The Licky Walks - Slí na Lice
Oak Tree
Otter Holt
Oak Sapling
Noble Fir
Gorse
Licky River
Moss in the Undergrowth
Beech Tree - Autumn Foliage
Holly
Beech Leaves
Heather
Blackberry Flower
Haws, fruit of White Thorn
Birch Bark
Elder Berries
Fallow Deer
Fern
www.SlinaLice.com
Fox
Native Irish Nettle
Introduction
WEST WATERFORD
The main species of trees to be seen along this walk
include native sessile oak, young beech, copper beech, a
young Sitka spruce plantation, and the occasional holly,
willow, alder and blackthorn. Other species include
mountain cypress, sycamore, birch, lodgepole pine, hazel,
crab apple and noble fir.
Recommended Starting Point: top of Mill Road
(marked S1 on map). Proceed westwards on a country
lane, keeping left at T-junction for the fish farm bridge.
Having crossed the bridge, turn left and follow the
tarred roadway to the next junction.
Turn right onto the Mill Road and follow this country
lane down to the river. Having crossed the river, follow
the slope back to the starting point.
walk
1
4.83km
Mill Walk
Sitka spruce, larch and lodgepole pines are to be seen as
you proceed southwards. The roadway cuts around a
natural rocky outcrop adorned with heather and gorse
and looks well throughout the year.
As you walk towards Kiely’s Cross, you will come across
rowan and holly in the hedgerows.
Evidence of the blanket peat can still be seen by the
presence of ling heather, bilberry and the shorter Irish
furze (aitinn Gaelach).
About a mile downstream from Pulla Bridge, there are
clumps of holly and an occasional mountain ash through
the willow/alder mix. In the afforestations of the upper
Licky valley area, Coillte have planted groves of species
such as noble fir, Norway spruce, Douglas fir and Scots
pine. In recent times broad-leaved species have been
added to these plantations, which helps to blend these
forests with the native woodlands on the deeper river
banks that consist of hazel, sessile oak, holly, willow and
alder.
Other plants of note include woodbine, wild rose, male
fern, ling heather, and bilberry. From the fish farm bridge,
watercress, water starwort and bog pondweed can be seen
in the River Licky.
On the river bank there are clumps of scrub rose and
briar and in the river itself you can see watercress, water
starwort and pondweed. The land in GlenLicky is mostly
pasture, with grazing for cattle and sheep.
The area around the T-junction is heavily afforested.
Laurels have been planted on both sides of the road.
The stone bridge is an interesting feature in this area.
There are some fine Norway spruce on the south
side of the river.
Historically the River Licky has nurtured mankind since
earliest times. There is a communal cooking area known
as a fulacht fia just to the east of St. Declan’s Way on
the south side of the river that dates back thousands of
years (Walk No. 2).
Ruins of the Old Mill at Drumgullane, one of the largest
mills in Ireland, with four sets of millstones, was a hive
of activity in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Tá fothrach comhgarach do dhroichead an mhuilinn ar
bhruach na Lice, de ceann de’s na muilinn is mó in Eirinn.
I lár a réime deirter go raibh an muileann seo ag feimiú le
ceithre cloc mhuilinn.
Further information is available on www.SlinaLice.com
On passing the wooden bridge, there is an ancient fulacht
fia, a communal area where hot stones were used to heat
water for cooking purposes.
Slí Naomh Deaglán Sean slí é seo ar thaisteal na manaig
ann agus iad ag dul ón Ard Mhor go Caiseal Mumhan.
Gairid do’n droichead, cifidh tú sean clocha a úsaid na
manaig agus iad ag gabhail thar an abhainn.
As you travel south on the Old Mill Road, beech trees
thrive on the south-facing slope. The embankment on the
left is planted with Sitka spruce, a native of Alaska, with
undergrowth of bracken, gorse, and briar.
At the stone bridge you can see the entrance to the old
Dromgullane Mill, which was in operation around 1850.
