Wonderful Wexford
Spring is an ideal time to discover the charm of south west Wexford.
The rich agricultural landscape comes to life with traditional daffodils and spring crops, and while farmers are busy preparing for the sewing season, Wexford is literally spring cleaned with fresh winds coming in from the Irish Sea, bringing an air of renewal and rebirth into the land and the people.
Over the centuries, Celts, Vikings and Normans came and stayed in Co. Wexford — and today’s visitor can easily see why; lush, rolling farmland bordered by stunning beaches and brooding mountains; some of the best restaurants, pubs and hotels in Ireland; festivals of all kinds; outdoor activities offering superb golf courses, angling, scuba diving, equestrian sports, walking, agri-tourism and much more besides. Visitors can even turn back the clock and explore Wexford’s unique culture and heritage through its ‘open air museum’ of ramparts and castles, abbeys, manor houses and the oldest lighthouse in Europe.
And nowhere better than south of the county to enjoy this rich heritage and cultural tapestry.
ARTHURSTOWN
Situated on the slopes overlooking Waterford Estuary, Arthurstown is steeped in history. Just north of the village is Dunbrody Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1210 and one of the largest of its kind. Close by is the site and ruins of Dunbrody Castle, which now houses a cookery school, while a small museum within the tea-rooms has family information and a large doll house which is a scale replica of the castle. Outside is a small pitch-and-putt course and a full-sized hedge maze, one of only two in Ireland.
BALLYHACK
Ballyhack is a charming fishing village at the mouth of the River Barrow and marks the starting point of the challenging 77km Wexford Coastal Path walking route. The village is dominated by its 15th century crusader castle. Located on a steep slope in a commanding position overlooking Waterford Estuary, Ballyhack Castle, a large tower house, is thought to have been built c.1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, one of the two great military orders founded at the beginning of the 12th century during the time of the Crusades. Open daily June to September. Tel: (051) 389468. From Ballyhack you can take a scenic short cut to Waterford by ferry to Passage East.
DUNCANNON
A fishing village located on the Ring of Hook Drive, Duncannon is most widely known for its star-shaped fortress, Duncannon Fort. Built in 1588, it features a maritime museum, arts centre, café and craft shop.
FETHARD-ON-SEA
Close to the historic Hook Head Lighthouse, now open to the public, the colourful and welcoming Fethard-on-Sea serves as the main centre to a growing number of visitors attracted to the Hook Peninsula. Dating from the early 13th century, Hook Lighthouse is a rare example of a medieval lighthouse. Apart from a short closure during the 17th century, it has guided ships for 800 years and is thought to be one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. The tour guides visitors through a series of chambers, exploring the fascinating story of Hook Lighthouse, including the legend of Dubhán, the sixth century Welsh monk who is reputed to have established the first light on Hook Head after discovering the bodies of shipwrecked sailors on the rocks. Visitors can also view the magnificent landscape of Hook Peninsula from the top of the 115 steps of the tower. The site also features the former keeper’s houses with visitor facilities, a craft shop and café. Open daily. Tel: (051) 397055.
NEW ROSS
New Ross, 34km west of Wexford town, is a large town on the River Barrow and home to the 13th century St. Mary’s Church. The John F. Kennedy Trust, tel: (051) 425239, operates a genealogical database for those from the region wishing to trace their Irish ancestors.
One of the town’s most interesting eateries is the Galley Cruising Restaurant, which offers a lunchtime cruise, an afternoon tea cruise and a dinner cruise between April and October. Please call in advance to confirm sailings: Tel: (051) 421723.
The John F. Kennedy Arboretum is dedicated to the memory of President John F. Kennedy and is a plant and tree collection of international standard, including 200 forest plots grouped by continent. Tel: (051) 388171.
At Dunganstown in New Ross is the Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of the president’s great-grandfather Patrick. It is now a Cultural Museum and Visitor Centre. Tel: (051) 388264. Further details are available from the Tourist Information Office in New Ross at (051) 421857.
Ballylane Visitor Farm is a great attraction for the family that offers visitors a chance to embrace nature and wildlife on a self-guided walk.
South of New Ross is Tintern Abbey, founded around 1200 AD, with remains consisting of the nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. Tel: (051) 562650.
For a unique experience, board New Ross’s full-scale 19th century famine ship reconstruction – the Dunbrody. The original Dunbrody was a three masted barque, which was built for the Graves family of New Ross in Quebec in 1845. From 1845 to 1870 this ship carried emigrants across the Atlantic. The newly constructed replica has served as New Ross’s latest attraction since May 2001 and has enjoyed great popularity with visitors to the town. Tel: (051) 425239. The John F. Kennedy Trust also operate the Dunbrody Ship and the geneology centre is located on board.
AMY WHELAN
CEO Wexford Tourism
Highlights for 2004
April 4: Bachs St. John’s Passion St. Iberius Church
April 24–May 1: HMS Pinafore Wexford Light Opera Society
May 7: Evening Race Meet in Wexford Racecourse
May 21 –23: AIMS Choral Festival New Ross
May 29: Evening Meet, Wexford Racecourse
June 30–July 4: Strawberry Fair Festival, Enniscorthy
July 23–25: John F. Kennedy Dunbrody Festival, New Ross
September 10–12: Blackstairs Blues Festival, Wexford
October 14–31: Wexford Opera Festival
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