Wexford Attractions and Activities

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, North Slob, Wexford, is Ireland’s Premier Wildfowl Reserve.The Wexford Slobs and Harbour are, by their very location and geomorphological structure, a natural haven for birds. Situated on the coast, and in sight of the south east corner of Ireland, it is the closest point to Britain and the continent for birds that are migrating into or out of Ireland from a southerly direction.

Waders and wildfowl in particular, are attracted to the area where the flat landscape is accentuated by a number of complementary characteristics that create a safe place to feed, loaf, roost and breed. These features are dominated by the wide shallow harbour with its sandbars and mud-banks. The harbour is open to the sea from the east, though partially protected by Rosslare Point to the south, the Raven sand dune system to the north and the Fort and adjacent sandbars in the middle. From the west the harbour is fed by the slow moving, meandering River Slaney which, in its lower reaches, is tidal. To the north and south of the harbour are the large areas of reclaimed lands known as the Slobs.

Raven Nature Reserve

The Raven Nature Reserve is a major part of a sand dune system situated at the north side of the entrance to Wexford Harbour.

The dunes form the eastern part of the North Slob,which is included in the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve – in included in an EU twinning programme, the area was designated a statutory Nature Reserve in 1983 with a total area of 589 ha. Although modified by afforestation, the dunes have particularly interesting flora and a rich invertebrate fauna, including species that have disappeared elsewhere, and have been rated as of national importance.

The overall conservation objectives are the protection and improvement of the scientifically valuable character of the system and the protection of rare plants and animals

The Wexford Slobs and Wildfowl Reserve

Situated on the South Eastern end of the Slaney Region lies the Wexford Slobs, an internationally renowned wildbird sanctuary. Great flock of Greenland Whitefronted Geese, as much as 35% of the world population, winter her, along with other species such as Snow, Bean and Brent geese.

Other visitors include the migrating Whooper Swan from Iceland and Bewicks Swan from Siberia. Whatever the time of year, the shrill or plaintive call of innumerable birds can be heard here, and sometimes a glimpse of a visiting Goshawk or Gyrfalcon can be seem.

There are hides and other facilities for bird watching as well as guided tours, on request.

www.wexfordwildfowlreserve.ie

Raven Point Centre

There are boat trips available from Wexford Harbour for viewing seals and the abundant bird life of the area. You will also hear about Wexford’s fascinating maritime history along the way.

The grey seal is the commonest seal in the Wexford area. It breeds on the Saltee Islands and pups are born in late summer or autumn. It is frequently seen lying out on sand banks at Raven Point. The maximum number of people permitted on one trip is 12.

Birds: Red Throated Diver, Bewick’s Swan, Golden Plover, White Fronted Goose

Saltee Islands

The Saltee Islands are a haven for sea birds, nurturing an impressive array of birds, from Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. the Islands consist of the Great and Little Saltee and are situated approximately 5km off the coast of Kilmore Quay in County Wexford.

The Islands lie on an important migratory route and are a popular stopping off place for spring and autumn migrating birds. The Great Saltee also has a breeding population of Grey Seals, one of the very few in eastern Ireland. Up to 120 animals are present in autumn and up to 20 pups are produced annually.

The Saltees are among the ancient islands of Europe, based on Pre-Cambrian bedrock originating between 600 and 2000 million years old. There is archaeological evidence that Neolithic man settled there and traces of religious settlements exist. There is also evidence of buccaneering and smuggling. A flourishing period in the history of the islands was from about 1500 – 1800 when they were a base for pirates, wreckers and smugglers.

Since December 1943 the Saltees have been privately owned by the Neale family. The Neale family have always respected this bird sanctuary and treated visiting Ornithologists and bird watchers alike with hospitality.

Irish National Heritage Park

A visit to the Irish National Heritage Park is like no other you can imagine. Surprises await around every turn as you explore 35 acres of this remarkable heritage trail. Your senses will come alive with sights and sounds stretching back almost 9.000 years.

In each is located a settlement indicative of the differing periods, depicting man’s first settlements in Ireland up to the arrival of the Normans in the 12th Century. A multilingual audiovisual presentation features ‘Ireland through the Ages’.

www.inhp.com

Duncannon Fort

Duncannon Fort in County Wexford dates from 1588, built to repel the Spanish Armada, and to stop the pirates plundering the merchant ships of their riches on their way up Waterford Harbour. Built on the site of a Norman Fortress, it was successfully defended against Oliver Cromwell.

