There was a large turnout on the morning of Bank Holiday Monday for the launch of The Old Quarry Way a newly named and enhanced 5km loop walk which builds upon an existing local route and is inspired by the remarkable biodiversity found in the Old Cement Quarry.

In 2023, Tony Conaghy set out to explore the hidden wonders of the Old Cement Quarry where, since the landfill site’s closure in the late 1990s, nature has quietly reclaimed the area, turning it into a sanctuary for wildlife.

Tony documented this transformation through stunning images of butterflies, peregrine falcons, wildflowers, frogs, newts, and other species, culminating in the publication of ‘Other Nations’, a beautiful book supported by Tidy Towns. The book offers a window into the Quarry’s rich biodiversity and underscores the importance of protecting this treasure. It can be accessed online at www.droghedatidytowns.com .

To build on this important work, Drogheda Tidy Towns—together with local residents, community groups, businesses, and with support from Louth County Council—completed the North Road Loop Walk Project, now named The Old Quarry Way following a school naming competition held with Mell National School.

The organisers say they are especially grateful to Ms. Kerins and the 2024 Sixth Class at Mell National School for their enthusiasm and creativity in helping to name the walk.

Three students – Joe Luca Murray, Ruby Collins and Ruadhán Gregory – submitted fantastic suggestions on behalf of the class, and we were delighted to select ‘Old Quarry Way’, which emerged from this group effort.

The route follows the footpaths that circle the old quarry without actually going on to the site which would  disturb nesting birds etcetera. It begins at the Cement Road and North Road junction and loops through the R132 North Road, Rosehall Roundabout, the N51 to Hill of Rath, and back via Upper Mell and Ashfield Green. It is now enhanced with:

• New Trail Head Signage, sharing the rich biodiversity and history of the Quarry
• Way Markers at 1km intervals, including tracing plates for children and QR codes linking to information on local wildlife and landmarks
• A Community-Chosen Name, The Old Quarry Way, thanks to Mell National School students

“This project truly showcases what can be achieved when a community comes together,” said Drogheda Tidy Towns Chairperson Gerry Leydon. “The Old Quarry Way is not only now an enhanced fun walking route and experience but also showcases and educates on the rich biodiversity of the Old Cement Quarry, while also being a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting this for future generations

The initiative aligns with Drogheda’s broader Active Living strategy, which includes improving pedestrian and cycling routes across the town including along parts of this walking route.

Robert Murray Chairperson of the Ashfield Drogheda Residents’ Association added “This is a wonderful project that’s been brought to life with such care and creativity. Huge thanks to Gerry and Eamonn from Drogheda Tidy Towns for engaging with us so openly and for delivering it to such a high standard.

“The designs by local designer Caoimhe Mulroy are just stunning. ‘Old Quarry Way’ is now a new shared resource for all to enjoy – not just local residents, but anyone seeking a walk with beauty, history and heart.”

Drogheda Tidy Towns extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported the project, especially the local resident groups, the pupils and staff of Mell National School and Louth County Council and looks forward to seeing The Old Quarry Way enjoyed by the entire community.

See our previous story:

Tidy Towns’ proposal to turn old quarry into a nature reserve