BALLYMOYLE HILL

Ballymoyle Hill was planted originally in the early 1950s and, at this stage, most of the early plantings have been clearfelled and replanted. The total area of woodland is some 200 hectares. While there are no waymarked trails here, the forest road network does provide up to six kilometres of walking trails, sections of which will offer the hiker a moderately challenging walk.
As this is a commercial forest site, the main tree species to be seen include Sitka spruce, Japanese larch Lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. There are also some small areas of oak, beech, poplar and ash. Because of the uneven aged woodland, the area is a haven for wildlife and you may see foxes, rabbits, badgers and squirrels as you make your way along the forest roads.
The hill itself rises to 240 metres above sea level providing the walker with some breath taking views of the coastline. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Welsh coastline in the distance. Closer to home, it is possible to see the wind turbines situated on the Arklow Sand Bank which lies 10 kilometres off the coast of Arklow. This was the worlds first project to deploy wind turbines in excess of 3 megawatts. The project represents Irelands first offshore wind power project, and is expected to generate enough energy to serve the annual electricity needs of about 16,000 households.
Also visible to the south, is the town of Arklow and, further south, Tara Hill in Co.Wexford