The fort played host to King James II and William of Orange during the Williamite-Jacobite War in Ireland (1689 – 1691). It played a major role during 1798 and was rebuilt at the time of Napoleon. Handed over by the British in 1922, it was last used and rebuilt by the Irish Army during WW2.

Duncannon Fort is once again taken over and occupied on the June Bank Holiday Weekend every year, by re-enactors and military vehicles from throughout the ages of time and history. The colour and pageantry of this event is unsurpassed.

At other times of the year, the fort still makes for an exciting visit, as it is home to a Toy Museum, Art Gallery, Maritime and Military Museum, Croppy Boy Cell, Officers Tea room and a Craft Shop. There are spectacular views across the estuary to County Waterford and down to Hook Head.

www.duncannonfort.com

Dunbrody Abbey Visitor Centre

Dunbrody Abbey in Campile County Wexford is a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1210 A.D. Families will love the full size 1500 Yew Hedge Maze, picnic area, pitch and putt course and tea rooms located at Dunbrody Abbey Visitor Centre.

Close by are the ruins of Dunbrody Castle which now houses a craft shop, a small museum, a very large doll house and a scale replica of the castle.

Various activities have also become an integral part of the Dunbrody Abbey Visitor Centre including the Dunbrody Abbey Cookery Centre, traditional Irish music evenings and a very successful weekly food market.

www.dunbrodyabbey.com

The Browne Clayton Monument

The Browne Clayton Monument is the only internally accessible Corinthian column in existence and is thus a hugely important and unique international architectural landmark. It stands on on Carrigadaggan Hill in Carrigbyrne, County Wexford.

It was built of Mount Leinster granite and contains an internal staircase leading to the Capitol, from which an impressive view of the surrounding country-side can be obtained.

Its construction commenced in 1839 and was completed in 1841 and is a replica of what is known as Pompeys Column in Alexandria, Egypt, which is some 10 feet lower in height.

It was built by General Robert Browne – Clayton of Carrigbyrne in commemoration of Sir Ralph Abercrombie who was his commanding officer with whom he fought and was victorious in the Egyptian battles in 1801 against Napoleon. It was at these battles that Abercrombie was mortally wounded.

On 29th December 1994 the Column was struck by lightning and considerable damage was caused to the Capitol and the top third of the Column. The restoration of the Column was initiated and overseen by the Wexford Monument Trust Ltd which consists of representatives from Wexford County Council, the World Monument Fund in Britain, and An Taisce.

Access is limited to specialist groups and only with prior notice. The Monument and surrounds contain hazards for which great care is needed.

For more information see www.wexford.ie Browne Clayton Monument.

The National 1798 Visitor Centre

The storyline told at the National 1798 Visitor Centre traces the epic and heroic tale of the 1798 rebellion and its aftermath, using the latest multimedia and interactive computers. A spectacular audio visual presentation places the story in an international context and state of the art exhibition techniques are used to give visitors a glimpse of our fascinating journey to modern democracy.

There is a coffee shop on site.

www.1798centre.ie

Garrylough Mill

Located in Screen, County Wexford in the South East corner of Ireland, the historic Garrylough Mill was Ireland’s last working water powered flour Mill.

Visiting the museum at Garrylough, provides you with an impressive history of the mill and a sense of bygone days. It is also an opportunity to walk the beautiful millrace path and see the workings of the impressive oak mill wheel and sluice gates in what is truly a unique display of our architectural heritage.

There is a great restaurant and all day café open from breakfast time onwards and the coolest and first glamping (glamour camping) resort in Ireland. The mill race walk starts at the mill and brings you about 1km to the sluice gates where the mill race joins the river, through a varied landscape including woods and open meadow.

There is also have a vintage motorcycle museum, currently displaying vintage motorcycles from the decades of the 1940’s, ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s.

You can buy some wholesome home made breads and other artisan produce in the shop and visit the farmers market held each Saturday morning at the front of the mill.
Additional Features

www.garryloughmill.com

Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle

The National Museum of Agriculture and Rural Life is located in historic farm buildings, dating from 1810, within the extensive, ornamental grounds of Johnstown Castle, County Wexford.

Major themes covered by the museum include: tools and machines of Irish farming form 1750 to 1950; Irish dairying; rural transport; farmhouse furniture (120 pieces on display); and rural crafts (blacksmith, wheelwright/carpenter, cooper, harness maker, basket maker and a thatcher).

There is also a major Famine Exhibition, covering the history of the potato and the great disaster of the 1840s.

During 2002, a permanent exhibition on Harry Ferguson, born in Co. Down, and his ‘Ferguson System’ was opened. Another new feature is full-scale replicas of farmhouse kitchens depicting life in 1800, 1900 and 1950.

www.irishagrimuseum.ie

John F Kennedy Ancestral Homestead

The Kennedy Homestead, in Dunganstown county Wexford, celebrates the story of five generations of the Kennedy family. See where the late John F Kennedy’s great grandfather was born and enjoy an audiovisual presentation and guided tour.

The centre traces the history of those who stayed behind and those who left Dunganstown on an immigrant ship to the slums of Boston and from the English court of St James to the Camelot days at the White House.

The visitor centre provides an engaging guided tour around the original farmyard, which incorporates an audio visual display and rare family artefacts.

www.kennedyhomestead.com

Kilmore Quay Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is housed on board the lightship Guillemot. There are two museums in one, since the lightship is the last Irish Lights vessel which is complete with all its cabins containing the original furniture, generations and fittings. It also houses many original and unusual artefacts.

From the Bridge Desk both the Book and the Barrels lights can be seen and there are excellent views of the Saltee Islands.

Below deck there are many model ships, a very extensive collection of pictures, andmany sea antiques.

there is a Royal national Lifeboat Institute display covering the history of the local station.

Dunbrody Famine Ship

Located alongside the New Ross docks in County Wexford, the Dunbrody famine ship is a full scale reconstruction of a 19th Century famine ship and authentic replica of the three masted barque built in Quebec in 1845 for the Graves family of New Ross.

The Visitor Experience provides a unique insight into a period of history which shaped modern day Ireland and America. You will, first of all, view a nine minute audio visual presentation which gives the historic background to the Great Famine and the reason why so many people were forced to emigrate on sailing ships like Dunbrody to America in the mid 19th century. You will see fascinating footage of the building of the replica Dunbrody, the emotional day of her launching and her Maiden Voyage in 2005.

You will then follow in the footsteps of a group of Famine emigrants as you board the Dunbrody. A ticket is issued as if it were 1849 and this ticket allocates your space and food rations for the voyage ahead.

You will explore the ship, fitted out exactly as it would be for a voyage. You will encounter actors, playing the role of emigrants, in their cramped quarters with their meagre possessions, fleeing as they are a worse catastrophe.

They will tell you their harrowing stories of being forced to emigrate. A member of the crew will tell you the story of other voyages and all about life on board a sailing ship.

This authentic recreation, with it’s actors, sound effects and smells, will transport you back in time, leaving a lasting impression!
Total length of tour is approximately 50 minutes.

www.dunbrody.com

Father Murphy Centre

Father John Murphy was an Irish Roman Catholic priest and one of the leaders of the Irish Rebellion of 1798 in Wexford. He was executed by British soldiers in 1798.

The Father Murphy Centre, in Ferns County Wexford, is the original farmstead where Father Murphy lived for many years. Father Murphy is the central focus of this tourist attraction.

The Centre features his cottage, a magnificent example of an 18th Century farm building, that gives an insight into farming in County Wexford in the 1700s. The cottage is situated in a restored farmyard which includes a cow house, pigsty, dairy, stable, dairy and labourers’ lodge.

The haggard contains a range of farm machinery, ploughs, harrows and sowers from the 19th and 20th century.

The Garden of Remembrance is a lovely tranquil garden where one can sit or have a short walk and remember the 30,000 people who died in 1798. This rebellion was the bloodiest and cruellest of all Irish wars. Some stones are inscribed to help us remember those who died and it also has some beautiful raised herringbone ditch.

www.boolavogue.info

West Gate Heritage Tower

This ancient toll gate once guarded the western entrance of Wexford Town. Sir Stephen Devereux had it built in the 13th century on instructions from King Henry. Like other town gates, it consisted of a toll taking area, cells for offenders and rooms for guards. Fully restored as a heritage centre, it presents artefacts uncovered around the town and offers an informational film, which provides an informative look at Wexford’s complex and turbulent history.

Upstairs in the Tower there are beautiful Norman rooms and a fine battlements walk to Selskar Abbey. Guided tours of Wexford town and the Abbey can be arranged from here.

Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre

Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford, is described by the Lonely Planet Guide as “”a little plump lighthouse, the grand-daddy of all lighthouses”” and has been voted number one lighthouse in the world.

Lighthouses have a magic and mysticism of their own, none more so than the 13th Century Hook, marking the entrance to Waterford Harbour for at least 2000 years.

One of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, the present structure dates back 800 years ago to the Medieval tower of Hook. Today, there is a visitor centre, a café serving light meals and a gift shop, as well as the tower itself to discover.

www.hookheritage.ie

Ballymore Historic Features

Ballymore is an old family property located away from main routes in a particularly attractive area of North Wexford landscape.

The visitor facility, which is in the centre of a large working farm, includes a family museum, picture gallery, farm display, 1798 exhibition and tea room. Visitors may also walk about among other features including an old church and graveyard, a moated site of a 14th Century Norman Castle, a holy well, mill pond and period family residence.

The award winning Museum is located in the period farm yard and contains a wide range of objects from the family home illustrating many different aspects of earlier occupation and activity.

The old dairy contains a display of old dairy equipment and domestic items. An adjoining display of early farm equipment leads to the 1798 exhibition of material from that period. There were family members on both sides of the conflict and the house was occupied by rebels who had a camp for some weeks in the meadow surrounding the Castle site.

There is a tea room in the reconstructed period greenhouse in the grounds.

www.ballymorehistoricfeatures.com

Ros Tapestry Exhibition Centre

Ros Tapestry Exhibition Centre features a permanent exhibition of the acclaimed and embroidered Ros Tapestries. The Ros Tapestry Project is a massive community imitative in progress in the County of Wexford. Conceived in 1998 and being developed by over a hundred dedicated volunteers, fifteen striking embroidered panels, 1.8 x 1.4 metres in dimension, it is a cultural and historical accolade to its’ creators.

This dramatic narrative is a tale told in thread, as a celebration of Ireland’s history unfolds with a special emphasis on the Norman legacy in the south east of Ireland. Customs, traditions, rituals and folklore of our past are featured, from the crowning of a Celtic king, a Norman battlefield scene, the building of medieval Tintern Abbey to the founding of the town of New Ross in Co.Wexford by the Norman Earl of Pembroke, William Marshall and his wife Isabel de Clare in 1207.

This unique attraction is an exciting blend of innovative design, where visitors can browse through the fascinating historical resource at their leisure, view tapestry demonstrations first hand, or spend time in the design orientated gift shop.

www.rostapestry.com

Dunmain House

This 17th century house and its history have been the subject of many novels and plays such as Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott. The imposing slate covered house is said not to have one but two ghosts. The entrance hall, dining and sitting rooms, both towers, private oratory, jail cell and restored olde world servants kitchen form part of the guided tour.

Stella Maris Community Centre

Stella Maris Community and Tourist Centre is situated in the middle of the heritage fishing village of Kilmore Quay. This quaint town is well known for its white washed thatched cottages, beaches and seafood restaurants.

Stella Maris Community Centre provides a restaurant and conference room.

Kilmore Quay provides an ideal location for sea and shore anglers. Bird watchers will find that the saltee islands (5km off the coast of Kilmore Quay) are a sanctuary for birds such as puffins, gannets, cormorants, shags and many more. Walkers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the hours of peaceful safe walking along the Wexford coastline.

www.kilmorequayweb.com

Our Lady’s Island

Situated near Rosslare, County Wexford, Our Lady’s Island has a fascinating history. In the area, remains of a pre-Christian settlement have been discovered over the years, including clay mounds containing human bones and burnt ashes.

In the 6th century, St Abban is believed to have chosen Our Lady’s Island as the location for his monastery, and sometime in the following century, it became a place of pilgrimage.

Subsequently, Our Lady’s Island housed an Augustinian settlement, and its church still stands today. Visitors can also view Our Lady’s Well, and the remains of St Vaughn’s Church and a leaning tower that dates from the Norman era.

www.ourladysisland.ie

St Iberius Church

John Roberts, the architect behind Waterford’s splendid Christ Church Cathedral, designed St Iberius Church in Wexford Town. The Anglican house of worship was built in the 18th century and features a late-Georgian style interior and 19th-century Venetian Renaissance exterior.