Cork
Licky Valley Walks
Dungarvan
Waterford
Rosslare
Shannon
Follow this pathway, crossing the River Licky at the
wooden bridge, until you reach the tarred road.
Turn right at this junction, keeping to the right at the
fork and returning to your original starting point.
Galway
Dublin
Belfast
Recommended Starting Point: Top of Mill Road
(marked S2 on map). Proceed south down the Old Mill
Road towards the River Licky. Having crossed the bridge,
follow the lane and bear right at the T-junction.
At the next T-junction, keep right again. At the next
junction, bear right onto a pathway. This pathway is
part of St. Declan’s Way and is marked by a square
directional signpost.
walk
2
4.29km
Mill Bridge via
St. Declan’s Way
Licky Valley
Location Map
Did you know? that the Red Squirrel (above)
develops a greyish coat in winter.
Gné eile de’n duthaigh seo, an méid fallaí cloch a togadh
200 blia ó shoin – sampla de tradisiún ceardaíochta na
h’áite
Ordnance Survey Ireland. Licence No. NE0002205
© Ordnance Survey Ireland/ Government of Ireland.
The most scenic part of this walk is when you leave the
tarred road and take the GlenLicky pathway. Bilberry,
rowan and holly are abundant along this walkway. Aquatic
flora such as watercress, water starwort and pondweed can
be seen at GlenLicky Bridge.
The stone walls are clad with European gorse and also
have an occasional mountain ash and holly tree.
You can also identify bilberries (locally known as whorts),
ling heather, erica and daboecia species.
The Licky valley is sparsely populated today, which has
helped to preserve the unique ecology of the area. In the
mid-19th century, thousands of people lived within the
Licky catchment area. As a result, there is a great
network of country lanes that traverse the River Licky,
with many bridges spanning the river. This network
allows easy access to an area of rich natural woodlands.
Your co-operation in preserving the area is much
appreciated.
As you approach the junction with the tarred road, there is
an excellent example of a traditional labourer’s cottage
with a natural slate roof and characteristic half-door.
Gné eile de’n fásradh anso ná an fiuchsia, a tugadh go hEirinn thart ar 200 bliain ó shoin agus atá ag fás go
nadúrtha anois go h-araithe san oir dheisceart.
An slí seo – thart ar 5 km, a mhalairt de cúrsa i gcomparaid leis na cúrsaí eile atá ag gabhail siar agus
fothain ag gabhail leo. Níl an fásradh céanna ann atá ar
na cúrsaí eile, ceal fothaine, ach tá eanlaithe m.s. snipe
agus woodcock le feiscint ann
The Licky Walks
Slí na Lice
The tarred road is flanked by tillage crops that attract
species such as yellowhammer, blackcap and bunting.
Having passed Ballycurrane School, there is a small alder
grove with guelder rose (Viburnum opulus). This is a native
shrub, rare in Co. Waterford, which has spectacular red
autumn foliage and fruit.
Recommended Starting Point: S5 on map. Take the
Grallagh Road from Kiely’s Cross and commence the
walk from the top of the lane bounding GlenLicky and
Toor. Proceed down the laneway towards the bridge.
Follow this pathway, keeping right at the T-junction.
At the next T-junction, turn right and right again at the
next T-junction. Continue on this roadway, crossing the
River Licky and keeping right, turning off the tarred
road onto the laneway to return to your starting point.
This brochure has been developed to highlight
existing local walks in the Licky Valley. These
walks vary in length and offer the walker a
rich and varied exposure to local ecology and
heritage. The river of this valley is of such
importance that it has been designated a
Special Area of Conservation (SAC) by the
Irish Government and in accordance with EU
Directive 92/43/EC makes up part of the
Natura 2000 network. The area is an excellent
example of species and habitats deemed to
be worthy of conservation at an international
level.
Selected Photographs: www.freenaturepictures.com
Siúl briomhar é seo, agus treithe eagsula le feiscint m.s.
Fulacht fia, droichead adhmaid, clocha céime, droicead
chochach ag Grallagh agus samplaí breatha de sean
tighthe Gaeltachta.
