Welcome to Courtown
Dunes & Glen

An area of special conservation, with rare woodlands growing across sandy dunes. Over the last 100 years more than 20 acres have been lost to coastal erosion - who knows how long we'll have this wonderful place to walk. But today we do.

A rare natural heritage area

  • A forest trail surrounded by dense trees with green leaves. Sunlight filters through the foliage, lighting the dirt path.

    Wooded dune system

    One of the country's only woodlands growing over sandy dunes.

  • A small wooden footbridge crosses over a narrow river in a forested area with green foliage and tall trees.

    Proposed NHA

    Designated by NPWS as a proposed Natural Heritage Area.

  • A person walking along a rocky beach with eroded cliffs and a cloudy sky.

    Under threat

    20+ acres lost to coastal erosion over the past century.

Walking trails

  • Person in a yellow raincoat walking along a wooded trail beside a small stream in a forest.

    Courtown Kiltennel Trail

    A unique coastal trail through one of the country's only wooded dune systems, a site of real ecological importance. A long looped walk that returns along the beach.

  • A coastal scene with a sandy beach, a rocky barrier, and a forested walking trail with two people walking.

    Courtown Woodland Trail

    Lush mature oaks, beech and chestnut, with a surprising scattering of exotic trees planted by Lord Courtown - Redwoods, American Oaks and a simply stunning Cedar of Lebanon.

ENHANCE YOUR WALK

Hidden history along the trail

Discover the hidden history along the Kiltennel Trail - from secrets lying under the sand to cricket pitches and long-lost fishermen's paths. Five history stops to find as you walk:

Stop 1 - The Cricket Pitch
Stop 2 - The Fishermans Way
Stop 4 - The Wishing Well
Stop 3 - The Original Harbour
Stop 5 - Lady Charlotte's Cottage

Explore more

  • A wooden bridge over a small river surrounded by dense green foliage with trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    The Spike Bridge

    The story of the much-loved bridge, its closure and community-led reopening.

    Read the story →
  • Four men sitting and standing beside a stone wall, with sails and a landscape in the background, dressed in early 20th-century clothing.

    Courtown's heritage in pictures

    A collection of images of Courtown over the years.

    Image library →
  • A group of children and adults dressed in costumes, including some dressed as witches, walking outdoors in a forested area on a damp, autumn day.

    Events

    Tree-planting days, community walks, art classes and foraging days.

    What's on →

Helping to protect it

Tree planting, dune protection and clean-ups - see how the community is working to hold on to this natural heritage area.

Environment & climate
Get involved