Summer/Autumn 2025
As we moved out of Spring into the Summer what a jam packed season it was. The weather was scorching and the community events were flying. We’ve never been so busy. Read on to find out more….
Dune Restoration Project 2025
Back in April, we were delighted to attend a Sand Dune Conservation and Education Event at Curracloe Beach hosted by Clean Coasts and Wexford County Council. Many thanks to the organisers for a very informative and enjoyable morning helping to both harvest and replant Marram Grass.
Dune Restoration Project Curracloe 2025
New Picnic Table Destroyed
In April we were deeply saddened to share that a brand new picnic bench, only installed a few days earlier, was completely destroyed by fire. According to the Gardaí, a significant amount of accelerant was used in what appears to have been a deliberate act.
This picnic table was installed for the enjoyment of everyone in our community — a place to rest, connect, and take in the beauty of Courtown. It was senseless destruction that was both upsetting and disheartening.
Remains of a brand new picnic table
Community Rallies To Replace Destroyed Picnic Table
A heartfelt thank you to local man Cian Mac Cormaic who stepped forward without hesitation and donated a brand new picnic bench to replace the one that was incinereated.
Thanks to Cian’s work and generosity, we were able to restore this public space for everyone to enjoy in two short weeks. Word of thanks also to the guys who gave their time this morning to help to install the bench - thanks to Seán Miskella, Stephen Elliott and Richard Doyle.
The picnic bench is back in place and ready to be enjoyed by all. It’s moments like these that remind us how strong our community truly is.
You can check out Cian’s work on his Instagram page on the link below or contact him on cianmaccormaic@gmail.com.
Cian Mac Cormaic who made and donated the picnic bench alongside Linda Sinnott and Lorna Fitzpatrick from Courtown Community Council
Riverchapel Community Clean Up
Riverchapel Community Clean-up
In May a new group of local residents who care about their community, who wanted to make a difference one litter pick at a time formed in Riverchapel.
Use the link above to find out more about their litter picks and volunteer work.
All welcome.
Welcome Our new Tus worker
In May CCC extended a warm welcome to our new Tús worker, Jamie!
In addition to the usual duties, litter picking in the Burrow car parks, picnic areas, and along the Courtown-Kiltennell Walking Trail, Jamie has been hard at work helping us prepare for the busy summer season.
We continue to collaborate with Wexford County Council to maintain and enhance these public spaces.
If you see Jamie out and about, don’t hesitate to say hello or ask for assistance if needed!
Say hello to Jamie
Courtown Dunes And Glen
In June, who spotted our new sign! As you enter the Courtown Dunes and Kiltennel area you'll see our big welcome sign with a very special QR code. We wanted to highlight some the natural and social heritage of the area, so be sure to give it a go!
And for those of you curious and not able to get down for a walk just yet.... well here's a link!
https://www.courtowncommunitycouncil.org/dunesglen
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A big thank you to Ck Signs Display and local carpenter Brendan Dunbar for all their help and support. Funded by the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme through Wexford Walking Trail
Repairs To Wooden Boardwalk
In July the wooden boardwalk was repaired. Kudos to a number of concerned residents and our public representatives for helping make this a reality for Courtown. It’s sure going to be well used!
Little Tern Project Ballygarrett
On July 4th, we enjoyed a wonderful evening at Old Bawn Beach discovering more about the little tern project. Big thanks and well done to Ballygarrett Tidy Towns and NPWS for all your conservation efforts.
RTE News - Coastal Erosion
Many thanks to RTÉ News for reaching out and visiting Courtown in July to help highlight the urgent issue of coastal erosion. Many thanks to Karin Dubsky, Mona Sheehan and Linda Sinnott. Video clip in the link.
Rock armour at Courtown
Community Events - Foraging Walk
A big thank you to Lorraine from Gallivanting.ie for a fabulous day of foraging fun in Courtown Woods! Lorraine took us on a walk to identify and learn about some of the plants and trees growing in and around Courtown Woods. We discovered which common leaf can transform into soap with just a little water, what plant actually cures nettle stings , which one smells like smoky bacon and how to make spruce sherbert!
Community Event - Bat Walk
A big thank you to Alan and Graeme from Bat Conservation Ireland and to everyone who joined us on a balmy evening in July to learn about our fascinating wild native bats and the vital role they play in the ecology of Courtown Woods.
We were lucky with perfect weather conditions for bat detecting and it turned out to be a wonderful evening enjoyed by all.
