Visit Wexford
VisitWexford-Festival-and-Events-2016
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<strong>Visit</strong><strong>Wexford</strong> @<strong>Visit</strong><strong>Wexford</strong> <strong>Visit</strong><strong>Wexford</strong> visitwexford.ie<br />
<strong>Visit</strong><br />
<strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Guide<br />
Things<br />
do<br />
Free<br />
map<br />
inside!<br />
Photo Ivan Donoghue<br />
The Cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East
Welcome to<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Towns<br />
of <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
With it’s rich and varied history, <strong>Wexford</strong> is a county filled with<br />
heritage featuring some of the finest castles and historic sites and<br />
trails in Ireland.<br />
The<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> town is a lively place, where you can experience a wonderful café<br />
culture and fine dining, along with a vibrant arts and culture calendar with<br />
something for all. The town’s rich heritage, walking tours and sights ensure it<br />
is the ideal holiday destination. If you’re looking for some spectacular coastal<br />
vistas take a short trip out of town to Rosslare strand or the famous sands<br />
of beautiful Curracloe beach...if it looks familiar, it is, as it served as the<br />
spectacular Omaha Beach in the film Saving Private Ryan aswell as in the<br />
acclaimed film Brooklyn.<br />
New Ross<br />
Locals and visitors love to visit the beautiful and peaceful fishing village of<br />
Kilmore Quay. The village is noted for its white-washed thatched cottages<br />
and relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A favourite with anglers, wildlife lovers<br />
and families, fishing boats ferry day-trippers out to the famous Saltee<br />
Islands from the quay taking in the sea life and gaining an alternate view of<br />
the rugged coastline<br />
visitwexford.ie<br />
The beautiful, historic and diverse county of <strong>Wexford</strong> is located on the most southeasterly<br />
corner of the island of Ireland. <strong>Wexford</strong> is one of Ireland’s top places to visit and holiday<br />
boasting 275 kilometresof coastline with golden sandy beaches, rocky headlands, cliffs<br />
and nature preserves plus vibrant towns and a calendar filled with festivals.<br />
Heritage runs deep in <strong>Wexford</strong>; exploring this Cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East and<br />
journeying through the unspoiled landscape, hearing first hand the stories that built Ireland<br />
is a ‘must’.<br />
Vikings certainly made their mark in <strong>Wexford</strong>, bearing down from Scandinavia, hordes of<br />
wild wayfarers first arrived in the 8th century to loot and pillage. But we’ve a lot to thank<br />
them for, they also laid the foundations of many Irish towns – including <strong>Wexford</strong>, which was<br />
founded by the Vikings in about 800 AD. They named it Veisafjǫrðr, inlet of the mud flats<br />
and it remained a Viking town for about 300 years!<br />
In 1169 the Normans arrived in Ireland onto the shores of <strong>Wexford</strong> at the request of the<br />
recently ousted High King of Leinster whose seat was located in the village of Ferns,<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong>; they arrived to help Diarmuid MacMurrough battle for his kingdom.<br />
Today, Norse and Norman influences combine in <strong>Wexford</strong>, a town that has retained its<br />
compact, medieval feel – though the only invading hordes you’re likely to encounter these<br />
days are the opera buffs descending on the annual international <strong>Wexford</strong> Festival Opera.<br />
The Norman town of Enniscorthy, heritage town of New Ross and bustling Gorey all<br />
combine to provide a jam packed county with fascinating visitor attractions, beautiful<br />
coastline and everything you’d need to enjoy your visit.<br />
Presuming you are travelling by car rather than longboat, routes connecting the highlights<br />
of the Cornerstone of Ireland make for some great driving trips, ranging from the towns<br />
themselves to all the rivers, beaches, festivals, castles, forts, abbeys and cafés in-between.<br />
<strong>Visit</strong><strong>Wexford</strong><br />
@<strong>Visit</strong><strong>Wexford</strong><br />
<strong>Visit</strong><strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Take in the expansive coastal view the tip of the Hook Peninsula affords from<br />
the top of the world’s oldest operational lighthouse ‘Hook Lighthouse’.<br />
Travelling inland to the quayside of nearby New Ross town, shake hands<br />
with the life-size statue of President Kennedy along the ‘The Emigrant Trail’.<br />
Experience the smells and sounds of an 1840s emigrant vessel aboard The<br />
Dunbrody and visit the Ros Tapestry for an insight into our Norman history.<br />
From New Ross head inland to Enniscorthy town, described in Ulysses<br />
as ‘the finest place in the world’, an early Norman town dating back 1,500<br />
years. Straddling the River Slaney, Enniscorthy played a key role in Ireland’s<br />
struggle for independence. A visit to the battlefield at Vinegar Hill, the Norman<br />
Enniscorthy Castle and the National 1798 Centre is a must!<br />
Making your way north to the bustling market town of Gorey you happen<br />
upon the historical village of Ferns, featuring prominently on Ireland’s Ancient<br />
East and boasting the 13th century Ferns Castle. The whole history of<br />
modern Ireland stems from Ferns – Diarmuid MacMurrough, King of Leinster<br />
invited the Normans in 1167 to help him fight his battles. This significant<br />
Norman connection has earned Ferns the title ‘Gateway to Norman <strong>Wexford</strong>’.<br />
Also in the north of the county the picturesque town of Bunclody is sniggled<br />
in the breathtaking parkland of Mount Leinster. Bunclody is a pretty town<br />
where the Slaney and Clody Rivers meet in the valley of the Blackstairs<br />
Mountains, this is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise.<br />
The most northerly located town of <strong>Wexford</strong> is the market town of Gorey Its<br />
Market House and Square sets the tone of a thriving bustling market town,<br />
while still only 6 minutes from the blue flag Courtown beach, Ballymoney<br />
beach with it’s wonderful shoreline geology and minutes from hill and<br />
woodland walks. Nestled nearby are some must-see places including the<br />
stunning Victorian Wells House with its expansive gardens and woodland<br />
walks and <strong>Wexford</strong> Lavender farm, two of a myriad of nearby attractions and<br />
activities.<br />
Saltee Islands<br />
Hook Lighthouse<br />
Enniscorthy
Explore<br />
the <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Trails<br />
Begin your discovery of our beautiful county by exploring<br />
some of Ireland’s most popular and iconic landmarks on<br />
Ireland’s Ancient East and journey the expansive Heritage<br />
Trail, Norman Way Trail, Emigrant Trail, Garden Trail and<br />
Craft Trail or hike off the beaten track on one of <strong>Wexford</strong>’s<br />
walking trails.<br />
Heritage of <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
An age-old gateway into Ireland, County <strong>Wexford</strong> is steeped in history dating<br />
back to the Stone Age, over 6,000 years ago. Journey through time and<br />
meet our ancestors - Celts, Christians, Vikings, Normans, French, Welsh and<br />
English - who have left us a remarkable heritage, unrivalled anywhere else in<br />
Ireland. <strong>Wexford</strong>’s history, culture and magnificent landscape is presented to<br />
you in a very special way, on the <strong>Wexford</strong> Heritage Trail.<br />
<strong>Visit</strong> castles, churches and abbeys, battlefields, historic towns and villages,<br />
great houses and gardens, windmills and forts. Explore the world’s oldest<br />
lighthouse, Ireland’s biggest open-air museum and its most famous Famine<br />
Ship! Discover a landscape rich in biodiversity, from unique coastal habitats<br />
to the famous <strong>Wexford</strong> Wildfowl Reserve, a haven for wildlife and one of the<br />
most important wild bird reserves in the world.<br />
The Norman Way<br />
In 1166, Diarmait Mac Murchada was ousted as king of Leinster, fled Ireland<br />
and sought help from Henry II. Henry gave Diarmait permission to recruit<br />
mercenaries and authorised his subjects to help Diarmait. In May 1169 the<br />
Normans first arrived to Ireland at Bannow Bay in <strong>Wexford</strong>, a force of at least<br />
40 knights, 60 men-at-arms and 360 archers came ashore, merging with<br />
about 500 men led by Diarmait. They set about conquering Leinster and the<br />
territories Diarmait had claimed sovereignty over.<br />
This intriguing tale of the journey from invaders to becoming ‘More Irish than<br />
the Irish themselves’, can be rediscovered along the gems on the Norman<br />
Way of <strong>Wexford</strong> - it’ll win you over as we did the Normans all those years<br />
ago.<br />
The Emigrant Trail & The Kennedy Story<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> has unique Irish American links being the ancestral home to President<br />
John F. Kennedy, visitors can explore this connection through the ‘Emigrant Trail’<br />
visiting the Kennedy Homestead, the JFK Memorial Park and a replica of the<br />
Dunbrody famine ship which his great grandfather left Ireland aboard.<br />
In June of 2013 a date which marked the 50th anniversary of the President’s<br />
visit to the very spot, a flame was taken from the Eternal Flame at JFK’s grave in<br />
Arlington Cemetery, New York, and used to light a flame on the quayside at New<br />
Ross, County <strong>Wexford</strong>, in a ceremony performed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny along<br />
with Jean Kennedy-Smith and Caroline Kennedy.<br />
Gilly Thomas Sculpture<br />
Gallery shows unique and<br />
original sculptures, imagined,<br />
designed and created here in<br />
South County <strong>Wexford</strong>. Perfect<br />
if you are looking for something<br />
original for your home, or a gift.<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Craft<br />
Trail<br />
Design and craft in <strong>Wexford</strong> is<br />
ever-growing; a wonderful craft trail<br />
enables locals and visitors to ‘meet<br />
the makers’ offering an insight<br />
into 19 different craft makers on a<br />
driving route right across the county<br />
featuring galleries, craft workshops<br />
and exhibition spaces. Milliners,<br />
potters, weavers, wood turners,<br />
sculptors and jewellers all feature<br />
across the trail, offering visitors an<br />
opportunity to view a broad variety<br />
of traditional crafting skills. Explore<br />
the variety of crafters and makers<br />
on the <strong>Wexford</strong> Craft Trail at<br />
visitwexford.ie<br />
Martin Doyle Goldsmith<br />
works with unusual individually<br />
cut gemstones and fine quality<br />
diamonds combined with platinum,<br />
gold or silver. Each piece, including<br />
the settings, is wrought from<br />
precious bar or sheet metal.<br />
Lady’s Island is a place<br />
of pilgrimage dating from<br />
the Third Crusade, over<br />
800 years ago. <strong>Visit</strong> the<br />
remains of the Augustinian<br />
Church of St. Mary or the<br />
Parish Church (1867) that<br />
showcases the work of<br />
Pugin and Ashlin. On this<br />
renowned sedimentary<br />
lagoon, you can spot an<br />
