Explore The
Rich Heritage of Wexford
From lying on beaches to more active past times, there are lots of things to see and do here.
Heritage
Dunbrody Famine Ship
New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 425239.
www.dunbrody.com
The Dunbrody is a full-scale reproduction of a 19th Century famine ship (three masted Barque built in Quebec in 1845) which brought many emigrants from Ireland to America during and after the Great Famine. Board the Dunbrody and walk in the footsteps of famine emigrants on their journey of hope across the Atlantic Ocean. There is also a popular cafe and tourist office here.
Ros Tapestry
The Quay, New Ross, County Wexford.
Tel: 051-445396
www.rostapestry.com
The Ros Tapestry features 15 large panels which depict the events around the Anglo-Norman arrival in the South East of Ireland, specifically the founding of the town of New Ross and the combined effects on the shaping of Leinster and Ireland by William Marshal and his wife, Isabel de Clare, daughter of Strongbow.
John F Kennedy Arboretum
New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 388171
www.heritageireland.ie
The arboretum is dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy and contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. It covers 252 hectares with panoramic views, picnic areas, maze, play area, lake, tearoom/shop (seasonal), miniature railway (seasonal) and visitor centre with audio-visual. There is a separate entrance and roadway to the viewing point at the top of Sliabh Coillte with rough pathways giving visitors panoramic views of the area and the surrounding five counties.
Kennedy Homestead
Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 388264
www.kennedyhomestead.com
Visit the birthplace of the late President John F Kennedy’s great grandfather where you can enjoy an audio-visual presentation and guided tour, which takes visitors through the family history and historical setting of the Kennedy legacy.
Dunbrody Abbey & Visitor Centre
Campile, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 388933
Dunbrody Abbey is a 12th Century Cistercian Monastery and a visit is a must. It includes a full-sized hedge maze, pitch and putt course, craft shop and tea rooms.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern, Saltmills, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 562650
Cistercian Abbey founded c1200 by William, Earl of Marshall and later became the home of the Colclough Family. Tours of the Abbey are available. The Abbey’s walled gardens have recently been restored to their former glory and Colclough Walled Gardens are open to the public to enjoy. There are lovely signed walks through the woodlands and along the river to nearby Saltmills village.
Hook Light House and Heritage Centre
Hook Head, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 051 397055
www.hookheritage.ie
The Hook Light House is about 800 years old and is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. Guided tours of the lighthouse tower are available all year round and are one of the top things to do in Wexford and Waterford. Visitors can climb the 115 steps to the spectacular view from the balcony. The Hook Light House is listed as the no. 1 flashiest lighthouse in the world by the Lonely Planet Guide.
Duncannon Fort
Duncannon Fort is a star-shaped fortress built to repel the Spanish Armada and to stop the pirates plundering the merchant ships on their way up to Waterford Harbour. Built in 1588, the Fort boasts many attractions including a Military and Maritime Museum. However the Fort and surrounding buildings are currently closed for renovations.
Irish National Heritage Park
Ferrycarrig, Wexford.
Tel: 053 9120733.
www.inhp.com
In just one visit, you can experience 9,000 years of Irish history in a fascinating setting of woodland, riverbank and native Irish dwellings. Discover how the Celtic, Norman and Viking settlers left their mark on the countryside.
Johnstown Castle and Irish Agricultural Museum
Murntown, Co. Wexford.
Tel: 053 9171247
www.irishagrimuseum.ie
Johnstown Castle is a 19th Century turreted castle whose gardens contain a wide variety of trees and shrubs, exotic examples blend with native species in a stunning setting that represents the best aspects of both a formal and a wild garden. A man-made lake with its own particular flora and fauna adds to the appeal of this wonderful Wexford landmark. The Country Life/Agricultural Museum makes a worthwhile visit, and the interior of the castle has recently been beautifully restored to its former glory and is well worth a visit too. There is a good shop and cafe for lunch and refreshments.
Kilmore Quay and the Saltee Islands
Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford
www.kilmorequayweb.com
Kilmore Quay is a scenic fishing village renowned for its thatched cottages and for producing some of the best seafood in Ireland. Boat trips to the nearby Saltee Islands are highly recommended to see the gannets, puffins and seals.
Wexford Walking Tours
Wexford.
Tel: 087 9175171
www.wexfordwalkingtours.net
This 90 minute walking tour of Wexford’s historical sights departs from Wexford Tourism Office on Crescent Quay at 11 am every day (except Sunday) from 1 March to 31 October.