This is the longest of the Licky Walks. It follows quiet
country lanes with examples of native species such as the
sessile oak, hazel, willow, alder and ash. As you descend
towards Grallagh Bridge, there is a grove of larch (a
deciduous conifer) and a grove of lodgepole pine. There is
an excellent example of a traditional thatched house on
your left. As you proceed northwards along St. Declan’s
Way, there are fine examples of oak, ash, beech and birch.
5km
The River Licky rises in Lagnagoushee in the
Gaeltacht of Old Parish, Co. Waterford. It
meanders west to join the Blackwater near
Clashmore, carving out a beautiful valley, rich
in native flora and fauna.
This brochure may not be reproduced without permission
There is a fine example of a traditional thatched house
before crossing Grallagh Bridge. Having crossed the
bridge you encounter a grove of lodgepole pine and a
grove of larch, a deciduous conifer. There are many fine
examples of native species such as oak, ash, beech and
birch in this area.
Recommended Starting Point: Junction of GlenLicky
pathway with the Grallagh Road (S4 on map).
Walk westwards for Grallagh Bridge, remaining
on the road and turning right at the first T-junction.
Cross the Licky at Grallagh Bridge and continue on the
roadway, turning right at the crossroads.
Turn right at the next crossroads (Ballycurrane) and
follow the roadway, bearing right at the next fork.
Follow the road through Toor South, turning right onto
GlenLicky pathway again to return to your starting
point.
5
Glenlicky Walk
This unspoilt natural wealth has inspired a
number of nature trails or Licky Walks. The
uniqueness of the Licky basin is due to the
rapid drop of 150 m from source to outlet
over a relatively short distance of 18 km. This
gives rise to an ever-changing pattern of flora.
Third party agencies will not accept liability for inaccuracies in
information supplied. Not all roads are shown.
As you proceed towards the river, you are on part of
St. Declan’s Way, an ancient pathway used by monks who
travelled between Ardmore and Cashel. Before crossing
the wooden bridge there is fulacht fia on the right-hand
side. Approaching the wooden bridge, you can see ancient
stepping stones that may have been used by the monks
to ford the river. Otter and trout activity in the river here
has often been reported.
13.45km
walk
The cutaway blanket peatland of the upper
reaches of the valley is mostly afforested
today with Sitka spruce, larch and lodgepole
pine. The surrounding area is reclaimed upland
pastures. The river is flanked by occasional
spinnies of willow, alder, birch and brambles.
There are wet depressions in this area that are
reputed to have been flax ponds of a
forgotten linen industry. Fossil bog oak from
the pre-Ice Age great forests has also been
found here.
Recommended Starting Point: Road junction at
traditional stone cottage (S3 on map). Proceed
downhill towards the Licky, crossing the river at the
wooden bridge. Turn right at the junction with the
tarred road. Follow the road, which crosses the River
Licky again at Grallagh Bridge. Turn right at the
T-junction to take you back to your starting point.
4
Toor Walk
walks
The producers of this leaflet would like to
acknowledge the support of the Heritage Council
in this project
Did you know? that Foxes have adopted to urban life and can
be commonly found in towns and villages.
3.48km
walk
in the
Licky Valley
Did you know? The Otter (lutra lutra) is a protected
species in Ireland and under the EU Habitats Directive.
Grallagh Walk
UNSPOILED NATURE
3
walk
6
walk
Reamanagh/
Garrynagree Walk
10.26km
Recommended Starting Point: On the N25 at the
entrance to Garrynagree Forest (S6 on map).
Travel west along the N25, turning right at the next
junction. Follow this road until the road forks, keeping
right at the fork. Follow this road, crossing the River
Licky at Moyng Bridge,and turn right at the next
junction. Continue on this road, turning right at the
crossroads. Shortly after the crossroads, leave the
tarred road and enter the forest path. Keep to the right
at the first junction in the forestry and left at the next
junction. Cross the bridge over the River Licky to return
to your starting point.
