Dunhill, County Waterford


Dunhill is a town in County Waterford, Ireland. The town comprises a church, a primary school, a parish hall, a public house and shop. An enterprise park called Dunhill Ecopark was established in 2000 by members of the Dunhill community.

Religion

Sacred Heart is the third church to have been built on the current site. The first structure was erected in 1798 after an old building in the townland of Shanaclune was abandoned.

Education

Established in the year 2000, Dunhill Ecopark is an adult educational enterprise park whose mission is to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture and facilitate job creation. Additionally, Dunhill is home to a National School.

Sport

Dunhill Sports Centre and GAA pitch are located on Cois Cille road, opposite Dunhill Ecopark. The Dunhill GAA club enters teams in both GAA codes each year, which includes two adult hurling teams and one adult Gaelic football team.

Archaeology

The ruins of Dunhill Castle is situated on a rock outcrop south of the village. The castle was owned by John Power in 1641 and traditionally it is thought to be an ancient stronghold which fell to Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century.
Additional archaeological sites in the area include an earthwork, font, megalithic tomb, and 2 ringforts.

Anne Valley Walk

The Anne Valley Walk is a 50-minute, modern greenway nature trail meandering the river Anne, leading 2.2 km along a smooth gravel path from Dunhill Anne valley to Dunhill Castle, and weaving a further 2.6 km on to Annestown Beach.
Wildlife such as mute swans, pheasants and ducks can often be seen along the trail, as well as smaller local birds species. Kingfisher, deer, heron, mink and otter can also be spotted, alongside a wide variety of flora. The packed walking surface of this local community initiative is buggy and wheelchair accessible, with free car parking available at both ends of the trail, and at the halfway point.