- Hook Lighthouse: One of the world’s oldest working lighthouses, dating to the 13th century, on the Hook Peninsula. Visitors can expect guided tours of the lighthouse tower, with stories of its monastic and maritime history, and panoramic views of the Waterford Estuary. The visitor center, café, and nearby coastal walks enhance the experience.
- Irish National Heritage Park: A 35-acre open-air museum in Ferrycarrig, near Wexford Town, showcasing 9,000 years of Irish history. Visitors can expect guided or self-guided tours through replicas of a Mesolithic camp, Viking settlement, and Norman castle. Interactive displays, costumed guides, and a café make it engaging for families and history enthusiasts.
- Johnstown Castle and Gardens: A 19th-century Gothic Revival castle near Wexford Town, set in 50 acres of ornamental gardens. Visitors can expect access to the castle’s restored interiors (guided tours), strolls through lakeside gardens with peacocks, and the Irish Agricultural Museum, showcasing rural life. The tearoom and woodland trails add to the appeal.
- Wexford Wildfowl Reserve: A 200-hectare nature reserve on the North Slob, home to thousands of Greenland white-fronted geese. Visitors can expect free entry to observe migratory birds from hides, guided tours (seasonal), and exhibits at the visitor center on wetland ecology. The reserve’s peaceful setting is ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Kilmore Quay and the Saltee Islands: A charming fishing village with a marina, and a gateway to the Saltee Islands, a bird sanctuary. Visitors can expect fresh seafood, coastal walks, and boat trips to the Saltees (April-September) to see puffins and seals. Kilmore Quay’s thatched cottages and maritime museum add a quaint, historical vibe.
- Enniscorthy Castle and Wexford County Museum: A 13th-century Norman castle in Enniscorthy, housing a museum on local history. Visitors can expect exhibits on the 1798 Rebellion, medieval life, and maritime artifacts, with access to the castle’s battlements for town views. The nearby Vinegar Hill, a rebellion battle site, offers scenic walks and historical context.
- Curracloe Beach: A 7km sandy beach near Wexford Town, famous as a filming location for Saving Private Ryan. Visitors can expect wide dunes, swimming, or walks along the Raven Nature Reserve’s trails, with chances to spot wildlife like seals. The beach’s serene setting and nearby cafés make it a relaxing coastal stop.
- Tintern Abbey: A 13th-century Cistercian abbey on the Hook Peninsula, founded by monks from Wales. Visitors can expect guided or self-guided tours of the ruins, including the nave and cloister, set in tranquil woodlands. The walled garden, walking trails, and tearoom offer a peaceful retreat with historical charm.
- Rosslare Harbour and Beach: A coastal village with a sandy beach and a busy port for ferries to Wales and Europe. Visitors can expect beach walks, water sports like kitesurfing, and a relaxed village atmosphere with pubs and seafood restaurants. The nearby cliff path offers scenic views of the Irish Sea.
- JFK Arboretum: A 252-hectare park near New Ross, dedicated to President John F. Kennedy. Visitors can expect 4,500 plant species across woodlands, gardens, and a lake, with walking trails and a miniature railway for families. The visitor center details JFK’s Irish ancestry, and the hilltop viewpoint offers panoramic vistas.
Attractions
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth\ – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Wexford:
Ireland’s county Wexford combines coastal beauty with historic sites, with the Hook Lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest, offering scenic coastal views. The Irish National Heritage Park recreates ancient and medieval settlements, while Wexford’s beaches, like Curracloe, provide sandy shores for walking. Other attractions include the historic town of Enniscorthy and its castle. Wexford is Ireland’s 13th largest county by size (2,351 square km) and 14th largest by population (163,919). Population peaked at 202,033 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 83,308 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Wexford is Ireland’s eighth most visited tourist county with around 229,000 international visitors per year.
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