspired by the Brighton Pavilion to commemorate the wedding of Henry Villiers-Stuart. Dromana Bridge crosses the Finisk, a tributary of the Blackwater less than 5kms north of Villerstown in the direction of Cappoquin.
Map
Overview
Visitors to this charming West Waterford village will find plenty of activities with boating, kayaking and fishing on the River Blackwater. The area is steeped in history and heritage and there are a number of the nearby country houses which are worth a visit as part of Waterford’s Garden Trail.
Villierstown
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