Ballynabarney
Overview
Welcome to Ballynabarney / Annagh Hill, the trails boast views across the Wicklow Mountains, County Wexford and on a clear day, across to the Welsh mountains. The descent passes the Hurling Green where ‘the Wexford men defeated hurlers of Carlow long ago’ acquiring the name Yellow Bellies, because of the coloured sashes worn.
On the M11 from Dublin or Wexford take exit 22 towards (Gorey, Inch). Take the first exit off the western roundabout and first immediate right turn directly opposite Greens Berry Farm. Follow straight through Kilanerin village towards Pallas. (approximatley 5km). At the Ballyfad signpost keep left, then continue straight on over the bridge until the next T junction, then take a right. Continue until you come to The Gap Pub on the right. The car park is on the left.
Things to do
Two walking / hiking trails with great views and history.
The TURNAROUND Loop TRAIL – Grade: moderate – Distance: 8.5km – Waymarking: Blue – Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
The trail starts out from the car park of The Gap Pub, following the same path as the Yellow Belly Trail. This trail then splits in the forest as it turns back towards the Trailhead and The Yellow Belly Loop ascends around Annagh Hill. The trails join together again on the final ascent back to the trailhead.
THE YELLOW BELLY LOOP TRAIL – Grade: Strenuous – Distance: 8.5km – Waymarking: Purple – Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Your steep descent will bring you onto a level stretch of track which passes “The Hurling Green” where, according to JB Malone in his book Walking in Wicklow and quoting the 19th century geologist G.H. Kinahan, ‘the Wexford men defeated hurlers of Carlow long ago’ and acquired the name ‘Yellow Bellies’, because of the coloured sashes they wore on the day.
Don't miss the hidden gems
The opportunity to wonder at the grace and beauty of the birds of prey that hover over the woods and moorland in expectation of a tasty meal. Buzzards, kites and hawks are common and also keep an eye out for the occasional deer dashing through the undergrowth.
The impressive wall which runs along the spine of Annagh Hill and was built in the early 1900s by Jack Keegan for payment of ‘6d a perch’. The locations where the stone was hand quarried from the rocky hillside can still be seen.
The natural amphitheatre of the fabled ‘Hurling Green’ which resounded to the clash of the ash long ago. Other locations also lay claim to be being location of the first ‘Yellowbellies’ encounter but don’t worry, this is it and that’s no word of a lie.
Facilities
Nearby pit stops
The Gap Pub