Saint Aidan’s Cathedral

The town of Enniscorthy is home to St Aiden’s, a Catholic cathedral designed by English architect Augustus Welby Pugin in his signature neo-Gothic style. Though construction began in 1843, it was halted during the Great Famine and the County Wexford cathedral was not dedicated until 1860. The wonderful spire was completed in 1873.

In 1994, the cathedral underwent restoration efforts. Today, visitors can view the decorative stencilling, which was reproduced in the original motifs and colours.

The cathedral is open daily to the public.

Tintern Abbey

The Earl of Pembroke founded Tintern Abbey just 16km south of New Ross in about 1200, when, during a treacherous journey on ship, he vowed to establish an abbey if he reached land safely. The abbey is thus often called Tintern de Voto, or Tintern of the Vow. It was colonised by the Cistercian monks from the abbey at Tintern, Wales, of which the Earl was also a patron.

Today, visitors to the lovely County Wexford site can view the remains of the nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. They can also participate in 45-minute guided tours of the property, which, in the 16th century, became living quarters for the Colclough family.

Selskar Abbey

Selskar Abbey is a 12th-century structure that replaced a pre-Christian temple dedicated to Odin. The complex, which is part of the Westgate Heritage Tower, was the location where the first Anglo-Irish treaty was signed. In 1172, Henry II also spent Lent at the abbey, as he did penance for having Thomas Becket beheaded.

After years of suppression, the abbey was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. The present Protestant church was built in 1818.

www.visitwexford.ie

Ballybrittas Fine Portal Tomb

The Ballybrittas Fine Portal Tomb can be found on a hill in the village of Bree, which is situated about 10km from Enniscorthy in County Wexford. The tomb has a capstone measuring 3.6 metres squared and portal stones standing nearly 2 metres high. The chamber is partly closed by a door slab.

Rathmacknee Castle

A castle probably erected by John Rosseter who was made Seneschal of the Liberties of Wexford in I451, and whose family remained Catholics although they recognised Henry VIII in the 16th century. The tower stands in the south-eastern corner of a well-preserved bawn. The tower is five storeys high, and has battlements which are typical of the I5th and 16th centuries in Ireland. The bawn wall is about 4 feet thick and 24 feet high, with a round turret at the north-eastern corner and a less prominent squareone at the north-western corner. It is almost complete, and gives a very good idea of what the tower-houses and bawns of the 15th and 16th centuries in Ireland looked like.

Enniscorthy Castle

Recently restored and updated, Enniscorthy Castle is now home to a totally new visitor experience- “”Enniscorthy Castle, A View From The Keep””, focusing on the history of the town of Enniscorthy, as well as its castle.

In addition, the exhibition focuses on the role of Enniscorthy in the 1916 Rising and internationally renowned designer, Eileen Grey. Fully wheelchair accessible, the roof offers spectacular views of the town of Enniscorthy and the surrounding countryside. Admission is free until September 2011. Guided tours take place on the hour.

www.enniscorthycastle.ie

Newtownbarry House, Gardens and Gallery

Features of the house include a top-lit picture gallery and a richly carved staircase which lets natural light onto the landing, staircase and hall. There also many finely carved fireplaces. The library is finely crafted from wood. Newtownbarry and Stradbally are the only southern houses designed by Charles Lanyon and the same firm of architects.

There is an 18th & 19th century Sunken Garden with a pond and stone grotto arches, the Rose Garden and lake. There are many beautiful plants and borders around the garden including a red border and Lavender hedge. The garden contains many snowdrops and about 6000 spring plants – in late May, June and July the borders are at their best.

www.newtownbarryhouse.com

Craanford Mills

Craanford Mill is a 17th Century watermill housed in a domestic scale structure. This corn – grinding mill has been restored to full working order. The works are on view to visitors with interpretive data, explanatory exhibits and wholesome food served on the kiln loft.
The flagstone floors have been worn by 200 years of shuffling feet, the stairs creek in mild complaint and on one side of the room, sacks of freshly ground meal slouch against each other. Outside the mill wheel waits for the surge of water from the mill pond.

Slade Castle

Slade Castle overlooking the small harbour of Slade near Hook Head is the massive, late 15th century structure. It features elegant tapering towers with an adjoining fortified house, of some what later date.

Ballyhack Castle

Ballyhack Castle is located on a steep slope in a commanding position overlooking Waterford estuary. The castle, a large tower house, is thought to have been built c. 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, one of the two great military orders founded at the beginning of the 12th century at the time of the Crusades.

