BALLYGANNON WOOD
AND STUMP OF THE CASTLE
BALLYGANNON
WOOD
POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › Ballygannon Wood and Stump of the Castle
Hidden within the steep, verdant gorge of the Avonmore River in County Wicklow, Ballygannon Wood and Stump of the Castle merge to form a singular, breathtaking woodland experience. Though historically distinct, these twin forests act as a unified sanctuary of ancient oaks, Scots pines, and native broadleaves, creating a profoundly atmospheric retreat. Running like a dynamic, silver spine between the two woods is the rushing Avonmore River.
The Samuel Hayes Suspension Bridge
The defining feature of this combined landscape is the striking modern suspension bridge that physically and symbolically unites the two townlands. Suspended high above the dark, peat-stained waters of the Avonmore, the bridge offers a thrilling vantage point of the gorge and serves as a spectacular crossing for hikers traversing the valley.
Opened relatively recently in June 2021, the bridge was a highly anticipated, bespoke engineering project championed by the Wicklow County Council, Coillte (the Irish state forestry company), and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is named in honour of Samuel Hayes, an 18th-century local historical figure from the nearby Avondale Estate, who penned Ireland's first book on forestry and woodland management.
The bridge bridges the gap between the Stump of the Castle wood and Ballygannon, allowing hikers to cross the gorge safely and providing a direct, seamless pedestrian link straight into the village of Rathdrum.
The Eastern Bank: Ballygannon Wood
On the eastern bank lies Ballygannon Wood, celebrated as a flagship site for the People’s Millennium Forests project. Here, thousands of native saplings were planted to restore Ireland's broadleaf heritage, and they now grow vibrantly alongside mature, centuries-old giants. Ballygannon is also home to the 'Black Stack', a fascinating sculpture mimicking a petrified tree trunk. It has its own car park here.
The Western Bank: Stump of the Castle
Across the suspension bridge on the western bank is Stump of the Castle. Despite the evocative name, you will find no stone ruins here; instead, the townland is a bastion of ecological continuity, featuring rugged terrain and acting as the vital southern gateway to the much longer Avonmore Way trail. Its car park can be accessed here.
Visitor Insights
Combining both sides of the river makes for a highly adaptable day out. You can begin at the Ballygannon car park and enjoy the waymarked, family-friendly loops—the Green Walk (1 kilometre) and the Red Walk (1.9 kilometres). For a more expansive adventure, you can cross the suspension bridge into Stump of the Castle, where the trails become noticeably wilder and connect directly to the 13.5-kilometre Avonmore Way leading north towards the village of Laragh.
A crucial piece of advice for this combined landscape: do not underestimate the terrain. Both woods feature authentic, unpaved forestry tracks crisscrossed by thick tree roots. After standard Irish rainfall, these paths transform into slippery, muddy obstacle courses. Stout, waterproof hiking boots are essential. To experience the woods at their most magical, visit during late April or early May when the forest floor on both sides of the river erupts in a spectacular, vibrant carpet of native bluebells.
General Information
Address
Clara Vale Nature Reserve, R755 (Ballygannon entrance) / Moneystown Road (Stump of the Castle entrance), Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Accessibility
Not currently wheelchair accessible. The terrain consists of rugged, unpaved trails with uneven ground, protruding roots, steep inclines, and frequent mud. The suspension bridge is accessible only via these woodland paths.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Entry
FREE
Parking
FREE. There are two distinct, small car parks. The Ballygannon Wood car park is located on the R755 and features a height restriction barrier. The Stump of the Castle car park is located on the opposite side of the river via the Moneystown Road. Both have limited capacity and require care when entering and exiting
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