Courtown Woodland Stroll

Photo by Mick O Callaghan

I went for my daily stroll early this morning while the weather was fine. I parked in the main Courtown carpark and proceeded along the forest path between the canal and the Active Tribe complex.

As I entered the woods I noted a motto attributed to John Muir (1838–1914) who was a Scottish-born American naturalist, author, and environmental philosopher known as the "Father of the National Parks". ” And into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul’ I don’t think the assignation of this quote to John Muir was ever verified. I prefer two of his verified quotes “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees”, or “between every two pines is a gateway to a new world”

I was immediately aware of natures peace as I traversed the path twixt canal and forest with the soothing sound of the water rushing down the canal while I was absorbing the scent of the newly emerging garlic. There was a feeling of Spring in the air and nature was flowing into me,

I continued along to the Spike Bridge. where I met a couple out strolling, himself from Mayo and herself from Bray, County Wicklow who were very interested in the history of the bridge which I explained to them. We had a mighty chat. They were also looking for Courtown House. Sadly, it is no longer standing.

I crossed over the newly restored Spike Bridge observing the change in the little islands underneath which had been home to so many tadpoles and ducks in former years. They had been largely washed away in the recent floods. The trees which fell there and were washed down were all now taken from the river and tucked away neatly under the glossy green branches of the laurels at the side of the path.

I press ahead along the newish path restored by Coillte. On my left the fast-moving waters of The Ounavarra river hurried along in their headlong dash to The Irish Sea. Recent prolonged heavy rains had filled the river right to the top of the bank while today we had some rare sunlight which resulted in some beautiful flashes of light on the water.

The Coillte restored path was firm and dry under foot. The thin layer of sandy gravel was edged by wet grass and lots of garlic awakening from its winter slumber while filling the air with its distinct pungent smell.

Every so often the water splashed off a fallen tree or a rock in the river with the splashing sound disturbing the woodland peace  temporarily. The banks of the river here had been very visibly altered during the January and February storms., The river itself had widened appreciably, and it had a really good spring clean with a lot of waste branches and soil washed downstream. The banks were showing a lot of fresh clay exposed and lots more garlic was visible here in the forest undergrowth

At the edge of the path down to the viaduct stands a magnificent Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) tree. These trees are part of the widespread, often coastal, planting of this species throughout Ireland, known for rapid growth in temperate climates originated from a restricted area in California. 

I was now heading towards the viaduct and the old Ballinatray, stagecoach bridge. Whenever I stop here at this historic place I think of the daylight stagecoach journey from Dublin to Wexford. I had recently been to Hunters Hotel in Rathnew which is still the same stagecoach hotel as it was 400 hundred years ago.

Another great stagecoach hotel is The Woodenbridge Hotel. It is fascinating to think when I sit down on the ancient Ballinatray bridge that people long ago got off the stagecoach, changed horses, and got fed before heading for Gorey. We have come a long way since those days with motorways, electric cars, high speed trains and many buses dominating transport.

Recently this lovely single arched bridge has been cleaned up and exposed and what a special place it is. The riverbed had been paved many years ago giving a lovely soothing sound to the water as it flows over the paving. Nearby on the left of the trail is a natural wooden bench where you can sit in perfect peace absorbing calming water sounds and viewing the arboreal splendour that abounds here.

Having rested my limbs, I resume my strolling along the narrow path near the road with a great contrast between the calm of the forest versus the din of passing local and commercial traffic. I am protected somewhat from the road noises by a narrow strip of forestry shielding me from the busy Ballymoney Road.

I cross the road in front of The Waterworks continuing along the forest path before turning right on the trail parallel to the old Courtown Estate redbrick wall. In front of it a beautiful red Camelia in full bloom brightens up an otherwise dull landscape. Here I stop to admire the giant sequoia with its dark brown deeply furrowed bark. Even now in the heart of winter it is a magnificent specimen of arboreal elegance in Courtown Woods’

This is really ancient woods territory, opening several new worlds for me, with a beautiful babbling brook providing the water therapy as it meanders along the side of the trail.

I am now back to the Spike Bridge and on my way back to the car park and home having absorbed the peace and tranquillity of the Coillte section of Courtown Woods.

Mick O Callaghan.    www.aramblersblog.com      caldun09@gmail.com  February  2026

Following the successful launch this week my latest book ‘The Natural Storyteller’ is now on sale at Eason’s, Gorey. John Doyle, Gorey,Springmount Garden Centre, Red Books, Wexford, Book Centre, Wexford, and online at www.theirishbookshop.com priced 15 euros