The disused Carrigfoyle quarry in Barntown, County Wexford, is a popular scenic spot among locals. Its high altitude offers an impressive view of the countryside, and it contains a picturesque lake surrounded by forest and towering cliff faces. The colour and texture of the surrounding rock, composed of siltstone and quartzite, give the quarry area a distinctive look.
The quarry once produced quartzite aggregate, a material used to strengthen composite materials like concrete. Operators drained the area while the quarry was in operation. After it closed, however, groundwater seeped in and rainwater pooled, forming a man-made quarry lake.
The quarry can be dangerous without proper precautions. A warning sign at the entrance urges visitors not to bathe in the water, as quarry lakes can be deep and surprisingly cold. The cold water can cause muscle cramps and sudden fatigue, making swimming difficult and increasing the risk of drowning. Deep water and jagged rocks add to the risk.
In June 2012, local teenager Allen Murphy lost his life while swimming at the quarry. Murphy, who was 19, got into difficulties while swimming between the island and the shore of the lake. His death served as a reminder that swimming in quarry lakes can be dangerous.
In the past, some suggested that Wexford County Council should erect a fence around the area. Critics argued these proposals were unrealistic, as the size of the lake would make maintenance impossible. The public’s willingness to circumvent barriers was also a factor, as many considered the quarry a local landmark that should remain open.
Regardless of the fencing debate, visitors should exercise caution at the quarry. Quarries have cliff edges and steep surfaces, which can become slippery during wet weather. To ensure their own safety, visitors should stick to the designated walking trails and avoid the steeper surfaces.
Map / Location
The map below shows the location of the Carrigfoyle Lake car park: