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The Guide
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 Map of Wexford
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Other attractions
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Images from around Wexford
 Ballyhack Castle
Hill of Tara
J FK Arboretum
Tintern Abbey
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 Beaches in County Wexford - County Wexford has a series of long sandy beaches running along
the East Coast. Some of the best include Curracloe Beach, which
is backed by dunes, the popular long sandy Rosslare Strand, the
beach at the small seaside report of Duncannon on the Hook Peninsula
and the sandy beach at the small seaside resort of Courtown.
The Berkley Toy and Costume Museum - The Berkley Toy and Costume Museum near New Ross has an extensive
collection of Victorian and Georgian wedding dresses and other
costumes as well as dolls and toys, (Tel: 051 21361 Entry IR£3).
Carnsore Point - Carnsore point has two lakes, Lady's Island and Tacumshin which
are good birdwatching areas. Lady's Island also has a ruined Augustinian
priory and a ruined Norman castle and a modern church which is
a pilgrimage destination.
Curracloe Nature Reserve - Curracloe Nature Reserve attracts lots of species of waders
and migrant Greenland white fronted geese in winter.
Enniscorthy Castle and Museum - Norman Enniscorthy Castle was built in 1205 and was also the
home of the English poet Edmund Spencer, creator of the Faerie
Queene. The United Irishmen took the castle during the 1798 Rising
and Vinegar Hill across the River Slaney was the scene of their
last stand. The castle now houses Wexford County Museum, which
contains lots of local historical artefacts. (Tel: 051 35926.
Entry IR£2)
Ferns Castle - Ferns Castle in Ferns was the main stronghold of King of Leinster,
Dermot MacMurough, who invited the Normans into Ireland as part
of a plan to consolidate his power base and to help him fight
the King of Connaught, Tiernan O'Rourke who attacked the castle
after MacMurough kidnapped his wife. The ruins of the remaining
13th century building was sacked by Cromwell's forces in 1649.
Hook Peninsula - The Hook Peninsula is a thin rocky peninsula with rugged scenery.
Hook Head has a lighthouse dating back to a beacon lit by monks
in the 6th century which is said to have led invading Vikings
straight to safe harbour in the 9th century. Bagibun Head on the
peninsula was the site of the 1170 Battle of Baginbun at which
Irish-Viking armies from Wexford and Waterford were defeated by
the deputy of the Norman conqueror Strongbow, Raymond de Gros,
who had been invited into Ireland by the King of Leinster Dermot
MacMurough. Strongbow himself then marched on Waterford and after
storming the city threw 70 of Waterford's leading citizens off
the Baginbun Headland. A ferry runs from Ballyhack across Waterford
harbour to Passage East in Waterford. Places to visit on the Hook
Peninsula include the ruined 12th century Cistercian Tintern Abbey
near Arthurstown, Duncannon Fort, which was built by the English
in the 16th century to repel attack from Spain and was site of
the gruesome story of the Croppy Boy as told the Irish rebel song
(Entry IR£1.50), the 15th century Knight Templar Castle in Ballyhack
(Entry IR£1) and the 12th century ruined Dunbrody Abbey near Campile.
The impressive preserved abbey was built by Cistercian monks from
England in the 13th century and the ruins of Dunbrody castle are
also nearby. Duncannon has a sandy beach and Hook Head, is a popular
dive site. Hook head at the end of the peninsula is a good birdwatching
spot.
John F Kennedy Park and Arboretum - The large John F Kennedy Park and Arboretum was opened in Dunganstown
in 1968 as a memorial to the US President whose grandfather Patrick
Kennedy lived there. Patrick Kennedy left Wexford to travel to
the US in 1858 and the President returned to visit the town. (Entry
to the Park IR£2. Tel: 051 88171).
Johnston Castle and Gardens - Visitors can walk into the forested estate of the 19th century
Gothic mansion Johnston Castle which was the home to the Fitzgerald
family and is now the office of the Irish Environmental Protection
Agency. There is also a small agricultural museum in the grounds
(Entry IR1.50).
Mount Leinster - Mount Leinster is the highest peak in the Blackstair Mountains
on the border with County Carlow. At 2394 feet high it is also
a popular hang gliding spot. A scenic route around Mount Leinster,
the Mount Leinster Scenic Drive starts at Borris in County Carlow.
Saint Eden's Abbey - A high cross in the graveyard of the ruined 13th century Saint
Eden's Abbey Cathedral is said to mark the grave of the King of
Leinster, Dermot MacMurough.
Saltee Islands - Boats to the Saltee Islands which are home to hundreds of nesting
gannets, puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, Manx sheerwaters in
early summer run from Kilmore Quay in good weather.
Vinegar Hill - Vinegar Hill overlooking Enniscorthy was the site of the
last great battle of Wolff Tone's abortive 1798 United Irishmen
Rising. The last major force of United Irishmen were surrounded
on Vinegar Hill by a huge English force and fought for around
30 days from June 9 1978 until they were defeated.
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve - Wexford Wildlife Reserve is based on a piece of reclaimed land
called the Slobs and attracts a great number of geese wading birds
and other waterfowl. In winter huge numbers of white fronted geese
migrate here from Greenland and this is also a good time to see
Brent Geese. Entry to the Reserve's visitor centre and birdwatching
hides is free.
Quick guide to Wexford
Inis recommends - Irish National Heritage Park
Tourist Attractions
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