Ferns Cathedral

A cathedral was built here in the 13th century probably by John Saint John, the first English bishop of Ferns, d. 1243. It stood within the bounds of the monastery founded by Saint Aidan in the 6th century.

This large cruciform cathedral was burnt down bythe O Byrnes of Wicklow in 1575. They were ordered to rebuild it in 1577, which they did, though crudely, to approximately the size it is today. The east end wall with its lancet and vesica shaped windows was rebuilt from part of the original 13th century building. Two ancient vaults run beneath the chancel. In 1817 the cathedral was enlarged and the present tower and chapter house added. On the inside the pillars of an earlier structure, walled up in 1577, can be seen in the north and south walls.

Ferns Castle

Ferns Castle dating back to c1220, it is a Norman Castle with links to Diarmuid McMurragh who brought the Normans to Ireland. The Castle has a magnificent vaulted ceiling and is considered to be the finest of its kind in Ireland. Adjacent to the Castle is a wonderfully modern Visitors Centre which houses the ‘Ferns Tapestry’. Showing the history of Ferns in stitch work, from the arrival of St. Aidan in 598AD to the coming of the Normans in 1169, it is a credit to the local women who created it.

Originally, the castle formed a square, with large corner towers. Only half of the castle now remains. The most complete tower contains a fine circular chapel, with carved ornament. The tower also has several original fireplaces and a vaulted basement. Archaeological excavations revealed a rock- cut ditch outside the castle walls.

Ferns Castle is one of a number of historic sites in Ferns. Others include St. Mary’s (Augustinian); the remains of a 13th century cathedral. St. Peter’s, a small nave and chancel church; some High crosses stand in the cathedral grounds. Restricted access to castle for visitors with disabilities. Full access to visitor building.

www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/FernsCastle/

Cahore Beach

Curracloe is long wide fine stretch of beach with 3 main entrances known locally as Ballinsker/White Gap/Culletons Gap running north to south. This Green Coast awarded beach is very popular for boating and other water sports.

Cahore Beach is on the east coast of County Wexford, 35 kilometers north of Wexford Town, The Beach is a 500m section of sandy coastline. The Beach has an easterly aspect overlooking the Irish Sea and is bordered on the west by car park and a line of sand dunes. The area is adjacent to the rural village of Cahore

Courtown South Blue Flag Beach

The South Beach of Courtown is a much smaller beach than the north beach, but is close by so also benefits from the village amenities. It is a quieter and more tranquil beach so should you wish to get away to a quiet spot and chill out, this is the beach to visit. It is not however suitable for swimming.

Ballymoney North Beach

This a very popular local beach. Lifeguard station and other amenities are provided including toilets and has has has received the National Green Coasts Award.

From the southern beach there is a good size lane over the rocks connecting it to the northern beach. Once there, you will understand its popularity.

Morriscastle Blue Flag Beach

This lovely sheltered Blue Flag beach is know as the Golden Mile. Great for children, it has lovely dandy dunes. Popular for fishing. Seals are often seen swimming near the shore.

Morriscastle Strand lies 2.5kms south of Cahore Point and is accessed off the R742 at Kilmuckridge village. This is an extremely popular venue for families with shore anglers and is regularly used for competitions. One of the reasons for this venue’s popularity is its ability to produce specimen sized fish.

Species encountered include bass, tope, smoothound, bullhuss, dogfish, spurdog, ray, flounder and dab. Night fishing produces the best results.
Species: Bass, tope, smoothound, bullhuss, dogfish, spurdog, ray, flounder and dab.

Season:April/June and September/October
Ground Type: Shallow sandy beach with several deeper gullies within casting range.
Bait: Crab, mackerel and ragworm.
Method: Generally ledger tactics work best.
Fishing Tip: If a night session is planned on this beach, arrive in daylight and organise your bait and tackle before fishing.

Courtown beach has received the International Blue Flag award.

Curracloe Blue Flag Beach

In the village of Curracloe, (8km North East of Wexford), Curracloe Beach was awarded Blue Flag status in 2004. A particularly safe area for bathing. However please help by observing the ”life Guard on Duty” signs when bathing.
A nature trail also runs through the dunes.

Roney Point Beach

The most famous residents of this beach live on the little island just off Roney Point, a family of seals. While occasionally one of these inhabitants can be seen popping their heads up off Courtown, a trip to Roney Point is essential to be sure to catch a glimpse of them.

Rosslare Blue Flag Beach

Rosslare Strand is located 12km south east of Wexford town and 4km north west of Rosslare Europort on the southern edge of Wexford Harbour.Rosslare beach has received the International Blue Flag award 2011.

The beach itself is comprised of sand and stone running the length of the southern peninsula which protrudes into Wexford Harbour.

The main beach is accessed by various walkways and its main access point is from the main car park.The beach is segmented by a series of timber breakwaters which are designed to retain sandy deposits along the beach.

Kilpatrick Beach

The beach is not well sign-posted, but it can be found next to Kilmichael Strand. Here there are acres of soft sandy dunes ideal for a picnic. The beach is renowned for its very rare sea shells and unusual sea stones and pebbles.

Paulshone Beach

This beach is hidden between the rocks after Ardamine. Its natural shelter ensures calm waters. There is also a lovely cliff top walk here from which you can see most of the coast line, and it is possible to travel to Roney Point from here. Although ramblers are asked to be aware of the dangers of getting too close to the cliff’s edge.

Kilmuckridge Beach

Morriscastle has a wealth of secluded coves and a natural bay extending over three miles.

Ideal for relaxed walks in an area of unspoilt scenic beauty.
Walk from Morriscastle to Newtown which passes by the Ballteigue Bog and the Fodagh which is abundant with birdlife.

Long, sandy beaches, clean water and good self-catering and camping facilities accompany the seasied resorts of Kilmuckridge and Blackwater.

Dodd’s Rock Beach

Heading northwards from Courtown you will find Dodds Rocks, a beach named after Captain Dodd. You can access it from Courtown – Ballymoney road. On a good day you can walk to Dodds Rocks from Courtown Beach which makes for a really energising walk. The beach is one of the biggest along the coast and well worth a visit.

Duncannon Beach

The Wexford coastline is a long maze of coves, bays and golden sands, it is said that you can stay for two weeks and enjoy a different beach each day.
Access onto beach for cars.
Suitable for families. Sand sculpting
festival in August with Face-Painting,
Fireworks and Beach Parties.

Water sports such as boarding, sailing, sea-canoeing, dingy sailing, snorkeling and other outdoor activities are very popular in this region.

The International Sand Sculpting Festival also takes place here every year, and is well worth seeing!

Grange Beach

Great sandy beach, lovely for walks, wind surfing and kayaking. Runs into Banna strand at low tide.

Courtown North Blue Flag Beach

This beach has been a firm favourite with tourists since the turn of the century, and today is extremely popular with families, walkers, water sports and the sun seekers. The beach has a borough along side it which contains ideal spots for picnics and lovely woodlands for walking. The beach also has a lifeguard station.

Courtown beach has received the International Blue Flag award.

Ballymoney South Beach

This is a small beach but can be a quiet get-away from the busy North Beach and Clones Strand. It has a shop and toilet at its entrance, a small stream to paddle for the kids although it is not suitable for bathing in; as well as rocks and lovely sand which is ideal for sunbathing.

Carnivan Beach

Long sandy beach with rock pools at low tide. Suitable for more experienced swimmers and ideal for surfing.

Kilmichael Strand

This is quite a long beach located after Clones Strand. Its most notable feature is the borough which runs along side it which is made up of mini hills and valleys. This beach is also a very popular spot for fishermen with a lot of good vantage points among the rocks.

Glascarrig Beach

Ideal for the enthusiastic fishing person or for a family day by the sea. Located between Roney Point and Cahore. Well signposted.

Oldbawn (Newtown) Beach

Green Coast awared beach is sheltered by sand dunnes and has a wide range of wildlife. You can walk along this beach to the adjoining beach of Morriscastle.

Old Bawn Beach is on the east coast of County Wexford, 5 Kilometres South East of Ballygarrett village. The Beach is a 3 kilometre section of a long stretch of sandy coastline extending south from Cahore Point and includes part of the Cahore Polders and Dunes National Heritage Area.
The Beach has an easterly aspect overlooking the Irish Sea and is bordered on the west by a line of sand dunes. The area is essentially rural with the nearest major population centre in Gorey Town.

Ardamine Beach

Around the rocks from Courtown’s South Beach is the long sandy beach of Ardamine. At the curve in the beach, built up sand has created a shallow, stoneless sandbank, where the waves break early before reaching the beach – its a great spot for the kids. A place well worth a visit.

