The Irish National Heritage Park, situated on the banks of the picturesque River Slaney in County Wexford, is a 40-acre open-air museum that brings 9,000 years of Irish history to life. A cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East, this not-for-profit attraction, opened in 1987, features 16 expertly reconstructed historical sites, from Mesolithic camps to Viking settlements, set within natural forestry, marshland, and estuary trails.
The park spans 13.7 hectares (34 acres) and showcases Ireland’s human settlement from the Mesolithic period (c. 7000 BC) to the Norman invasion (1169 AD). Visitors explore 16 authentic reconstructions, each built using period-specific materials and techniques, set in diverse landscapes (hillside, woodland, riverbank, estuary). Highlights include:
- Mesolithic Camp: A hunter-gatherer campsite reflecting life post-Ice Age, with simple shelters and tools.
- Neolithic Farmstead: A 5,000-year-old farming settlement with roundhouses and early agricultural tools.
- Portal Dolmen and Stone Circle: Megalithic tombs and ritual sites, showcasing prehistoric spiritual practices.
- Fulacht Fiadh: A Bronze Age cooking pit demonstrating ancient food preparation.
- Ringfort: A medieval fortified homestead with wattle-and-daub structures.
- Crannóg: A lake-dwelling on an artificial island, typical of Early Christian Ireland.
- Monastic Site: A replica of a 6th-century Christian monastery with a stone church.
- Viking Harbour and House: A 9th-century settlement with a longship and Norse-style dwellings.
- Norman Ringwork: The park includes the actual remains of Ireland’s first Anglo-Norman fortification (1170 AD) at Carrig, overlooking the Slaney, excavated with the Irish Archaeology Field School (IAFS).
- Immersion: Costumed guides bring history to life, demonstrating ancient skills like flint-knapping, wattle-weaving, or Viking crafts. The park’s natural setting, with swamps, mosses, lichens, and vibrant birdlife, enhances the immersive experience, making visitors feel as though they’re stepping into Ireland’s past.
Guided and Self-Guided Tours:
- Guided Tours: Three themed tours, each 45–60 minutes, are offered daily:
- Pre-Historic Ireland: Explores Stone Age dwellings, megalithic tombs, and early farming (c. 7000–2000 BC).
- Early Christian Ireland: Covers monastic life, crannógs, and ringforts (c. 400–800 AD).
- Age of Invasion: Focuses on Viking and Norman settlements (c. 800–1169 AD).
- Tours are led by passionate guides (e.g., Susan, Paul) in traditional attire, praised for their informative and engaging storytelling. Visitors can join one, two, or all three tours, with breaks for exploration or café visits. Booking online at www.irishheritage.ie is recommended, as tours can sell out, per Viator data.
- Self-Guided Tours: A detailed park map allows independent exploration, ideal for a relaxed pace. Information panels at each site provide context, and the Trials of Tuan interactive map engages children with challenges like panning for gold or building wattle walls.
Visitor Centre and Amenities:
- Visitor Centre: Features a gift shop with unique Irish crafts, books, and souvenirs, and a small exhibit area with an audiovisual introduction to the park’s history. Free Wi-Fi and mobility scooter hire enhance accessibility.
- Restaurant and Café: Located in the visitor centre with indoor and outdoor seating, it offers breakfast (from 9:30 AM), lunch, and light bites (sandwiches, baked goods), with spectacular views of the crannóg. The menu caters to various tastes and budgets, using local produce, and is praised for hearty meals.
- Facilities: Free parking (~100 spaces, including overflow), accessible toilets, changing facilities, and dog-friendly grounds (dogs on leads, owners must clean up). The park is largely wheelchair-accessible, though some woodland paths will be uneven.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- Trials of Tuan: An interactive site map for kids, with activities like gold panning, wattle wall construction, and exploring the medieval ringfort. Suitable for ages 6–12, it keeps children engaged while learning.
- Adventure Playground: A small playground near the visitor centre offers climbing and play areas, spotted by families as a hit for younger visitors.
- Falconry Centre: A recommended visit, featuring demonstrations with falcons, owls, and hawks, allowing close encounters with birds of prey. Open daily, included in admission.
- Workshops and Courses: The park offers hands-on sessions in blacksmithing, wood carving, stone masonry, and mounted combat, appealing to all ages. Schedules vary, so check www.irishheritage.ie
- A full visit takes 2–3 hours, with 3–4 hours recommended for families doing multiple tours, playground time, and falconry. Half-day visits are common for those exploring all sites.
- Atmosphere: Described as a “national treasure” and “history brought to life,” the park’s 40-acre woodland and marshland setting creates an immersive journey through time. Visitors feel the “similarities and stark differences” between modern life and ancient Ireland, with costumed guides like Susan earning 10/10 for passion and knowledge.
- The park is family-friendly, with buggy-friendly paths and mobility scooter hire. Some woodland areas will be challenging for wheelchairs due to uneven terrain; contact info@irishheritage.ie for details. Dogs are welcome on leads, but only service dogs enter indoor areas. No audio guides in French are confirmed, though guides may offer multilingual explanations on request.
- Visitor Feedback: With a 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (4.5 stars), the park is lauded as “absolutely magical” for its immersive tours, engaging guides, and family activities. Some note the need for better signage or more frequent tour times, but the experience is highly recommended.
Practical Information:
- Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford, Y35 X313, 10 minutes’ drive from Wexford town, 20 minutes from Rosslare and Enniscorthy, 2 hours from Dublin via M11/N11. Accessible by Bus Éireann Route 370 or taxi from Wexford station.
- Year-round, 9:30 AM–6:30 PM (May–August), 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (September–April), last admission 1.5 hours before closing. Check www.irishheritage.ie for updates.
- Admission: €12 adults, €10 seniors/students, €7 children (5–15), €30 family (2 adults, 2 children), free for under-5s. Discounts for groups and schools; book online at www.irishheritage.ie to secure spots.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine with Johnstown Castle (10 km), Wexford town, Curracloe Beach, or the Hook Peninsula (Tintern Abbey, Hook Lighthouse) for a full day in Wexford.
What’s New:
- Archaeological Excavation Updates: The park’s ongoing excavation at the Norman ringwork on Carrig hill, in partnership with the Irish Archaeology Field School (IAFS), continues to uncover insights into Ireland’s first Anglo-Norman fortification (1170 AD)., new interpretive displays or guided talks about recent findings, such as burnt wooden structures or the later stone castle, will be added to the Age of Invasion tour, augmenting the site’s historical narrative.
- Expanded Workshops and Experiences: Building on its traditional skills programme, the park will offer new 2025 workshops, including advanced blacksmithing, Viking-era textile weaving, or Neolithic pottery, following visitor demand for hands-on activities. The Viking House Experience, an overnight stay in a reconstructed settlement with authentic costumes and no modern technology, will see increased availability due to its popularity. Check www.irishheritage.ie for schedules.
- Family Event Enhancements: Following positive feedback on children’s activities, 2025 will feature new family-oriented events, such as:
- Heritage Week (August 2025): Expanded guided tours, costumed reenactments, and interactive demonstrations (e.g., Viking combat or Stone Age cooking), aligning with Ireland’s national heritage celebrations.
- Seasonal Festivals: Easter and summer events with additional Trials of Tuan challenges or falconry shows, building on 2024’s success with gold panning and playground fun.
Practical Tips
- Planning Your Visit: Book guided tours online at www.irishheritage.ie to secure spots, especially for summer or Heritage Week, as tours can sell out. Allow 2–3 hours for a single tour and exploration, or 4 hours for families doing multiple activities. Visit in spring (April–May) for lush greenery or summer for events. Bring comfortable shoes for woodland paths and layers for variable weather.
- Best Start with the Pre-Historic Ireland tour for chronological context, then explore the falconry centre and playground. Enjoy lunch at the café with crannóg views, and try a workshop for a hands-on experience. Combine with Johnstown Castle or Curracloe Beach for a full Wexford day.
- Accessibility Note: Confirm mobility needs with staff at info@irishheritage.ie, as some paths will be uneven. Dogs on leads are welcome outdoors, augmenting pet-friendliness.
- Transport: Drive from Wexford town (10 minutes via R730), Rosslare (20 minutes), or Dublin (2 hours via M11/N11). Take Bus Éireann Route 370 to Ferrycarrig or a taxi from Wexford station. Free parking is ample, including overflow.
The Irish National Heritage Park is an immersive journey through 9,000 years of Irish history, with 2025 enhancements like new workshops, excavation insights, and regional tourism ties making it a recommended visit in Wexford. For the latest event schedules, tour bookings, or updates, visit www.irishheritage.ie or contact www.irishheritage.ie.