abundance of native and<br />
visiting wildlife.<br />
Ceadogán Rugs<br />
At Ceadogán Rugs Denis Kenny has been<br />
making beautiful statements in purest<br />
wools and silks since 1989. Designed by<br />
inspiring artists and hand-tufted by skilled<br />
craftsmen with meticulous attention to<br />
detail, a Ceadogán Rug reflects all that is<br />
the very best in Irish traditional craft.<br />
Ballyelland Pottery<br />
Mairead’s sculptural work is inspired<br />
by the breath-taking Seas, Light<br />
and Skies of Loch Garman. She<br />
captures nature’s magical beauty<br />
in her inspiring and timeless clay<br />
pieces. <strong>Visit</strong> her studio {Ballyelland<br />
Pottery} set in the beautiful 18th<br />
Century Mill in Castlebridge.<br />
The Forge Craft & Design<br />
Centre showcases a wide range of<br />
traditional & contemporary works from<br />
talented craft makers from all over<br />
Ireland, a large bulk from the South East.<br />
These handmade pieces include works<br />
from artists working in pottery, glass,<br />
textile, wood, metals, natural waxes &<br />
much more.<br />
Gráinne Kenny Design<br />
Textile Designer Gráinne Kenny is<br />
from Gorey, in Co.<strong>Wexford</strong>. She<br />
specializes in hand-woven and mixed<br />
media textiles, creating products<br />
from be-spoke Lampshades, Soft<br />
Furnishings and Textile Wall Art<br />
inspired by the Sea and the changing<br />
colours and textures of the Irish<br />
Landscape. Gráinne is a member of<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Craft Trail.<br />
The Blue Egg Gallery<br />
In the centre of <strong>Wexford</strong> town,<br />
exhibits and sells contemporary<br />
craft work by Irish and international<br />
makers. Here, the owner, Mary<br />
Gallagher, organises four or five<br />
group exhibitions annually where<br />
she brings together work by artists<br />
working in clay, glass, textiles,<br />
wood, willow and metal.<br />
Creations by<br />
Annette Whelan<br />
Wonderful colour<br />
combinations and funky<br />
design are the hallmark<br />
of Annette Whelan, a<br />
fused glass artist. In her<br />
studio near the charming<br />
village of Kilmore Quay<br />
in south <strong>Wexford</strong>, she<br />
creates glass items<br />
such as lamps, mirrors,<br />
candleholders, clocks,<br />
suncatchers and<br />
jewellery.<br />
Maurice Duggan<br />
Woodturning<br />
Bespoke wooden clocks,<br />
mirrors, bowls, chopping boards,<br />
cheese boards, lamps, candle<br />
holders, pestle and mortars,<br />
pepper grinders and more<br />
created by Maurice Duggan.<br />
Crafted mostly from native Irish<br />
oak, ash, beech, walnut yew,<br />
sycamore, and holly, each piece<br />
is unique.<br />
South <strong>Wexford</strong> is rich in<br />
talented makers, musicians,<br />
growers and foragers.<br />
The Potters Yard now<br />
offer tailored ‘Workshop<br />
Bundles’ which can include<br />
accommodation, guided<br />
walks, workshops of your<br />
choice such as pottery,<br />
spinning, willow work,<br />
basketry, foraging in season,<br />
and relaxed evenings of food<br />
and music in atmospheric<br />
local hostelries.<br />
The Ros Tapestry is a unique project that has been ongoing in the<br />
South East since 1998 involving over 150 stitchers working on15 giant<br />
tapestries for a permanent exhibition in New Ross. It depicts our Norman<br />
History, linking all the Norman sites in Ireland’s Ancient East and is one of<br />
the largest series of embroidered tapestries in Europe.<br />
Robert O Connor, The<br />
Woodturning Studio,<br />
Learn the woodturning craft first<br />
hand with an experience at the<br />
Woodturning Studio. Award winning<br />
Robert O Connor will teach you<br />
about wood and make different<br />
projects with local wood. You can<br />
have some time out with a new skill<br />
in a two day long session.<br />
Terry the Weaver<br />
Terry Dunne designs and makes hand<br />
woven tapestries, floor rugs and textile<br />
art pieces. His materials are as diverse<br />
as wool, cotton, linen, silk, pine needles,<br />
driftwood and willow. Pieces made to<br />
order and visitors are welcome.<br />
Paul Moloney Pottery<br />
Earth, hand and fire combine to produce a wide range of<br />
contemporary tableware and giftware. A potter for over 30 years,<br />
Paul and his skilled team handcraft each piece on the potter’s wheel.<br />
Unique experimental pieces are also available in the pottery shop,<br />
together with workshop seconds.<br />
Gardens<br />
The <strong>Wexford</strong> Garden Trail features over 15 beautiful gardens; some<br />
originally laid out in the 18th and 19th century while others were<br />
begun just 10 years ago. The larger public gardens provide an ideal<br />
outing for all the family, while the smaller private gardens will give<br />
you not only an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon, they will also<br />
introduce you to the large range of plants grown in this temperate<br />
region.<br />
Find out more about all of the <strong>Wexford</strong> Garden Trail members on<br />
visitwexford.ie<br />
Kilmurry Nursery<br />
and Garden is a<br />
herbaceous perennial<br />
garden laid out in various<br />
formal and informal<br />
settings. Attached is an<br />
award winning nursery and<br />
seasonal tearooms serving<br />
delicious home made cakes<br />
with tea and coffee.<br />
Colclough Walled Garden was<br />
built 200 metres from Tintern Abbey by the<br />
Colclough (pronounced Coke-lee) family over<br />
200 years ago, before 1814. The garden is<br />
situated in a verdant vale with beautiful wooded<br />
scenery filled with songbirds. <strong>Visit</strong>ors pass<br />
through the quondam village of Tintern along<br />
the woodland path where bluebells and wild<br />
garlic abound in springtime.<br />
Kilmokea These peaceful<br />
gardens are laid out around a pretty<br />
Georgian house on Great Island<br />
overlooking the River Barrow. The<br />
house looks out over a walled<br />
garden, which leads to the large<br />
five-acre woodland garden and the<br />
fruit & vegetable potager growing<br />
produce for the Garden Café<br />
visitors and House guests.<br />
Galore<br />
Camolin Potting Shed are a small<br />
retail plant nursery in North <strong>Wexford</strong> about 12<br />
kilometres south of Gorey. They specialise in unusual<br />
herbaceous perennials and Clematis. Camolin<br />
Potting Shed have gained a reputation as being one<br />
of the foremost Specialist Nurseries in Ireland. All<br />
plants are grown outside and so have to deal with<br />
the vagaries of the <strong>Wexford</strong> weather.<br />
Springmount Garden<br />
Centre is the perfect venue<br />
for both keen and novice<br />
gardeners offering a great<br />
range of new and unusual<br />
plants, trees, fruit, vegetables<br />
etc throughout the year. The<br />
Gallery at Springmount presents<br />
exhibitions all year round. The<br />
Greenhouse Café, a member<br />
of Good Food Ireland, serves<br />
delicious home baked food.<br />
Newtownbarry<br />
House Gardens<br />
and Art Gallery<br />
are an historic house and<br />
garden, with a Farm cafe<br />
and Tearoom serving<br />
lunches, coffees and teas.<br />
They also run an Art Gallery<br />
and have a gift Shop.<br />
The Bay Garden was created out of an<br />
old neglected orchard in 1989. The series of<br />
beautiful rooms include a Serpentine Garden,<br />
a Cottage Garden, a White garden, a sunken<br />
Rose Garden, a Pond Garden, Funereal and Hot<br />
borders, a Barn Garden with prairie planting,<br />
a wonderful Woodland and Bog garden, an<br />
excellent Vegetable Garden and their most recent<br />
addition, the French inspired Jardin Sheila.
Activities<br />
for all the family<br />
There are a host of activities to enjoy in <strong>Wexford</strong>, whether you’re up for golf or gardens,<br />
wildlife or walking, cycling or kayaking, swimming or horse riding! The tourism industry in<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> has been working hard to ensure our guests get the most out of their precious<br />
holidays!<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> boasts over 275 kilometres of coastline featuring golden sandy beaches, rocky<br />
headlands, cliffs, more beaches and nature preserves.<br />
From surfing to sailing and fishing to quad biking and archery there is a fun challenge for all<br />
enthusiasts in <strong>Wexford</strong>. The professional providers of these adventure sports will only be<br />
too happy to assist you and your family to plan a fun-filled day out!<br />
Take a trip to the seas with Kilmore Angling, and<br />
enjoy a six-hour trip, evening trip, a short evening fishing<br />
trip or a boat trip around the Saltee Islands, spotting<br />
whales and dolphins. All charter boats are insured,<br />
licenced and fitted out to a high standard with a full range<br />
of marine electronic and safety equipment on-board.<br />
Watch the sun set over Ballyteige Bay as you make your<br />
way back to shore!<br />
Enjoy a spot of trout<br />
fishing at the tranquil<br />
Loch Mahon<br />
Lakes, which offer a<br />
variety of three spring<br />
fed lakes, with two lakes<br />
dedicated to fly-fishing.<br />
Enjoy a trip to Courtown Adventure &<br />
Leisure Centre a purpose built leisure centre and<br />
outdoor adventure centre offering 3 swimming pools<br />
including a learner pool and Spa Pool, a fantastic 65m<br />
flume slide, a kiddies slide, along with a fitness studio,<br />
gym, sauna and steam room. Outdoor adventures<br />
include two high ropes courses, climbing wall, dual zip<br />
wires, laser tag, archery and more!<br />
Heritage Tours <strong>Wexford</strong> offers a wonderful Hop on, sit back and<br />
tour experience. Take the Brooklyn Movie Tour or take a trip through<br />
historic Enniscorthy on this mini-bus tour. You will take in Enniscorthy<br />
Castle; visit Vinegar Hill - and climb it if you like! Admire A.W. Pugin’s St<br />
Aidan’s Cathedral. You will also learn about the events of the 1916 Easter<br />
Leisure Max is <strong>Wexford</strong>’s biggest indoor and<br />
outdoor family entertainment centre with lots to do<br />
for all the family. Outdoor activities include zip line,<br />
climbing wall and abseiling. Indoor activities include<br />
body zorbing, bowling, sumo gladiator, bungee run,<br />
and a five-a-side soccer pitch!<br />
The Rosslare<br />
Community &<br />
Sports Centre has a<br />
great buzz about it, with<br />
excellent facilities such<br />
as a newly renovated<br />
Playground, Crazy Golf,<br />
Tennis, Bowls, Running<br />
Track, Basketball, All<br />
Weather Pitch, Football<br />
Pitch, Indoor Hall,<br />
Fitness Classes, Camps<br />
and friendly staff always<br />
on hand.<br />
Kia Ora Mini Farm,<br />
is an award winning open<br />
farm in Gorey, with a large<br />
variety of animals and<br />
fantastic attractions such<br />
as real diggers visitors can<br />
operate, fire engine ride,<br />
crazy maze, giant buzz off,<br />
go-karts, milking cow and<br />
much more! Pay on entry<br />
and stay the entire day<br />
with unlimited access to all<br />
attractions.<br />
Creacon Lodge Wellness Centre is an<br />
award-winning wellness centre located in the<br />
picturesque New Ross countryside and offering a wide<br />
range of relaxing, rejuvenating and healing activities<br />
and personal sessions to support your well-being.<br />
There’s something for everybody! - powerful healing<br />
and relaxing therapies, profound talks, classes, and<br />
