Ponds, parkland and pheasants aplenty

PORTLAW-CURRAGHMORE LOOP

A ‘PLANNED’ town is unusual in Ireland, but the Malcomsons, cotton mill owners, laid out Portlaw with wide streets and workers’ cottages in the 19th century.

We start at a roundabout like a clock dial in the town centre. Six roads emanate, none signposted. We pass the door of the Centra supermarket, a Marian shrine and then an Italianate lodge, sadly derelict. On this quiet road, we reach the impressive entrance to Curraghmore House, home of the 8th Marquis of Waterford, surrounded by a 100 acre estate. Walkers are welcome all year.