Ceann de’s na cúrsaí is faide é seo, ar an cuid uachtarach
d’abhainn na Lice. Druideann an talamh go mín i dtreo
an abhainn, gan na gleannta atá le feiscint ar an cuid
iochtarach de’n abhainn. Gabhann tú tré foraiosacha
Garraí na gCroí, áit a bhfuil an hen harrier le feiscint.
As you travel westwards on the N25, native species of
alder, Scots pine, ash and hazel are common.
The walk takes you through the townlands of Carrigeen
and Moyng. On the Reamagh East section of roadway, at
the second bridge of this walk, remnants of a flint mine
are on the left-hand side.
In late summer, scented white meadowsweet and pink
rosebay willow herb brighten up the briar, gorse and
bracken undergrowth. In May and June, there is a
wonderful display of red ragged robin.
The Garrynagree forest trail is an enchanting area,
dominated by Sitka spruce, with pockets of beech and
birch. The area is also important, as the rare hen harrier
has been spotted here.
An experimental crop of Western cedar (Thuja plicata)
has been planted on the left-hand side. Some varieties of
St. John’s wort (Hypericum sp.) can also be found in this
area.
7
walk
Welcome to
the Licky Valley
Upper River
Lickey Walk
7.06km
Recommended Starting Point: The Marine Bar
(S7 on the map). Walk eastwards from the Marine Bar,
turning right at the first junction. Keep right at the fork.
The road descends to the River Licky and rises steeply on
the other side.
Turn right at the next junction and continue to the end
of this road, turning right and heading downhill to meet
the N25. Turn right and continue on the N25, returning
to your starting point.
As you travel towards Faha Bridge, there is a young
experimental plantation of Western cedar (Thuja plicata).
At Faha Bridge you have reached the nearest point to the
source of the River Licky, which is about half a mile
upstream. Mature Sitka spruce rise on both sides of the
road. Further up the road, an area of clearfelling has been
colonised by rosebay willow herb, which produces a
striking pink landscape in July and August.
Sroiseann an bothar 213 meadar thar leibheal na farraige
– an áit is aoirde sa duthaigh. Ta radharch álainn ó’n áit
seo comh fada ó dheas leis an b-farraige.
Turn down Monamraher, an uncharacteristically straight
road. Apart from upland meadows, forestry at all stages
of maturity is encountered. At Allen’s cross, you have
reached the top of the hill at Coolrue, with a marvellous
panoramic view of the Comeraghs to the east and the
Licky valley to the north and west. This is a pivotal spot
to ponder the power of nature whereby a small stream
carved out such a wondrous valley. Having returned to
the N25, you once again cross the River Licky at Pulla
Bridge.
Whether walking on public roads or forestry pathways
here is some advice for your safety:
■
Seek advice and guidance locally
■
Tell someone where you are going and how long you
expect to be
■
Check the weather forecast
■
Wear suitable clothing and footwear
■
Remain on public routes and respect the privacy of
local landowners
■
Respect the environment and property on your route
■
Keep dogs under control
■
Park safely with consideration for others
■
Please bring your litter home
■
Respect safety notices posted by Coillte and other
land users regarding activities such as tree
felling/spraying.
Fáilte cuigh
Gleann na Lice
Má’s ar an mbothar mór nó bothar coillte thú,
smaoinigh ar na poinntí seo:
■ Faigh comhairle os na daoine san dúthaig
■ Cuir duine ar eolas fé do phlean agus an t-am a
thógfaidh an turas
■ Fiafraigh fé faisnéis aimsire
■ Bíodh éadaí agus bróga oiriunacha á caiteamh agat.
■ Bí ag taisteal ar chúrsa poiblí , gan cur isteach ar
thalamh priobaideach
■ Ná loit an timpeallacht nó earraí dhuine eile
■ Bíodh madraí fé smacht i gconaí
■ Bí curamach le páirceál agus ná chuir éinne eile
i mbaol.
■ Beir abhaile do bhrúscar leat
■ Léigh na fógraí ar do chúrsa