workshops.<br />
Learn to Stand Up<br />
Paddleboard after just<br />
10 minutes with SUP<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> - Stand<br />
Up Paddle Boarding<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong>. You can<br />
experience <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Town in a way like never<br />
before enjoying <strong>Wexford</strong>’s<br />
beautiful historical scenery<br />
along the River Slaney as<br />
our guides introduce you to<br />
the Hawaiian sport of SUP.<br />
Bass Fishing <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
invites both novice, and<br />
experienced anglers to enjoy<br />
their saltwater guiding service,<br />
targeting Bass, Sea-Tout,<br />
Mullet with either lure or fly.<br />
All tackle can be provided on<br />
request.<br />
Shelmalier<br />
Stables boasts<br />
friendly, qualified<br />
staff and welltrained<br />
horses and<br />
ponies. Shelmalier<br />
welcome riders of<br />
all levels and offer<br />
pony trekking in<br />
3000 acres of forest<br />
on Forth Mountain<br />
with stunning views<br />
of the <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
coast.<br />
South East Charters provide the ultimate<br />
sea angling or scenic boat cruise experience.<br />
Sea angling includes options of wreck fishing<br />
or general ground angling, both which produce<br />
excellent mixed catches of conger, ling, pollock,<br />
coalfish and cod.<br />
Saltee Cruises<br />
offer wonderful<br />
sightseeing trips<br />
aroundthe famous<br />
islands; enjoy<br />
bird watching and<br />
nature watching.<br />
<strong>Visit</strong> the Courtown Seal Rescue Centre a<br />
not for profit organisation dedicated to the rescue,<br />
rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and abandoned<br />
seals. Open daily throughout the summer from 10am<br />
and at weekends throughout the year!<br />
Well established as<br />
one of the best Quad<br />
Biking Facilities in<br />
the country Quad<br />
Attack provides<br />
adventurous all weather<br />
cross country driving<br />
on All Terrain Vehicles/<br />
Quads over a rugged<br />
80acre course under the<br />
scenic backdrop of the<br />
Blackstairs Mountains.<br />
Sailing Ireland<br />
offer yacht charter,<br />
sailing training and<br />
sight-seeing trips to<br />
the magnificent Saltee<br />
Islands, family group<br />
sailing holidays and<br />
radio and navigation<br />
courses.<br />
Anvil lodge riding school and stables is a<br />
small family run riding school established 10<br />
years ago. Anvil lodge offer picturesque hacking<br />
and trail rides in the foot hills of Mount Leinster<br />
riding camps for adults and children, lessons<br />
weekly along with show jumping shows, dressage<br />
and x country.<br />
Off the Hook with Martin Colfer offer<br />
brilliant whale-watching tours aboard the<br />
Rebecca C off the Southeast coast. When<br />
the whales have left our shores, angling<br />
trips are on offer aboard the vessel.<br />
The Irish National Heritage Park have a fun-filled<br />
activity list on offer; try your hand at archery, spear throwing,<br />
coracle boats, viking shield making, guided tours, stay in a<br />
ringfort or pan for some gold!<br />
Enniscorthy Castle<br />
Enniscorthy Castle, in the<br />
heart of <strong>Wexford</strong>’s Enniscorthy<br />
Town offers a fantastic visitor<br />
experience and a fun filled dress<br />
up for kids area, take a step back<br />
in time with a fun filled themed<br />
day out!<br />
Wells House and<br />
Gardens offer a variety of<br />
fun adventure activities on the<br />
grounds of the estate like a 3D<br />
archery course in a separate<br />
woodland, have a Go archery,<br />
falconry, individual Hawk<br />
Walks, woodland walks and<br />
clay pigeon shooting every<br />
Saturday.<br />
Rosslare Watersports<br />
Centre at Rosslare Strand offers<br />
group and individual lessons in<br />
windsurfing, kayaking and sailing<br />
plus a variety of summer camps.<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Wildfowl<br />
Reserve is one of Ireland’s<br />
premier nature reserves run<br />
by National Parks & Wildlife<br />
services. The visitor centre<br />
offers unique views of wild<br />
geese and other birds from the<br />
tower.<br />
Hawkeye Falconry offers<br />
you the Bird of Prey experience<br />
of a lifetime. Experience<br />
an exciting action packed<br />
three-part package including<br />
an introduction to falconry,<br />
woodland walks and flying,<br />
feeding and interacting with<br />
these amazing birds.<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Lavender Farm is a<br />
working arable farm in the family since<br />
the 1950’s, you can take a tour at your<br />
leisure and enjoy the wonderful fields of<br />
lavender and family fun activities.<br />
New Ross Coarse<br />
Angling at Oaklands<br />
Lake is a magnificent 4.5-acre<br />
man-made lake situated just<br />
outside the town of New Ross<br />
in the beautiful County <strong>Wexford</strong>.<br />
It is stocked with carp, 14lb<br />
plus, tench, rudd and bream.<br />
Pirates Cove<br />
Adventure golf, ten pin-bowling, kids<br />
karting, bungee trampolining, bumper<br />
boats, fun caves, games arcade and<br />
the Lagoon café are all on offer at<br />
Pirates Cove, Courtown Harbour,<br />
Gorey. The adventure golf is unique<br />
within Ireland with its greens, caves,<br />
rivers, tropical gardens and Pirates<br />
ship. A fun family adventure is a<br />
certainty at Pirates Cove.<br />
3D Archery Ireland offers an<br />
award winning Archery “Have a<br />
go” range and Norman Themed<br />
Woodland Archery Experience<br />
at Kilmokea Gardens. Popular,<br />
unique fun for all the family<br />
you can leave with a new and<br />
improved skill.<br />
Looking for an adrenalin rush? Then<br />
head to Shielbaggan Outdoor<br />
Education Centre to enjoy some<br />
outdoor education, rock climbing, high<br />
ropes, caving, coasteering, surfing,<br />
kayaking, canoeing, archery, team<br />
building, orienteering and hillwalking.<br />
The Surf Shack Curracloe is<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong>’s first and only dedicated<br />
surf school. With their friendly and<br />
experienced instructors, you will be<br />
surfing the sunny southeast in no<br />
time! Surf sessions fun for both kids<br />
and adults. Surf lessons run daily;<br />
summer camps run weekly for all<br />
ages & abilities.<br />
Tacumshane<br />
Windmill was once<br />
one of thirteen winddriven<br />
corn mills at work<br />
along the south <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
coast in 1891 Tacumshane<br />
Windmill now stands alone.<br />
It was built in 1846 by the<br />
millwright Nicolas Moran,<br />
who obtained his training as<br />
an apprentice millwright in<br />
Rotterdam. Virtually all the<br />
timber used in building this<br />
mill was driftwood or timber<br />
from shipwrecks in this<br />
coastal area.<br />
Try out some kitesurfing or stand-up paddle boarding in Duncannon<br />
with Hooked Kitesurfing. Year round the KiteSurfing Centre<br />
offers lessons in the safe and shallow waters of Duncannon Beach.<br />
Blackwater Open Farm<br />
offer an educational, safe and<br />
friendly environment for the whole<br />
family to enjoy. An ideal venue for<br />
any get together. The restaurant<br />
offers good coffee, locally sources<br />
ice creams and great home<br />
cooking.<br />
Secret Valley<br />
Fourteen acres of funfilled<br />
adventures await<br />
you at Secret Valley<br />
Wildlife Park near<br />
Clonroche. From bottlefeeding<br />
the hungry kid<br />
goats, to riding to riding<br />
Snowball the pony, it will<br />
be an unforgettable, great<br />
value, family fun day out!<br />
Walking<br />
A selection of beautiful walks through varied<br />
countryside awaits you in <strong>Wexford</strong> Walking<br />
Trails – wooded walks, historic walks, coastal<br />
walks, and Blackstairs mountain walks or<br />
traverse the beautiful Raven Point walk at<br />
Curracloe beach. You can choose a different<br />
walk each day and savour the varied beauty of<br />
Europe’s most western isle.<br />
A selection of 20 different walking trails are on offer<br />
across <strong>Wexford</strong>, a trail guide which details the variety<br />
of walks in <strong>Wexford</strong> can be found at<br />
visitwexford.ie<br />
Lacken Hill Walking Trails, New Ross<br />
Lacken Hill, offers stunning panoramic views of the<br />
rolling countryside, and is site of a rebel camp in<br />
1798, a Holy Year Cross and home to the Dunbrody<br />
Forest. There are five varied and beautiful walking trails<br />
including walks to the summit, to the Ponds and the<br />
Mill Stream and to the Dunbrody Famine Ship.<br />
The Oulart Hill Walking Hub is an exceptionally<br />
nuanced member of the <strong>Wexford</strong> Walking Trail. You can<br />
choose from a wide variety of panoramic trails for all<br />
abilities including the 3km looped Jean Kennedy Smith<br />
Walk ; the linear 12km Unyoke Walk, or the 0.5km<br />
Cosán na Glóire on the summit with vast panoramas.<br />
A guide to activities in <strong>Wexford</strong>, cycling routes,<br />
trail walks and golf courses can all be found on<br />
visitwexford.ie<br />
Golf<br />
From traditional links to parkland, country<br />
club to heart-of-town, golf in <strong>Wexford</strong> offers<br />
a choice and variety that is hard to match<br />
anywhere. Explore the wonderful variety of<br />
courses at Bunclody, Enniscorthy and <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
towns and the full abundance of courses on<br />
offer in <strong>Wexford</strong> on www.visitwexford.ie.<br />
Blackwater Golf Course is a fun and challenging<br />
18-hole par 3-course set on c40 acres of mature<br />
grounds. It is a valley course with rivers, lakes and<br />
many bunkers! Suitable for all ages and skill levels.<br />
Now with their new Foot Golf course and unique Foot<br />
Pool game, you can make a trip to Blackwater Golf<br />
Course a full day out for you, your family and your<br />
friends!<br />
Rosslare Golf Club is situated in the sunniest<br />
part of the country, on the extreme south-east coast,<br />
Rosslare Golf Club’s 18 Hole Championship Links<br />
course stands on a narrow peninsula with the Irish<br />
sea on one side and the huge expanse of <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
harbour on the other.<br />
Cycling<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> is a beautiful county full of<br />
breathtaking coastlines, stunning countryside<br />
and historic sites. A number of wonderful<br />
looped cycling routes are already in place<br />
across <strong>Wexford</strong>.<br />
County <strong>Wexford</strong> is part of the European network of<br />
cycling routes the Eurovelo. The ‘Eurovelo 1’ cycling<br />
route extends over 9,000km from Scandinavia to the<br />
Algarve. Cycle along the County <strong>Wexford</strong> section of<br />
the route, which begins in Rosslare and continues<br />
along the coast to Ballyhack for spectacular sights<br />
and scenery, hidden from the car driver.<br />
For cross-country and downhill mountainbike riders a<br />
visit to Kilbrannish just outside Bunclody is a must.<br />
The trails are forever evolving and contain loads of<br />
exciting single track.<br />
At Loftus Hall enjoy a cycle on the Hook Peninsula<br />
with bike hire available. Try some outdoor adventure<br />
sports and chill out at the café afterwards.
