In what is commonly referred to as Ireland’s “warm southeast,” Wexford is a famous hotspot for locals and tourists wishing to spend some time away from the busy city life. This is a perfect place to connect with the country’s past and enjoy the warm weather all day. Although most people know Wexford for the popular Opera Festival that is usually held every autumn, there is much more than the county can offer. Here are the top 15 things to see and do in Wexford.
Hook Head Light House
The Hook Head Lighthouse is situated in the far southwest of County Wexford, but it is worth every second you spend on the road heading there.The lighthouse projects into the Atlantic ocean on the eastern side where river Nore, Suir, and Barrow flow into the sea.It has helped numerous vessels navigate the fog for more than seven centuries. The strong four-Storey tower was automated in 1996.
Colclough Walled Gardens
The famous Colclough family built this Georgian Walled garden over two centuries ago. The wall is located in a verdant vale full of beautiful scenery. You will pass through the quondam village of Tintern as you head to the walled gardens. This is a lovely place that will revive your natural senses and make you appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature. The gardens open daily from 10 am to 6 pm from April to September, and 10 am to 4 pm from October to March.
Curracloe Beach
Curracloe Beach remains one of the most visited beaches in Ireland, and it is for good reasons. It is among the cleanest beaches on the entire Irish coastline, and it is just a 15-minute drive away from Wexford town. This white sand beach offers visitors amazing scenery to relax or engage in fun activities with other people on the beach. The beach is suitable for family adventures, historic trails, and other activities.
The Irish National Heritage
Approximately three miles to northwest of Wexford city along the famous N11 road lies the Irish National heritage Museum that seats on 35 acres of land. This is an open-air museum that tells the history of Irish people and how the country has come. Tourists can go for a guided tour or walk around the museum on their own. Some of the children’s activities around this museum include creating rock art and panning for gold.
Ros Tapestry
Tourists who have been here say that Ros Tapestry is the epic tale of the foundation and rich history of the medieval town of Norman Conquest and New Ross of Ireland told uniquely. In fact, no trip to this southeast county will be complete without visiting the Ros Tapestry and listening to the tale of new Ross told in a series of exquisite tapestries. The Ros Tapestry is also an incredible community project that combines art and history to create an epic story.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey is located in Saltmills, New Ross. It is a Cistercian abbey that was founded by William Marshal and named after the famous Tintern in Wales. Its remains mainly consist of the chancel, nave, chapel, tower, and cloister. The Tintern was partly converted into residential quarters after 1541. The Tintern Abbey was occupied by the Colclough family between the 16th century and until the mid-1960s.
Dunbrody Famine Ship
The Dunbrody Famine Ship lies at New Ross Quay, and it should be high on your agenda the moment you set foot in County Wexford. It is among the most visited attractions in Ireland, and you can’t afford to ignore it. This unique ship is a replication of an 1840 emigrant ship that has tour guides, performers and themed exhibitions that portray the challenges faced by those who were to emigrate during the 1880s. The ship is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm from April to September, and 9 am to 5 pm from October to March.
JFK Historical Home
A 20-minute drive from New Ross takes you to the JF Kennedy homestead which is the ancestral home John Kennedy family. This is the birthplace of JF Kennedy’s great grandfather, Patrick Kennedy and a tour around the homestead reveals his lifestyle and possible reasons why he left Ireland for the United States in 1848. There is also a comprehensive timeline of Patrick Kennedy’s progress in the United States through his subsequent generations.
The 1798 Rebellion Center
The 1798 Rebellion Center was established to commemorate the Rebellion of 1798 that was led by the United Irishmen. The Rebellion was based on the core principles of the French Revolution of equality, liberty, and fraternity. The primary goal of the rebellion was to help achieve democracy and equal opportunities for all. On your visit to the 1798 Rebellion Center, you will meet the key figures of the Rebellion and discover how ancient weapons played a crucial role in this struggle.
Food in Kilmore Quay
The Kilmore Quay is a modern 60 berth marina with all the facilities and delicious seafood that you would expect. This is an excellent place to come and enjoy delicious food after touring the other sites within its vicinity. All the food prepared here showcases the unique Irish cuisine, and you will love it. This port is also renowned for its thatch cottages, stunning islands and the welcoming nature of its locals.
Loftus Hall
Loftus Hall is a large mansion house strategically located on the Hook Peninsula. It is situated on the right-hand side as you drive towards the Hook Lighthouse on the tip of the Peninsula. The Redmond family built this amazing hall in 1350 during the notorious time of Black Death. Initially, it was known as the Redmond Hall until 1650 when it was handed over to the Loftus family. However, the Hall that exists today was heavily renovated between 1872 and 1879.
Ferns Castle
The Ferns castle was built in the 13th century, and it originally formed a square with large towers in every corner. However, only half of the castle still exists today, and its only remaining complete tower contains affine circular chapel with an incredible curved ornament. The tower features several fireplaces and a well-vaulted basement.
Visit Seal Rescue Island
The Seal Rescue Island is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured Grey seal pups from around the whole coast of the Republic of Island. The organization usually relies on members of the public who come across these across these creatures in distress to reach out to them so that they can rescue the animals. Injured pups are transported to their center for care before releasing them back into the wild. Visit the center to learn more about what it is like to rescue pups.
Visit Wells House
The Wells House is a beautiful country estate that opened its doors to the public in 2012. This amazing house was designed with a Gothic and Tudor design in the early 1830. You can walk around the Wells House and Gardens or consider taking a guided tour of the house and learn more about the art workshops in the compound. There are also lots of kids’ activities ranging from watching live falconry to meeting the various animals at the estate’s farm.
Tour Duncannon Fort
The Duncannon Fort is an incredible presentation of a bastioned fortress that is located on the side of the beautiful Hook Peninsula. This historical fort has gathered countless intriguing and inspiring stories over its 452-year history. It remains one of the best places to visit in County Wexford. You will get time to share your views with the tour guides and learn more about the Duncannon Fort.