Baginbun Beach

Sheltered cove with sandy beach. Rock pools to explore at low tide. Ideal for swimming and suitable for families.

Kia Ora Mini Farm

On their day at Kia Ora Mini Farm, the children can hold and feed a variety of live pet animals such as puppies, rabbits, poultry, sheep, the pot bellied pig, donkeys, sheep, lamas and goats amongst many others. They will have access to the farm tractors, toy tractors and diggers for the sand pits. We have a new fire engine ride, which is included in our entry fee and are in the process of growing a new forest for nature walks. We still have rough rider track, football pitch and coffee shop. Children get a chance to hold and feed the animals and our farm has ample free car parking and is fully wheelchair accessible due to our cement paths. For the more senior citizens, there is an interesting museum type exhibition of farm memorabelia and, if you’re interested, even an old threshing mill.

Kia Ora Mini Farm is located about one mile off the Courtown road from Gorey, Co.Wexford ( see map ) Please take some time to have a look through our website and see the vast array of animals you can feed, pet, and watch with amazement. Pay just once on entry and stay for the entire day.

www.kiaoraminifarm.com

Blackwater Open Farm

Visit Blackwater Open farm for a fun day out for the whole family, meet the animals, play in the playground, ride the tractors and enjoy a bite to eat at our Cafe.

Easter:
Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt starts at 12noon Easter Saturday and Sunday and runs on the hour every hour until 5pm.

Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Join us at the farm for our annual Teddy Bear’s picnic, an afternoon full of great family fun. Bring your Teddy Bear along.

Halloween:
Join us on Sunday of Halloween weekend (Sun 30th Oct 2011), for face painting, traditional Halloween party games and a themed spooky Halloween menu at our cafe. Come in your fancy dress and have your face painted to complete the look. Starts at 12 noon.Face painting run til 4pm.

Christmas:
Santa arrives at Blackwater Open Farm, Saturday 3rd December, Sunday 4th December, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th from 1pm to 5pm each day.

For groups of 10 children or more you can make a very special booking to visit Santa any date in December and have him exclusive for your group.

www.blackwateropenfarm.ie

Shrule Pet Farm

Not only a commercial deer farm but also a pet farm comprising all usual farm animals with emphasis on breeding and preservation of various types of poultry and a varied selection of sheep breeds. Many animals may be handled under supervision, and during guided tours to the deer enclosure the deer may be hand-fed.

The attractive playground, features Slides, Swings, Activity Gym, See-Saw Sand Pit etc. will occupy the children whilst you enjoy light refreshments and a browse among the souvenirs.

Secret Valley Adventure Farm

Fourteen acres of fun filled adventures await you at Secret Valley Adventure Farm near Clonroche, Co Wexford. From bottle feeding the hungry kid goats and lambs, to riding Snowball the pony, we promise you unforgettable, great value, family fun.

www.secretvalley.ie

Carrigbyrne Mini Farm

Carrigbyrne Mini Farm is a great place for children to experience the world of animals and life on a farm. Lots to do for the whole family, meet the animals, play in the playground, and ride the tractors. Children can roam around, visit the animals and they can feed and touch them.

Great value for an exciting day out.

Features and Facilities include: –
* FARM ANIMALS AND PETS – A wide variety of farm animals – horses, donkeys, flabella’s, pigs, pigmy goats, sheep, emu, llama, wallabies, mara, giant rabbits, eagle owls, peacocks, cows, sika deer and farm fowl – hens, ducks and geese.
* PETS’ CORNER – Where the young and curious visitors can hold and pet their favourite furry animals including rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs.
* CHILDRENS’ PLAYGROUND – A well-equipped playground overlooking the open farm suitable for children from age 2 to 12 years old.
* FOREST WALK – A relaxing walk through Carrigbyrne Forest. This is an area that is rich in habitat diversity and wildlife. You will get away from it all and the only sounds you will hear are those of the birds.
* 1798 CAMPSITE
* COFFEE SHOP – You have earned yourself a break.
* GIFT SHOP – A good range of souvenirs and toys.
* INDOOR & OUTDOOR PICNIC AREAS – If you would prefer to bring your own picnic we have lots of indoor and outdoor picnic areas.
* WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.
* AMPLE PARKING FOR CARS AND BUSES.

www.carrigbyrneminifarm.com