Hook Lighthouse<br />
Experience 800 years of light keeping at one of the oldest lighthouses in the<br />
world. Take a tour of the Medieval lighthouse tower, built in the 13th Century by<br />
William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke, known as the Greatest Knight that ever<br />
lived. Guided tours take you through the lighthouse with fascinating insights,<br />
stories and facts of this unique building and enjoy the spectacular view from the<br />
Lighthouse balcony; keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and even whales! Still<br />
fully operational today, Hook Lighthouse truly is one of a kind, enjoy the <strong>Visit</strong>or<br />
Centre experience located in the former light-keepers houses and relax by the<br />
Sea.<br />
The Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great<br />
grandfather, celebrates the story of this famous Irish American family. The<br />
visitor experience is set in the original farmyard incorporating a unique guided<br />
tour; audio-visual display and photographic exhibition.<br />
The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience Moored on the quayside in<br />
New Ross, this award winning attraction allows visitors to take a trip with<br />
a difference and travel through time to the 1840s. Explore our authentic<br />
reproduction emigrant vessel above and below deck and step back in time.<br />
Listen to real life stories as costumed performers set the scene for the arduous<br />
journeys taken by so many during the Great Irish Famine.<br />
John F Kennedy Memorial Park is dedicated to the memory of John<br />
Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States from 1960 to 1963, the<br />
Arboretum contains over 4,500 types of trees and shrubs covering 623 acres.<br />
A visit to the Irish National Heritage Park is like no other you can imagine.<br />
Surprisesawait around every turn from campsite to Ringfort, from mill to<br />
Fulacht Fiadh, from Crannog to Viking house and more. Take an incredible<br />
journey through 9,000 years of Ireland’s past! Build a house of wattle, pan for<br />
gold or even shoot a Viking bow or just relax with a coffee beside the lake.<br />
With entertaining guided tours available, the world you enter is an authentic<br />
recreation of Ireland’s heritage.<br />
Dunbrody Abbey was founded on the instructions of Strongbow, the 2nd Earl<br />
of Pembroke, Dunbrody Abbey was built in the late 12th Century. The largest<br />
of its kind in Ireland and it is one of the finest examples of a Cistercian abbey<br />
still standing in Ireland today. It flourished as a Cistercian monastery until the<br />
Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. The visitor centre hosts a<br />
Hedge Maze, a Craft Gallery with the Dunbrody Caste Dolls House, tea rooms<br />
and a pitch & putt course.<br />
The harmony between great Victorian revival castles and their surrounding<br />
ornamental grounds is rarely seen to such perfection as at Johnstown Castle.<br />
The full gothic glory from the 19th century has to be seen. The 20 hectares<br />
of stunning surrounding gardens originally laid out by the famous Daniel<br />
Robertson in the 1830’s offers visitors an insight into perfect landscaping. The<br />
Irish Agricultural Museum is a premier cultural site also located at Johnstown<br />
Castle.<br />
The heritage town of Enniscorthy features a number of prominent sites in<br />
Ireland’s history including Enniscorthy Castle, built in the 13th century, it has<br />
been home to Anglo-Norman knights, English Earls and local merchant families.<br />
<strong>Visit</strong> the dungeon, see rare medieval art and take to the battlements at the top<br />
of the castle to see the amazing views of Vinegar Hill battlefield, Enniscorthy<br />
town, and the surrounding countryside. The National 1798 <strong>Visit</strong>or Centre fanned<br />
the events of 1798 in Ireland are vividly re-told in an exciting interpretation of<br />
events the ‘Rebellion Experience’ at The National 1798 Rebellion centre. The<br />
historic battlefield on Vinegar Hill overlooks the heritage town, today a walk<br />
to the peak helps you take a step back in time and imagine the epic battles<br />
scenes between the Red Coats and the Pikemen.<br />
Ferns Castle and Tapestry, a 13th century castle and although a shadow of<br />
its former glory now, features a uniquely intact fine circular chapel with original<br />
cornices and features. A guided tour will reveal amongst others the story of the<br />
resident King of Leinster ‘Dermot McMurrough’ who brought the first Normans<br />
to Ireland.<br />
Experience an interactive tour and insight at Loftus Hall. The haunting beauty<br />
of the Hook Peninsula provides the backdrop for Loftus Hall, the Most Haunted<br />
House in Ireland, steeped in 666 years of heritage. <strong>Visit</strong> Loftus Hall and take a<br />
tour of this abandoned haunted house with its dark and troubled history.<br />
Tintern Abbey is a magnificent example of a 17th century abbey and now<br />
home to the wonderful Colclough walled gardens and a variety of walking trails.<br />
The remains consist of nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. The Abbey<br />
was occupied by the Colclough family from the 16th Century until the 1960’s.<br />
<strong>Visit</strong>ors can also enjoy the Tintern Tea-Rooms on site. It is also home to the<br />
wonderful Colclough Walled gardens and a variety of walking trails.<br />
Wells House & Gardens is a great Victorian house and gardens offering<br />
something for all generations of visitors from a living Victorian house tour,<br />
garden tours, falconry, archery, two enchanted woodland walks, craft courtyard,<br />
animal farm or enjoy an adventure in the playground. Open daily with a great<br />
calendar of events to choose from throughout the year! Enjoy lunch or desserts<br />
from their on site restaurant as part of your visit<br />
Ireland’s National Opera House is Ireland’s premiere opera house. The<br />
stunning landmark building is nestled in the heart of the beautiful harbour town<br />
of <strong>Wexford</strong> and offers two diverse performance spaces. It has been hosting the<br />
world famous <strong>Wexford</strong> Festival Opera, annually since 1951.
APRIL<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Half<br />
Marathon or 10K<br />
Date: 17 April<br />
The <strong>Wexford</strong> Half Marathon / 10K<br />
has proven itself over the years as<br />
Ireland’s record breaking course<br />
and is itself a must-do race for<br />
quality, friendliness and atmosphere.<br />
Parking is easy and the course<br />
has plenty of variety starting in the<br />
town and taking you around the<br />
surrounding countryside. Entry<br />
includes a tech top, water bottles,<br />
medal, and soup and a roll postrace.<br />
Enter now and make <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
your PB course for half marathon or<br />
10km in 2016!<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Town<br />
Festival: Great Lighthouses of<br />
Ireland Shine a Light<br />
on Summer<br />
Date: 29 April-02 May<br />
Great Lighthouses of Ireland shine<br />
a light on summer by inviting all to a<br />
May weekend of family fun & great<br />
storytelling at Hook Lighthouse<br />
on the beautiful Hook Peninsula!<br />
This three day weekend festival<br />
celebrates the best of our stunning<br />
coastline through a series of events<br />
and workshops. Enjoy the stories<br />
of our maritime past, hear how<br />
navigation at sea works today, get<br />
tips on being safe and enjoying our<br />
coast this summer, and explore<br />
the towers to discover their hidden<br />
secrets. Check out the event website<br />
for details and updates on all of the<br />
exciting activities taking place during<br />
the festival.<br />
Location: Hook Lighthouse<br />
Festival: Hooked on the Sea<br />
Date: 29 April-02 May<br />
Hooked on the Sea 2016 is a fun<br />
filled weekend of activities for<br />
all ages, on the stunning Hook<br />
Peninsula which offers captivating<br />
coastal views at every turn, ancient<br />
abbeys and castles, secluded<br />
beaches and the world’s oldest<br />
operational lighthouse. Enjoy a host<br />
of exciting activities on offer from<br />
the Hook Lighthouses Maritime<br />
What’s on 2016<br />
Matters Festival, to local produce’<br />
picnics in Colclough Walled<br />
Gardens, open air market and free<br />
children’s workshops at Fethard<br />
Castle. Try water based activities<br />
and demonstrations on Duncannon<br />
Beach or take on the challenge of<br />
a 20km Hike to the Hook from the<br />
majestic Tintern Abbey.<br />
hookpeninsula.com<br />
Location: Hook Peninsula<br />
May<br />
Festival: Jest Fest<br />
Date: 28th April-2nd May<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> comes alive on the May<br />
bank holiday weekend when the<br />
finest street theatre and comedy<br />
acts come to town! A spirit of<br />
devilish revelry fills the Viking streets<br />
as Irish and international street<br />
jesters, acrobats and contortionists<br />
wow us with their amazing shows.<br />
And as the sun sets, stand-up<br />
comedians take to the stage in<br />
atmospheric venues all over town<br />
armed with hilarious one liners,<br />
anecdotes and monologues to make<br />
you laugh and make you cry (please<br />
don’t cry).<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Town<br />
Festival: Association of Irish<br />
Musical Societies’<br />
Choral Festival<br />
Date: 22-24 May<br />
The AIMS Choral Festival, now in<br />
its 31st year, is noted for its high<br />
competitive standards set by its<br />
renowned panel of adjudicators,<br />
together with its friendly informal<br />
atmosphere. Overall, the festival<br />
attracts over 1,000 participants<br />
with the best of choral music in<br />
all its many forms, throughout<br />
several centrally located venues.<br />
Competitions take place in both<br />
junior and adult categories.<br />
www.aims.ie<br />
Location: St. Michael’s Theatre,<br />
New Ross.<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong>s Food and<br />
Wine Festival<br />
Date: 27-29 May<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Food and Wine Festival<br />
features a free open air food<br />
producers’ market in the heart<br />
of <strong>Wexford</strong> town, with many<br />
fringe events and activities.<br />
Food producers and growers will<br />
display fresh produce ranging from<br />
breads, cakes, ice cream, seasonal<br />
fruit including <strong>Wexford</strong>’s famed<br />
strawberries, eggs, cheese meat and<br />
much more! To add to the festival<br />
atmosphere a tasty side helping of<br />
family entertainment will also be<br />
provided.<br />
wexfordfoodfestival.ie<br />
Location: Various venues in<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Festival: Focal – <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Literary Festival<br />
Date: 27-29 May<br />
Literary Festival with book launches,<br />
readings, inspirational talks,<br />
workshops, an open mic night and<br />
guest appearances from Irish and<br />
international artists.<br />
Location: Enniscorthy<br />
Festival: PolskaEire Festival<br />
Date: 20-22 May<br />
Polish Irish Festival featuring an Art<br />