Public Consultation Opens
On July 18th The Draft Town Centre First Plan was open to public submissions. The draft plan outlined a shared vision for the future of Courtown and Riverchapel Town Centre to 2040, focusing on sustainable development, regeneration, and community wellbeing. It is part of the national Town Centre First initiative, aimed at supporting more vibrant, liveable, and resilient town centres.
The Town Team – a group made up of local residents, businesses, and community organisations – has played a key role in shaping this Draft Plan. Now, we want to hear from you. Your views and ideas will help guide the final version of the Plan and ensure it reflects the priorities and ambitions of the community.
Community Event - Heritage Walk
In July we hosted our very first Heritage Walk. A huge thank you to Barry Lacey for his thoroughly enjoyable Walking Tour. It was a fascinating stroll giving us an amazing insight into life in the harbour 100 years ago!
Barry was properly suited and booted as a 1920s RIC officer and was given the professional nod of approval from our Courtown based, Garda Ian Waters An Garda Síochána Wexford.
Spike Bridge Funding Secured
Great news for Spike Bridge !!
Follow the story https://www.courtowncommunitycouncil.org/spike-bridge
Councillor Joe Sullivan
Community Events - 2nd Foraging Walk
In August we were hosted by Lorraine from www.gallivanting.ie for another wonderful day of foraging in Courtown Woods! We explored the fascinating culinary and health benefits of elderberries, sweet chestnuts, pine needles, meadowsweet and many more.
Community Event - 2nd Bat Walk
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our final Bat Walk of the season in Courtown Woods last August! Just before our bats get ready for hibernation. Special thanks once again to Bat Conservation Ireland for making it such an enjoyable and memorable evening. How lucky are we to have this special woodland on our doorstep.
Community Event - 2nd Heritage Walk
Another enjoyable event with Barry’s captivating Celtic Courtown Hertitage Walk, there was so much to discover and enjoy about the place we call home.
Community Event - Kate Kos Sketching Workshop
In August, local artist Kate Kos held a popular sketching workshop for us down on the Harbour Plaza on a gorgeous summers day. A fantastic morning was had by all.
Kate’s inspiring Sketching Workshop at the Harbour Plaza
Community Event - Repair, Refresh, Rewear workshop
On August 30th. we held our Repair, Refresh, Rewear workshop where we repaired and upcycled different items clothing, giving them a new lease of life and helping reduce the impact of fast fashion. We flashed up skirts, jeans, shirts and trousers, turned a dress into a cushion and another dress into an apron. A wonderful afternoon of ladies chatting, learning and crafting.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone saying they’d love to join similar workshops in the future. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and got creative with us
Thanks to Eve for facilitating the session and to Wexford County Council for their support to run the workshop.
Community Event - Clean Coasts Explore your Shore
Well done to all the volunteers who joined us for the Explore Your Shore Workshop in Courtown on Sunday September 8th! A big thank you to Biodiversity Ireland and Clean Coasts for sharing their expertise in learning about our local coastline. Looking forward to more exciting collaborations ahead!
Community Event - Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean
Done and dusted! Thankfully on September 20th, the weather gods gave us a break from the rain A big thank you to everyone who joined this year’s Big Beach Clean, Courtown – especially 3rd Wexford Scouts Gorey who did an amazing job! Can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Enviornment Awards 2025
To close out our newsletter, we’re thrilled to share that Courtown Community Council has been recognised twice at this year’s Keep Wexford Beautiful Awards hosted by Wexford County Council .
2nd Place - Best Community Project that Tackles and Reduces the Impact of Climate Change for our Circular Economy Action Plan, promoting sustainability, waste reduction, and community-led climate action This plan was funded by VOICE - Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment, developed by local consultant Roisin Markham with the support of Seal Rescue Ireland and had input from Riverchapel Courtown Ladies Club Meals On Wheels Gorey.
Joint 3rd Place - Best Community Coastal Management Initiative for our Courtown–Kiltennel Trail Enhancement Project, protecting biodiversity while improving access to our beautiful coastline This award recognised the ongoing work completed by our volunteers in management and maintainance of the walking trail and the enhancements to the trail such as the new fencing and furniture and the new signage to help inform about the ecological importantance of the area
Thank you to Wexford County Council for these awards, which celebrate the incredible dedication of our volunteers, residents, and partners at a local and national level who make our community such a special place to live, work, and visit
A huge thank you to Wexford County Council’s Environment Section for their ongoing support and to everyone who continues to get involved in keeping Courtown and Riverchapel beautiful, sustainable, and resilient!
