Tara Hill Spring, Tara Hill, Co. Wexford, Ireland

## Overview Tara Hill Spring is a natural hillside spring located in the rural townland of Tarahill, County Wexford, in Ireland's sunny southeast. The spring flows from a cemented pipe set into the hillside, delivering a steady stream of clear, cold water. Tara Hill itself rises to approximately 253 metres (830 feet) and is a well-known local landmark, offering panoramic views across the Wexford countryside and out to the Irish Sea. The hill has long held significance in the area — its name echoes the famous Hill of Tara in County Meath, and like many Irish hilltop sites, it carries associations with ancient settlement and spiritual tradition. The spring is marked by a tree bearing a Catholic cross, a common feature at Irish holy wells and natural water sources, suggesting the site may have a devotional history stretching back generations. Locals and visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and the water has been reported to taste clean and pure. However, no laboratory testing has been conducted to confirm water quality, so anyone collecting water does so at their own discretion. ## Directions The spring is situated at GPS coordinates **52.696034, –6.214606**, in Tarahill, Co. Wexford, Ireland. 1. **Start from Ballymoney** — head along Ballymoney Upper Road. 2. **Take a sharp right turn**, followed shortly by a **sharp left turn**. 3. You will come to a **walking trail** — continue along it slowly, keeping an eye out for landmarks. 4. Look for a **tree with a Catholic cross** affixed to it. The spring is located right beside this tree. *Note: The route involves narrow rural roads and a section of hillside trail. There is limited signage, so following the GPS coordinates closely is recommended.* ## What to Expect The spring flows from a cemented pipe at a steady rate — visitors have reported it is fast enough to fill a gallon container quickly, though flow may slow during the drier summer months. The water falls freely onto the ground below the pipe, so bringing a container with a narrow opening or a funnel can make collection easier. The surrounding landscape is remote, elevated, and largely unsettled. Reaching the spring requires a hike of some distance across hilly terrain, so visitors should come prepared with sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and basic hiking essentials. Those unaccustomed to elevated or exposed terrain should take extra care, as conditions can change quickly on Irish hillsides. The area is quiet and isolated — part of its charm, but also something to plan for. Mobile phone signal may be unreliable, and there are few landmarks beyond the cross-marked tree to orient by. It's wise to share your plans with someone before setting out. On a clear day, however, the views from Tara Hill are spectacular, making the visit as much about the scenery as the spring itself.