exhibition, Polish Jazz concert, and<br />
football match with concert, Polish<br />
BBQ and games for the children.<br />
Location: Gorey Town Park.<br />
Festival: Street Rhythms Dance<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 27th-29th May<br />
A great family festival, which brings<br />
drum beats, dance and fun to the<br />
streets of Enniscorthy. A return<br />
of the old favourites – baby bop,<br />
magician, fairy tales in the castle,<br />
international dance acts and the<br />
old craft stalls. Keep an eye ou for<br />
the Disney parade and some more<br />
amazing acts! On Sunday, May<br />
29th join in or cheer the Enniscorthy<br />
Strawberry Half Marathon & 5 mile<br />
run/walk, a Slaney Olympic AC race<br />
& AAI permitted. A strawberry mug is<br />
on offer for all finishers!<br />
Location: Enniscorthy.<br />
Festival: Classic Car Show Date:<br />
Date: 29th May<br />
The Classic Car Show 2016 at Wells<br />
House and Gardens is a hugely<br />
popular event where motoring<br />
enthusiasts display their collection<br />
from modern day sports to vintage<br />
cars! Family entertainment, BBQ and<br />
live music add to this great event<br />
with proceeds going to Make a Wish<br />
Ireland.<br />
Location: Ballyedmond,<br />
Gorey<br />
June<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Military<br />
Show<br />
Date: 04-06 June<br />
A great array of Military vehicles<br />
from a number of different armies<br />
and eras will be putting on a<br />
fantastic display. Great fun for<br />
enthusiasts and all the family as<br />
well!<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Racecourse<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Marathon<br />
Date: 12 June<br />
Travel to <strong>Wexford</strong> and take on the<br />
beautiful beast that is the <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Marathon! The route starts in the<br />
picture perfect setting of <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Quay, and takes you out past<br />
Johnstown Castle, Murrintown,<br />
where you have a long steady pull<br />
up over Forth Mountain, where you<br />
have stunning views over <strong>Wexford</strong>,<br />
as you decend towards Larkins<br />
Cross. From here you have a flat<br />
5 miles through Taghmon, before<br />
a tough 1 mile climb back up over<br />
Forth Mountain, and then an 8<br />
mile downhill right to the finish.<br />
Registrations for the <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Marathon can be done through<br />
focussportsnutrition.ie or<br />
active.com<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Quay<br />
Festival: Gorey Agricultural<br />
Show<br />
Date: 18 June<br />
The Gorey Agricultural show enters<br />
its 157th year this year with lots<br />
of family fun and events. From<br />
show jumping and dog shows<br />
to gardening, flower arranging<br />
and cookery competitions, face<br />
painting and puppet shows for the<br />
kids to steam engines and vintage<br />
machinery. A great family day out.<br />
Location: Gorey<br />
Festival: Strawberry – Culture<br />
& Food Fest<br />
Date: 22-26 June<br />
The Strawberry, Culture & Food<br />
Fest is a family friendly festival<br />
with County <strong>Wexford</strong> strawberries,<br />
the <strong>Wexford</strong> Literary Festival, the<br />
Strawberry Roots Music Trail and<br />
the All-Ireland Farmers Market<br />
Food competition - all hosted by<br />
the Strawberry Queen! Enjoy days<br />
with freshly picked strawberries<br />
and cream to be devoured whilst<br />
listening to great music, viewing art,<br />
attending literary events and seeing<br />
the All-Ireland Farmers Market<br />
Competition.<br />
Location: The Promenade and<br />
various venues,<br />
Enniscorthy,<br />
Festival: Byrne Perry History<br />
and Heritage Festival<br />
Date: 24-26 June<br />
The Byrne-Perry History and<br />
Heritage Festival incorporates the<br />
long established Summer School<br />
which has been running since<br />
1995 and includes local historical,<br />
heritage and cultural events. This<br />
year’s theme will be ‘1916 – What<br />
happened Next?’ which will focus<br />
on the political changes that<br />
occurred locally and nationally in the<br />
immediate aftermath of the Rising<br />
and up to the General Election of<br />
December 1918. Along with the<br />
Summer School there will be a<br />
series of discussions, workshops,<br />
exhibitions and tours throughout<br />
the weekend on various aspects of<br />
local history and heritage. On the<br />
Friday and Saturday evenings a<br />
program of traditional music, song<br />
and storytelling will take place in the<br />
town.<br />
Location: Gorey.<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Maritime<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 25-26 June 2016<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Maritime Festival celebrates<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong>’s rich maritime heritage and<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong>-born Commodore John<br />
Barry, Father of the US Navy. Events<br />
throughout the weekend include<br />
maritime activities, visiting boats,<br />
children’s activities, artisan food,<br />
live music and entertainment. Enjoy<br />
watching traditional boats racing<br />
along <strong>Wexford</strong> harbour; or take part<br />
in fun raft races, kayaking, canoeing,<br />
power boating or try a sub aqua<br />
dive. Discover <strong>Wexford</strong>’s Viking past<br />
in the Viking tent where children can<br />
try their hand at brass rubbing and<br />
sword making.<br />
See wexfordmaritimefestival.ie<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Town.<br />
July<br />
Festival: Irish America Day<br />
Dates: 01-04 July<br />
The fourth annual Irish America<br />
Day Fest for Ireland’s official 4th<br />
July celebrations promises to be<br />
an exciting weekend for all the<br />
family to celebrate the U.S. holiday<br />
in style with events continuing<br />
throughout the weekend. Keeping<br />
in line with U.S. traditions whereby<br />
the Declaration is read from the<br />
‘Old State House’ in Boston, there<br />
will be a reading of the ‘Declaration<br />
of Independence’ by the ‘Town<br />
Crier’. Enjoy live entertainment<br />
along the Quay with a fantastic line<br />
up of international bands at the<br />
JFK Memorial Statue. Members<br />
of <strong>Wexford</strong> Food Family food<br />
producers will create a vibrant<br />
Quayside market all weekend. There<br />
will be a spectacular fireworks<br />
display over the River Barrow at<br />
10.30pm on the Sunday night.<br />
Location: New Ross<br />
Festival: Kilmore Quay<br />
Seafood Festival<br />
Date: 14-17 July<br />
The 31st annual Seafood festival<br />
celebrates the very best of seafood,<br />
music, street theatre, stalls,<br />
exhibitions and the famous seafood<br />
platter. Why not come along<br />
and enjoy some of the delicious<br />
seafood platters which will be<br />
served daily. Lots of fun for all the<br />
family over the four days!<br />
Location: Kilmore Quay.<br />
Festival: Sea Sunday<br />
Date: 10 July (dates tbc)<br />
This one day festival has a little<br />
something for everyone. Taking<br />
place in Courtown Harbour,<br />
come along to take part or<br />
watch the raft racing, water<br />
sports and family fun.<br />
Location: Courtown Harbour.<br />
Festival: Craanford Vintage<br />
Rally and Field Day<br />
Date: (see visitwexford.ie)<br />
Craanford Vintage Rally and Field<br />
Day celebrates all the fun of the<br />
traditional Irish field day as well as<br />
showcasing vintage cars, trucks and<br />
tractors. A wonderful day out filled<br />
with fun events for all the family.<br />
Location: Craanford, Gorey.<br />
Festival: Enniscorthy Rockin’<br />
Food Festival<br />
Date: 29-31 July<br />
The Enniscorthy Rockin’Food<br />
Festival is a combination of two<br />
fantastic festivals which brings a fun<br />
weekend for everyone. The Food<br />
Festival, with it’s many exhibitors,<br />
showcases amazing local produce<br />
and crafts from <strong>Wexford</strong> and<br />
beyond. The music element of the<br />
festival is a celebration of Rock ‘n<br />
Roll, Rhythm & Blues, and Rockabilly<br />
music from the 1950s with live<br />
performances throughout the town.<br />
There is fun for all the family in<br />
the Market Square with Children’s<br />
carousel, face painting, balloon<br />
makers and an outdoor screened<br />
movie. Make a date in your calendar<br />
to visit Enniscorthy this August Bank<br />
Holiday Weekend and experience<br />
everything that this beautiful, historic<br />
town has to offer!<br />
Location: Enniscorthy.
August<br />
Festival: Art in The Open<br />
Date: 25 July-1st August<br />
Art In The Open is a plein air, or<br />
outdoor, painting festival based in<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> but travelling to different<br />
locations during the week. Artists<br />
worldwide register online and are<br />
entitled to submit work produced to<br />
an exhibition, where all paintings are<br />
for sale and can be considered for<br />
awards.<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Town.<br />
Festival: Eileen Aroon Festival<br />
Date: 27 July–01 August<br />
Now in it’s 28th year, the Eileen<br />
Aroon Festival is a family orientated<br />
festival that includes events in<br />
our local library, a dog show, Pub<br />
Theatre produced and performed<br />
by the award winning Bunclody/<br />
Kilmyshall Drama Group, a<br />
Storytelling Event, Clay Shoots,<br />
a Pub Quiz held over four nights<br />
and the ever popular Pub Talent<br />
competitions. We welcome visitors<br />
to our town to enjoy our beautiful<br />
countryside: with many opportunities<br />
for hill walking; to play golf at the<br />
spectacular Bunclody Golf & Fishing<br />
Club or swim in our communityowned<br />
open air swimming pool.<br />
Location: Bunclody.<br />
Festival: Gorey Market House<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 30 July-1st August<br />
A family based festival featuring<br />
live music, childrens activities, local<br />
food, markets and vintage display,<br />
this festival offers the very best<br />
in music, fashion and family fun.<br />
Most activities are free and there is<br />
something for all the family to enjoy.<br />
North <strong>Wexford</strong>’s premier open air<br />
festival!<br />
Location: Gorey.<br />
Festival: The Duncannon<br />
Sandsculpting<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 05-07 August<br />
This family Festival is action<br />
packed with fun events on beautiful<br />
Duncannon beach, fantastic<br />
fireworks, beach party, magic and<br />
puppet shows, beach games, street<br />
theatre and sand sculptin gand<br />
sandcastle building competitions.<br />
Location: Duncannon beach.<br />
Festival: The Gap Arts Festival<br />
Date: 05-06 August<br />
Professional theatre and workshops<br />
for adults and children. Local<br />
photographic exhibitions, theatre<br />
crafts, photography, dance,<br />
drama, painting, film making, and<br />
storytelling. And a pop-up Cinema<br />
in Irish and in English!<br />
Location: Ballythomas, Gorey.<br />
Festival: Tagoat Steam &<br />
Vintage Rally<br />
Date: 21st August, 2016<br />
The 31th Tagoat Steam and Vintage<br />
hosts a wide variety of attractions<br />
and events highlighting country life<br />
in South <strong>Wexford</strong>. The Annual Rally,<br />
which is one of the largest in the<br />
south east, has over 250 exhibitors<br />
displaying their much loved vintage<br />
vehicles such as vintage tractors,<br />
cars, motorbikes & stationary<br />
engines. Of course a steam rally<br />
would not be complete without the<br />
star of the show the steam traction<br />
engines which we have 3 coming<br />
this year. Prizes will be given out for<br />
the best in show in all the different<br />
classes. Entry to the show is just €5<br />
for adults and children are free.<br />
Location: Tagoat.<br />
Festival: Hooked Kitefest<br />
Date: 13-14 August<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong>’s 7th Annual Hooked<br />
Kitefest will take place on<br />
Duncannon Beach on August 13th<br />
& 14th. The Championships are<br />
hosted by the Irish Kite-surfing<br />
Association and Hooked Kitesurfing.<br />
The Championships offer spectators<br />
the opportunity to witness the very<br />
best junior, female and male riders<br />
from across Ireland and the globe as<br />
they compete over the weekend in a<br />
series of course racing and freestyle<br />
events. The Kite Surfing Festival also<br />
offers a host of free family fun and<br />
entertainment for the non-sporting<br />
types, including water zorbing,<br />
archery, face painting, kids’ power<br />
kite lessons and much more. There’ll<br />
also be a festival BBQ and beach<br />
party.<br />
Location: Duncannon Beach.<br />
Festival: Tri the Hook Sprint<br />
Triathalon<br />
Date: 20 August<br />
The scenic Hook Peninsula in<br />
South East Ireland will host the fifth<br />
annual Tri the Hook Sprint Triathlon<br />
this August. Part of the Vodafone<br />
National Series race calendar,<br />
the event is a well-loved race by<br />
competitors and spectators alike.<br />
Attracting 350 triathletes from<br />
across Ireland and abroad, including<br />
some of the country’s top amateur<br />
competitors. By the site of the<br />
Knight’s Templar’s headquarters,<br />
they run across the cliffs overlooking<br />
Carnivan Bay and on through rural<br />
country roads to finish up outside<br />
the village.<br />
trithehook.com<br />
Location: Baginbun Beach,<br />
Fethard-on-Sea,<br />
New Ross.<br />
Festival: Ireland Newfoundland<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 19-27 August 2016<br />
An annual event designed<br />
to promote cultural, historic<br />
and community ties between<br />
Newfoundland & Labrador and the<br />
Irish South East Newfoundland and<br />
Labrador Irish connections works<br />
closely with Ireland Newfoundland<br />
Connections in Ireland to host a twin<br />
festival during alternate years. This<br />
year the 2016 festival will take place<br />
in Thomastown Kilkenny, New Ross<br />
Co <strong>Wexford</strong> and Carrick on Suir<br />
County Tipperary.<br />
nlirishconnections.org<br />
Location: New Ross<br />
September<br />
Festival: Kennedy Summer<br />
School<br />
Date: 08-10 September<br />
A festival of Irish and American<br />
history, politics and culture.<br />
Location: New Ross.<br />
Festival: Blackstairs Blues<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 9th-12th September<br />
Blackstairs Blues Celebrates its<br />
22nd Festival in 2016 and is the<br />
longest running Blues Festival<br />
in Ireland. Over the years the<br />
Blackstairs Blues Festival has<br />
attracted the cream of local and<br />
international blues bands and solo<br />
artists entertaining us with the<br />
broadest spectrum of Blues from<br />
the Delta to Chicago. All gigs are<br />
free to the public. The Blackstairs<br />
Blues also hosts Blues Workshops<br />
and brings Blues Artists to our local<br />
schools.<br />
Location: Enniscorthy.<br />
Event: Motor Sport Weekend<br />
Date: 09-11 September<br />
A weekend Jam packed with events<br />
for all motor sports enthusiasts to<br />
include the <strong>Wexford</strong> Rally.<br />
Location: Countywide<br />
Festival: New Ross Piano<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 22-25 September<br />
The 11th New Ross Piano Festival<br />
is a unique festival concentrating<br />
on the piano repertoire - mostly<br />
classical, but with a little bit of jazz!<br />
Enjoy a long weekend of concerts<br />
from a variety of pianists. The<br />
2016 programme is the favoured<br />
model of piano plus string quartet,<br />
and will feature one of the world’s<br />
most successful string quartets,<br />
the Quatuor Ebène, to collaborate<br />
with two stars of the international<br />
piano world: American pianist<br />
Nicholas Angelich and Australian<br />
pianist Piers Lane, along with Irish<br />
Finghin Collins, who is also the<br />
Artistic Director of the weekend.<br />
With PLAY ME pianos dotted round<br />
the town’s public spaces for all to<br />
play, with masterclasses to sit in<br />
on, nice places to eat and a lovely<br />
coastal area to explore in the Hook<br />
Peninsula, visitors to New Ross<br />
will experience a full and satisfying<br />
weekend.<br />
newrosspianofestival.com<br />
Location: St. Mary’s Church and<br />
various venues in<br />
New Ross.<br />
Festival: The Ebony & Irony<br />
Fringe Festival<br />
Date: 22-25 September<br />
This festival has been established<br />
in support of the Annual New Ross<br />
Piano Festival to bring all thing<br />
keyboards and black and white to<br />
a wider audience. The festival is<br />
happening at the Brandon House<br />
Hotel and other participating venues<br />
in New Ross, Co. <strong>Wexford</strong>. There<br />
will be a selection of Black and<br />
White Themed events to honour the<br />
theme.<br />
Location: New Ross<br />
October &<br />
November<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Spiegeltent<br />
Festival.<br />
Date: 14th-31st October<br />
From its inaugural year in 2012,<br />
the <strong>Wexford</strong> Spiegeltent Festival<br />
has grown to be one of the<br />
biggest and most successful<br />
multi-genre festivals in Ireland.<br />
Set in the beautiful surroundings<br />
of the Paradiso Spiegeltent, the<br />
festival has a unique and enticing<br />
atmosphere, blending the Olde<br />
Worlde feel of the Spiegeltents with<br />
the best in popular entertainment.<br />
The festival runs for 18 days and<br />
nights and the eclectic programme<br />
of events features contemporary<br />
music, comedy, theatre, film,<br />
classical music and burlesque.<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Quay.<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Fringe<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 21 October -<br />
06 November<br />
The 64th <strong>Wexford</strong> Fringe will open<br />
with a giant fireworks display in<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> town to announce 17<br />
days of fantastic Fringe events,<br />
running alongside the famous<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Festival Opera and <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Spiegeltent Festival.<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Town mainly<br />
and surrounding<br />
areas<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Festival<br />
Opera<br />
Date: 26 October –<br />
06 November<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Festival Opera, now in its<br />
65th year, brings forgotten artistic<br />
gems and masterpieces to life<br />
through a feast of sound and awardwinning<br />
sets and costumes, all set<br />
against the backdrop of the glorious<br />
National Opera House. www.<br />
wexfordopera.com<br />
Location: The National Opera<br />
House.<br />
Halloween in <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Scare Crow Competition, Town<br />
Treasure Trail, Carved Pumpkin<br />
Competition, Children’s Treasure<br />
Trail, Best Halloween Retail Window,<br />
Best Dressed Staff, Cock and Bull<br />
Stories, Fancy Dress Competitions.<br />
Location: Countywide.<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Walking Trail<br />
Festival<br />
Date: 23 -25 September<br />
The festival will this year showcase<br />
trails on the western side of the<br />
county. Graded from easy to<br />
difficult to suit a range of abilities,<br />
walks feature landscape, river and<br />
mountain trails, with a mix of history,<br />
boating and more.....<br />
Location: West County <strong>Wexford</strong>.<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Racecourse<br />
RACE MEETINGS 2016<br />
December<br />
17th March – Thursday (a) NH<br />
8th April – Friday (e) NH<br />
7th May – Saturday (a) F<br />
15th June – Wednesday (e) NH<br />
1st July – Friday (e) NH<br />
22nd July – Friday (e) NH<br />
23rd July – Saturday (a) F<br />
27th August – Saturday (a) F<br />
29th October – Saturday (a) NH<br />
31st October – Monday (a) NH<br />
22nd November – Tuesday (a) NH<br />
Festival: <strong>Wexford</strong> Winterland<br />
Date: 26 November -<br />
08th January<br />
The <strong>Wexford</strong> Winterland Festival<br />
lights up the town! <strong>Wexford</strong> on Ice,<br />
one of Ireland’s biggest and best<br />
ice rinks, runs for seven weeks on<br />
the beauriful Quay Front, and the<br />
Christmas Express Train captivates<br />
young and old alike! The Bull Ring<br />
marketplace is transformed into an<br />
enchanting outdoor movie venue<br />
where classic Christmas movies will<br />
be shown on the big screen while<br />
the audience enjoys hot chocolate,<br />
crepes, and mulled wine. The Bull<br />
Ring also hosts a number of free<br />
music events during the festive<br />
period.<br />
Location: <strong>Wexford</strong> Town.<br />
Festival: New Ross Nollaig<br />
Date: December<br />
New Ross Nollaig will see New Ross<br />
come alive with festivities galore in<br />
December right across town. New<br />
Ross Nollaig includes lots of fun<br />
filled activities and events under<br />
the pretty Christmas lights in New<br />
Ross town, Christmas elves deliver<br />
‘Random Acts of Christmas’ to<br />
shoppers and a wonderful Christmas<br />
Parade, Festive Market and of<br />
course visits to the big man in the<br />
red suit are all on offer.<br />
Location: New Ross District<br />
Festival: Christmas in Gorey<br />
Date: December<br />
Across Gorey town underneath<br />
the abundance of festive lights<br />
Christmas events, celebrations,<br />
markets, choral events, a panto,<br />
exhibitions, a santa train and<br />
grotto and much more is on offer<br />
throughout the month of December.<br />
The town is abuss with festive cheer<br />
and a fun day out for all the family is<br />
guaranteed!<br />
Location: Gorey Town<br />
Festival: Santa’s Enchanted<br />
Castle<br />
Date: December<br />
Explore the Magic of Santa’s<br />
very own Enchanted Castle in<br />
Enniscorthy, Co. <strong>Wexford</strong>. Santa’s<br />
merry and slightly crazy elves<br />
transform Enniscorthy Castle into an<br />
enchanted castle and toy workshop<br />
for your family to visit during the<br />
most wonderful time of year. A<br />
magical day out is in store.<br />
Location: Enniscorthy Castle,<br />
Enniscorthy.
