KILMORE QUAY CONSERVATION GROUP
CONSERVING OUR UNIQUE HERITAGE
Celebrate | Protect | Enhance | Preserve
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A Living Landscape
Kilmore Quay is more than just a place on a map; it’s a living landscape steeped in history, a place where the sea and land have carved a unique identity.
From the thatched cottages that stand as a testament to vernacular architecture, to St. Peter’s Church, the Eire Sign, and the old Coast Guard Station, every corner holds a story.
The village’s rich maritime heritage, defined by the enduring spirit of our fishing fleet, is a source of immense pride.
Beyond the village, the coastline itself is a treasure trove of natural wonders.
Ecological Importance
Kilmore Quay’s eastern side is home to a large protected area of immense ecological importance. This Special Area of Conservation (SAC) stretches from Forlorn Point to The Little Beach beside the harbour, and continues along Nemestown shoreline up to Ballyhealy.
It includes the unique glacial moraine known as St. Patrick’s Bridge and extends to and around the Saltee Islands. The Saltee Islands themselves are also designated as a Special Protected Area (SPA), with both the SAC and SPA classifications highlighting the region’s immense significance.
Saltees SPA (code 004020) circled in blue
Source: NPWS map / Ordnance Survey map.
Ballyteige Burrow SPA and SAC
Kilmore Quay’s western side is bordered by the Ballyteige Burrow SPA and SAC, precious and sensitive environments that stretch from the Viewing Point up to Cullenstown. This protected area also includes Blackstone, Sea field, the Holy Well in Duncormack, and extends along the Inish and Ballyteigue Slobs.
Saltees Islands SAC (code 000707), an area of 15,822.26 ha.
Source: NPWS maps / Ordnance Survey maps
Ballyteigue Burrow SPA (code 004020)
Source: NPWS maps / Ordnance Survey maps
Ballyteigue Burrow SAC (code 00696), an area of 667.13ha.
Source: NPWS maps / Ordnance Survey maps
Our Vision
Our vision for Kilmore Quay is that of a flourishing community where its remarkable coastlines, vibrant biodiversity, resilient dune systems, and rich heritage are conscientiously cherished, protected, and continually enhanced for future generations.
We aim to ensure the indefinite preservation of these invaluable natural and cultural assets, cultivating a community deeply committed to their conservation, sustainable utilization, and the long-term vitality of our distinctive coastal environment. Furthermore, we are dedicated to integrating regenerative tourism to actively enhance and sustain our region’s inherent beauty for everyone.
While Kilmore has certainly changed, it was identified in the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028 as a Coastal Landscape Character Unit (LCU). This designation acknowledges its vulnerability to the pressures of human activities, development, and climate change.
For generations, our community has been the proud guardian of Kilmore Quay’s heritage. We’ve always taken immense pride in the untouched landscape and the authentic culture that defines this place. It’s this genuine, unspoiled feel that keeps visitors coming back, drawn by the simple, real experiences they can’t find anywhere else.
Our Top Priorities
The primary aims of the Kilmore Quay Conservation Group are to celebrate, protect, enhance, and preserve the unique natural and cultural heritage of Kilmore Quay and its surrounding areas.
Celebrate
View our gallery of local images
Protect
Sand Dune Restoration Proposal
Enhance
Sand Dune Signage Proposal
Preserve
More Information Coming Soon
Featured Initiatives
Signage Proposal – Protection of Ballyteige Burrow Dunes
Kilmore Quay Conservation Group’s Signage Proposal (Protection of Ballyteige Burrow dunes) was born out of growing concern among Kilmore Quay residents regarding visible coastal erosion, particularly the expanding "blow-outs" on the Ballyteige Burrow dunes. These...
Coastal Resilience: Community Power at Kilmore Quay
About 70 people gathered at the Stella Maris Centre to attend the Information event on how we can all protect Ballyteigue Burrow, an event that showcased the power of local action in protecting our precious dune systems. It forged a powerful connection between various...