Accommodation<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> offers a wonderful variety of accommodation from pretty cottage rentals, bed and<br />
breakfasts to luxury Hotels and a five-star Destination Spa and everything in between.<br />
Hotels<br />
The beautiful Ashdown Park Hotel<br />
located in Gorey in its own private<br />
grounds is minutes away from the<br />
boutique boulevard of Esmonde<br />
Street, miles of sandy beaches and a<br />
range of top class golf courses.<br />
The stylish and family friendly<br />
Amber Springs Hotel in Gorey has<br />
been designed to a superior deluxe<br />
standard and boasts an indoor and<br />
outdoor play area and wonderful<br />
leisure facilities.<br />
The Best Western Danby Lodge is<br />
in an Ideal location with the wonderful<br />
Rosslare strand nearby, this family<br />
friendly hotel has much to offer.<br />
Whether it is a relaxing break or a<br />
stopping point for the ferry,<br />
The 4-star Brandon House Hotel<br />
& Solas Croi Spa is conveniently<br />
situated on the N25 in historical New<br />
Ross,. With easy access to some of<br />
the best beaches Ireland has to offer<br />
and a wide selection of child friendly<br />
activities on-site.<br />
The Cedar Lodge Hotel &<br />
Restaurant is a charming boutique<br />
country hotel located in a picturesque<br />
setting. Fire, wine, food and<br />
furnishings are matched by warm and<br />
impeccable service.<br />
Clayton Whites Hotel is one of the<br />
leading 4-star <strong>Wexford</strong> hotels offering<br />
luxury accommodation uniquely<br />
located in <strong>Wexford</strong> Town. Clayton<br />
Whites in <strong>Wexford</strong> is both innovative<br />
and attentive to guests needs. Hence<br />
why we are the first hotel in Ireland or<br />
the UK to offer a Cryotherapy clinic.<br />
Another firm favourite amongst locals<br />
and visitors is Dunbrody House one<br />
of the leading luxury country house<br />
hotels <strong>Wexford</strong> and is excellently<br />
located on the dramatic Hook<br />
Peninsula.<br />
Situated in <strong>Wexford</strong> town The<br />
Farmer’s Kitchen Hotel features<br />
contemporary and luxurious<br />
design. Guests can be assured of a<br />
pleasurable stay, with friendly staff<br />
and a relaxing atmosphere.<br />
The 4 Star Ferrycarrig Hotel,<br />
boasts the most inspiring location<br />
of any hotel in County <strong>Wexford</strong> -<br />
positioned just outside <strong>Wexford</strong> town,<br />
overlooking the stunning Slaney River<br />
Estuary.<br />
The Fort Conan Hotel located at<br />
the top of Duncannon village is the<br />
perfect location for a holiday as it is<br />
within two minutes walking distance<br />
to the famous Duncannon beach.<br />
Harbour View Hotel overlooking<br />
Rosslare Europort is an ideal base for<br />
an overnight stop-over or for touring<br />
the sunny South-East.<br />
Horetown House is a family owned<br />
and run country house with 10<br />
individually designed bedrooms and<br />
an old fashioned Irish pub in the<br />
cellar of the house, welcoming guests<br />
for a relaxed, laid back break.<br />
Located on the N25 at Ballinboola<br />
village The Horse & Hound Hotel<br />
is the ideal stopping place for a<br />
short break in modern and tastefully<br />
decorated bedrooms.<br />
Hotel Curracloe a family run<br />
establishment situated just minutes<br />
away from the world famous Blue<br />
Flag Curracloe Beach offering rest,<br />
relaxation and a homely atmosphere<br />
to young and old alike.<br />
Kelly’s Resort and Spa at Rosslare<br />
Strand offers the top quality and is<br />
quite literally on 5 miles of sandy<br />
beach!<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> is also home to Ireland’s<br />
only Destination Spa, The five-star<br />
Monart Destination Spa is located<br />
at The Still, just outside Enniscorthy<br />
and has been named in the Top 3<br />
Spa Resorts in the world by Conde<br />
Nast Traveller. Set in over one<br />
hundred acres of private woodlands,<br />
providing luxurious facilities, excellent<br />
dining and a world class spa Thermal<br />
Suite.<br />
Marlfield House which hosts a<br />
famous Irish restaurant is part of an<br />
exquisitely restored 18th century<br />
house set amongst beautiful gardens.<br />
The Maldron Hotel is situated on<br />
the outskirts of <strong>Wexford</strong> Town and<br />
offers contemporary design, modern,<br />
chic, decor with every comfort of<br />
home with an outdoor playground on<br />
site for kids.<br />
The four-star Millrace Hotel,<br />
Leisure Club & Spa located in the<br />
picturesque town of Bunclody is an<br />
ideal destination for a getaway to<br />
enjoy a spa retreat, golf break or a<br />
family holiday.<br />
Riverbank House Hotel rests at the<br />
estuary of the River Slaney in the old<br />
Viking town of <strong>Wexford</strong> commanding<br />
magnificent views of <strong>Wexford</strong>, and<br />
the River Slaney.<br />
The 4 star Riverside Park Hotel<br />
and Leisure Club is picturesquely<br />
situated on the banks of the River<br />
Slaney. The visual delights of<br />
this unique hotel are many, from<br />
the moment you enter you’ll be<br />
captivated by its opulent interior and<br />
luxurous decor.<br />
Seafield Hotel Golf and Spa Hotel<br />
offers luxurious accommodation,<br />
fine dining, leading edge<br />
conference facilities and an 18 hole<br />
championship golf course or indulge<br />
yourself at the exquisite Oceo Spa.<br />
Talbot Hotel <strong>Wexford</strong> is a fourstar<br />
accommodation situated in the<br />
heart of <strong>Wexford</strong> Town, making it the<br />
perfect base for a weekend shopping<br />
trip, golf outing, or visit to one of the<br />
town’s many festivals.<br />
Located in Courtown Harbour,<br />
the Taravie Hotel offers lovely<br />
surroundings and food at reasonable<br />
prices. The Taravie is a familyrun<br />
hotel which offers pleasant<br />
surroundings and really good food at<br />
reasonable prices.<br />
In Treacys Hotel you will be treated<br />
to a very warm welcome, gracious<br />
hospitality and a superior standard of<br />
personal friendly service ccombined<br />
with contemporary glamour with<br />
old world elegance located in the<br />
bustling town of Enniscorthy.<br />
Upton Court Hotel and Holiday<br />
Cottages is located in the coastal<br />
village of Kilmuckridge. This threestar<br />
hotel offers ensuite bedrooms<br />
overlooking the gorgeous, green<br />
Kilmuckridge landscape and is only<br />
five minutes drive from Morriscastle<br />
Strand.<br />
Whitford House Hotel is a 4 star<br />
family run Hotel is renowned for<br />
excellence in food & customer<br />
care and is centrally located to all<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong>’s attractions and fabulous<br />
beaches.<br />
Guesthouses<br />
and Bed &<br />
Breakfasts<br />
Abbey House B&B is ideally situated<br />
in the heart of <strong>Wexford</strong> town offering<br />
modern, tasteful and comfortable<br />
bed and breakfast accommodation.<br />
Anam Cara Luxury Guesthouse in<br />
Enniscorthy sits on 4.25 acres, with<br />
its own woods and stream offering<br />
guests king and super king rooms<br />
with a hearty & healthy breakfast.<br />
Archways B&B is a luxuriously<br />
decorated house offers guests their<br />
a very comfortable stay with their<br />
own TV, parking and tea and coffee<br />
making facilities.<br />
Artramon House which dates<br />
from 1770 has stunning views of<br />
the River Slaney is a 600 m² grade I<br />
listed mansion set in four hectares of<br />
parkland offering a very unique house<br />
stay.<br />
Ballinahoun House provides luxury<br />
accommodation offering a 5 Star<br />
service, an ideal base for touring<br />
holidays and family holidays, located<br />
in Gorey.<br />
Ballinkeele House is a magnificent<br />
Geogrian mansion built in 1840 where<br />
grand country house accommodation<br />
and warm hospitality are combined.<br />
The 19th century Faythe<br />
Guesthouse in the heart of <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
town, famed for its amazing<br />
breakfasts, friendly hosts and<br />
comfortable bedrooms.<br />
GrangeVille Guest House an early<br />
Victorian Country residence situated<br />
on the stunning Hook Peninsula<br />
surrounded by woodlands and miles<br />
of picturesque beaches.<br />
The 4* Groveside Farm B&B, is just<br />
off the beaten path close to Kilmore<br />
Quay where a warm welcome awaits<br />
you. A highlight is undoubtedly<br />
breakfast - a feast of local organic<br />
produce, all served with Mary’s<br />
homemade breads and jams.<br />
Kilconnib Lodge B&B is a pet<br />
friendly, family run B&B set in<br />
the idyllic <strong>Wexford</strong> countryside,<br />
overlooking Oulart Hill.<br />
The 17th century house built on<br />
to a 15th century castle Killiane<br />
Castle Country House & Farm is<br />
in peaceful surroundings; an ideal<br />
getaway for couples & families alike.<br />
Enjoy a unique stay at Kilmokea<br />
Country Manor & Gardens with<br />
a cosy up by the log fire to savour<br />
a delicacy of sweet treats with<br />
Afternoon Tea on arrival or indulge in<br />
a leisurely swim in the indoor heated<br />
pool.<br />
The Loch Garman Arms is a Family<br />
run Bar, Restaurant, Function Room<br />
and B&B located on Main Street of<br />
Gorey.<br />
Moss Cottage offers a choice of<br />
Fáilte Ireland approved bed and<br />
breakfast accommodation in a<br />
Victorian style house or self-catering<br />
accommodation in a 4-star three<br />
bedroom cottage.<br />
Rathaspeck Manor is a luxurious<br />
country manor house tucked away<br />
on a quiet road just outside <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
town. The family run five star B&B<br />
boasts a pristine 18 hole golf course,<br />
which surrounds the four idyllic<br />
bedroom establishment.<br />
Rockville Bed & Breakfast is a<br />
family-run, spacious B&B is set in<br />
mature grounds at the southern end<br />
of <strong>Wexford</strong> Town.<br />
Rosemount House B&B is an 18th<br />
century period house, situated in the<br />
heart of <strong>Wexford</strong> town. Rosemount<br />
House was tastefully renovated<br />
retaining all of the original features,<br />
fine high ceilings are a special feature<br />
throughout the house.<br />
Situated in the centre of <strong>Wexford</strong>, the<br />
St George Guest House boasts free<br />
Wi-Fi and a secure, locked car park.<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Railway and Coach Station<br />
is just 5 minutes’ walk away.<br />
St Therese’s is an award winning, 4<br />
* Failte Ireland approved B&B. Enjoy<br />
a comfortable and relaxing stay in<br />
peaceful surroundings close to Gorey<br />
Town.<br />
Relax in 5 star luxury at the<br />
magnificently well-preserved<br />
Georgian Woodlands Country<br />
House and gardens situated near<br />
Gorey and the picturesque seaside<br />
resort of Courtown Harbour. Enjoy<br />
wonderful woodland walks and<br />
Tennis Court and complimentary tea /<br />
coffee on arrival.<br />
Woodview Bed and Breakfast is a<br />
wonderful family run B&B situated<br />
just outside <strong>Wexford</strong> Town.<br />
Self-Catering<br />
Enjoy a unique stay at Apartment<br />
Bellevue the cosy fully furnished<br />
farm apartment is set on a 700 acres<br />
working dairy farm.<br />
The recently renovated old stone<br />
collatges at Ballyconnor Cottages<br />
in former farmyard, surrounded by<br />
open fields are a rela rural retreat.<br />
Ballyfan Cottage is a self catering<br />
cottage which sleeps six people<br />
and located just one mile from the<br />
beautiful Carne Beach.<br />
Chloe’s Country Cottages are a<br />
selection of beautiful self-catering<br />
cottages set in the peaceful just<br />
minutes from John F Kennedy Park &<br />
Homestead.<br />
The three bedroom Coach House is<br />
a traditional farm dwelling set in the<br />
mature grounds of 18th Century<br />
Fruit Hill House near New Ross.<br />
Comfortable and spacious, it makes<br />
an ideal base for touring the South<br />
East region.<br />
Enjoy something a little different and<br />
hark back in time to enjoy a Ring Fort<br />
Stay Over at The Irish National<br />
Heritage Park – This is a unique<br />
opportunity to experience life in Early<br />
Medieval Ireland.<br />
Kilmore Cottage offers excellent<br />
value, the 4* family friendly holiday<br />
cottage at Kilmore Village is close to<br />
all local amenities.<br />
Enjoy a stunning two-bedroom<br />
apartment right in the centre of<br />
Kilmore Quay village at Marina<br />
View.<br />
Mill Farm Cottages are a cluster<br />
of delightful nineteenth century<br />
stone farmhouses, which have been<br />
restored and comfortably furnished<br />
to attain the Four Star Tourism Ireland<br />
Rating.<br />
The Old Deanery Holiday<br />
Cottages located on the outskirts<br />
of the hitorical village of Ferns offer<br />
guests a wonderful relaxting stay<br />
with a cosy Irish turf fire in your own<br />
period cottage.<br />
Rose Cottage is a semi-detached<br />
and situated in a rural location<br />
boasting a double bedroom with<br />
an en-suite shower room, all on a<br />
mezzanine floor.<br />
Rosegarland Estate is a secluded<br />
650 acre country estate which is<br />
uniquely unspoilt and untouched by<br />
time. Four luxury 4* Failte Ireland<br />
approved self-catering mews houses<br />
are located in converted stone cut<br />
farm buildings in a picturesque court<br />
yard.<br />
Sandeel Bay Cottages located in<br />
Fethard-on-Sea, offer bright and<br />
airy open plan lounge/dining area<br />
and south-facing conservatories<br />
accomodations opening onto<br />
individual decks.<br />
Enjoy the wonderful Sea Bass<br />
Cottage a detached stone cottage<br />
recently renovated, on working farm,<br />
the cottage is located within walking<br />
distance of sandy beach and enjoys<br />
fine sea views.<br />
Southbeach Holiday Apartments<br />
offer an unrivalled beachside location<br />
in the centre of one of Ireland’s finest<br />
holiday destinations of Rosslare.<br />
St Helens Beach Holiday House is<br />
located within a gated development<br />
that sleeps six; set just minutes from<br />
St Helens Bay Golf Resort and a long<br />
sandy beach.<br />
The elegant and imposing, Wilton<br />
Castle is a 19th century castellated<br />
residence set on the banks of the<br />
Boro River. Wilton has been lovingly<br />
restored from ruin and can now be<br />
rented as the entire castle or as four<br />
self-contained suites.<br />
Woodvilla Lodge near Kilmore is<br />
a stunning Georgian house with an<br />
adjoining luxury five-bedroom selfcatering<br />
Lodge with its own delightful<br />
features. A sheltered patio catches<br />
the evening sun- an ideal spot for a<br />
barbeque!<br />
Campsites<br />
Blackwater Holiday Park is located<br />
in Blackwater village just 15 to 20<br />
minutes away by car from <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Town where you have local beaches,<br />
pubs, shops and also a bus to bring<br />
you into town for a great night life.<br />
Carne Beach Caravan and<br />
Camping is located on the beautiful,<br />
picturesque sandy beach of Carne<br />
and small fishing harbour.<br />
Duncannon Holiday Park is a long<br />
established, family-run establishment<br />
located beside the beach on the<br />
Hook Peninsula just minutes from<br />
Duncannon village.<br />
Ferrybank Caravan & Camping<br />
Park is a long serving venue that<br />
boasts panoramic views of <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
harbour & coastline a 5 minute walk<br />
into <strong>Wexford</strong> town.<br />
Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park<br />
is a four star Fáilte Ireland caravan<br />
& camping park situated beside a<br />
20km long Blue Flag beach. There is<br />
a range of fantastic facilities.<br />
Ocean Island Caravan Park is set<br />
in the heart of the Hook Peninsula.<br />
An area best known for its historic<br />
significance and its numerous<br />
beautiful sandy beaches with horse<br />
riding, pony trekking, fishing and<br />
swimming.<br />
Poulshone Holiday Park has<br />
private access to the beach. Located<br />
just five minutes away from Courtown<br />
Harbour.<br />
St. Margarets Beach Caravan &<br />
Camping Park is a family owned<br />
and run site located 15 minutes from<br />
Rosslare Europort in a peaceful, rural<br />
area, just a short walk from a long<br />
sandy beach.<br />
The Trading Post is a great, 4*<br />
caravan and camping park located<br />
near Enniscorthy, the family-run park<br />
is ideal for touring and for those who<br />
enjoy being off the beaten track.<br />
Dining in <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
The café culture of <strong>Wexford</strong> is abundant, offering many ideal spots to take a streetside<br />
chair and enjoy the hustle and bustle and friendly atmosphere. From a street side<br />
cuppa to Michelin dining, there’s a variety on offer for all tastes.<br />
Located in the heart of <strong>Wexford</strong> town at Selskar Square the Michelin recommended<br />
Greenacres Restaurant is one of the most popular in the Southeast. Heading south<br />
onto Main Street An Cistin Eile has a growing following, this intimate restaurnt offers<br />
the finest contemorary Irish food with a rustic twist.<br />
Take a trip up Opera Lane and watch the skies change over <strong>Wexford</strong> Harbour from<br />
a panoramic seat at the Sky café on the top floor of the National Opera House.<br />
Combined, Gorey, <strong>Wexford</strong>, New Ross and Enniscorthy and in-between offer a<br />
complete dining experience for all tastes. Whether it is a local “farm to fork” feel you<br />
are looking for or perhaps a fusion of European or Asian cuisine there are plenty of<br />
restaurants across the County that can cater for everyone’s palette.<br />
Aldridge Lodge located overlooking the wonderful Duncannon Village is a foodie<br />
hotspot!<br />
Chill Wine Bar & Bistro<br />
Chill Wine Bar & Bistro serves tasty, affordable meals to suit every palette. Nestled on<br />
McDermott Street in Gorey.<br />
Cow House Cafe<br />
This popular summer season Café in Courtown is open all summer from 10am to 6pm<br />
offering good coffee, good wine, and tasty food.<br />
Greens Berry Farm is <strong>Wexford</strong>’s most visited fruit and potato farm with two farm<br />
shops selling their products directly to the public. Tinnock Farm & Courtown Road<br />
Farm Shop – enjoy fresh berries, new potatoes, preserves and juices.<br />
Jack Doyle’s Brewery<br />
Jack Doyle’s Brewery, the first working brewery established in <strong>Wexford</strong> for over 50<br />
years is now offering tours of the brewery.<br />
Katie Daly’s<br />
Whether you are looking to wine and dine in a place with great food and service, follow<br />
your favourite sports, catch some live music or even simply get together.<br />
Unyoke Country Kitchens<br />
The Real Unyoke is one of Ireland’s oldest pubs and has been in the same family for<br />
five generations offering exquisite homemade artisan food and specialty teas/coffees.<br />
The Wren’s Nest<br />
A traditional Irish Pub in every sense of the word with its dark wooden floors, boat<br />
themed bar and friendly welcome.<br />
The Kitchen @ Gorey take their food seriously, sourcing local, Irish, seasonal, free<br />
range and organic where possible. Where quality ingredients speak for themselves.<br />
The Galley River Cruising Restaurant from Spring to Autumn the classic Galley<br />
Cruiser plies the beautiful and smooth three sister rivers for which the South East<br />
of Ireland is famous for worldwide; the Nore, the Suir, and the Barrow. Meanwhile,<br />
delicious meals prepared from fresh local produce the Galley chefs are served aboard.<br />
The Templars Inn has beautiful panoramic views across Templetown Bay. Enjoy<br />
dining on the large decking area where specialities in seafood are on offer along with a<br />
varied Full Bar Menu.<br />
Meyler’s Bar & Restaurant is renowned locally for its tasty food and excellent pint,<br />
there is always a friendly atmosphere in this cosy Pub.
Shopping<br />
Shopping in the local towns is a pleasant<br />
experience, with unique one-off shops<br />
peering out from every angle on the Main<br />
Streets of <strong>Wexford</strong>’s towns with many<br />
boasting original fashioned shop fronts.<br />
Getting to<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong><br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> is ideally positioned in the most southeast and the<br />
sunniest corner of Ireland! Dublin is a 1 hour 30 minutes drive<br />
with full motorway access the nearby City’s of Waterford and<br />
Kilkenny are within an hour’s drive of <strong>Wexford</strong> town.<br />
By Road: <strong>Wexford</strong> is just over 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin.<br />
Simply follow the N11 all the way, plan your route from anywhere<br />
in Ireland on aaireland.ie<br />
In <strong>Wexford</strong> town, the Bullring forms a square<br />
in the centre of the town and there is a lively<br />
weekly market there with crafts, vintage<br />
clothes, antiques, jewellery, home-wares, toys<br />
and accessories on sale.<br />
Heading north, Gorey town is considered to<br />
have some of the best clothes, accessories<br />
and jewellery shopping in the whole country.<br />
Esmonde Street has become a brand in it’s<br />
own right hosting an annual outdoor fashion<br />
show on the August Bank Holiday Weekend.<br />
The heritage town of Enniscorthy is one to<br />
explore at your leisure with treasures in all the<br />
streets.<br />
New Ross town offers an array of wonderful<br />
shops mapped out across its criss-cross<br />
layout. From fashion boutiques to jewellery,<br />
and gifts to shoes and artisan food shops, an<br />
afternoon meandering the streets of New Ross<br />
is a wonderful day out.<br />
By Bus: <strong>Wexford</strong> Bus is the ideal way to travel around county<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> operating up to 29 daily services between Dublin Airport,<br />
Dublin City, Arklow, Gorey, Enniscorthy & <strong>Wexford</strong> town and has<br />
regular services to New Ross and Waterford city. The <strong>Wexford</strong><br />
Bus connect service operates around <strong>Wexford</strong> town every 30<br />
minutes and additional services go to the picturesque villages of<br />
Kilmore Quay, Rosslare strand and castlebridge. For timetables<br />
and fares see wexfordbus.com<br />
By Rail: There are multiple rail connections between and Dublin<br />
with multiple daily services to five trains stations across wexford,<br />
for ticketing and timetables see irishrail.ie<br />
By Sea: Just a 10 minute drive from <strong>Wexford</strong> town, the ferry port of<br />
Rosslare in county <strong>Wexford</strong> with daily services to and from the UK<br />
and the continent. See rosslareeuroport.ie<br />
By Air: Waterford Airport is 40 minutes drive from <strong>Wexford</strong>. Dublin<br />
Airport is one hour and thirty minutes drive. See waterfordairport.ie<br />
and dublinairport.com<br />
For all of the local knowledge and everything you need to know<br />
about holidaying in <strong>Wexford</strong>, Ireland<br />
see visitwexford.ie<br />
Facebook.com/<strong>Visit</strong><strong>Wexford</strong><br />
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Design: www.fleurcreative.ie<br />
The Silk Connection is a small family run<br />
business specialising in Silk Bedding, Scarves<br />
and unique jackets.<br />
Tír na nÓg Creations offers a unique way<br />
to celebrate the birth or naming of a new baby,<br />
with a range of heirloom ceremonial robes<br />
made from pure Irish linen woven in <strong>Wexford</strong>.<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Tourist Information Office<br />
Meet the friendly Tourist Advisors who are experts at offering advice on having<br />
the best experiences while visiting <strong>Wexford</strong> Town and County. Why not call in to<br />
discuss the wonderful attractions and numerous exciting activities and events in<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong>’s beautiful towns and villages. Fáilte Ireland <strong>Wexford</strong> Tourist Information<br />
Office is located on the Quay Front in <strong>Wexford</strong> Town and is open all year round.<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> Tourist Office – Failte Ireland<br />
The Quay,<br />
<strong>Wexford</strong> town,<br />
(053) 912 3111<br />
discoverireland.ie/wexford<br />
Shannon<br />
Belfast<br />
Dublin<br />
Waterford<br />
Cork<br />
Rosslare