Visiting County Wexford? This part of the Irish province of Leinster has a number of attractions that you won’t want to miss. Plus some interesting sights that are a bit off the beaten path.
So why not take your time and spend a day or two in Wexford, home of the Kennedy clan, when you visit Ireland? Here are some ideas to make the most of your time in this part of Ireland.
Some facts in County Wexford
When in Wexford, it’s best to know a little about Wexford, starting with its Viking origins, for example. Here are some additional facts about this Irish county to help you:
- The Irish name for County Wexford is Contae Loch Garman, totally foreign. Literally translated, this refers to ‘Lake Garma’, Garma is the old name for the River Slaney, and the original Irish name therefore describes the entire estuary.
- The common name Wexford derives from Scandinavian and describes the same area with a slightly different slope meaning “a river mouth protected by a sandbar.”
- In Viking times, Wexford was one of the most important ports and settlements in Ireland.
- Cars registered in County Wexford have the letters WX on their license plates. The more common “last and first letter” system did not work, since neighboring Waterford came first in the alphabet and had already scored them.
- The county town is Wexford Town, and Enniscorthy, Gorey, and New Ross are also towns of some importance in the area. Add to this the port town of Rosslare, which is often the first port of call for tourists arriving by ferry.
- In terms of size, County Wexford measures up to 913 square miles.
- As of the 2016 census, Wexford County’s population is 149,722.
- The county’s nickname, “Model County,” was derived from the large number of “Model Farms” found here. These were the agricultural experiments that paved the way for many rural reforms across the country.
- In GAA circles, the Wexford players are known as “Yellowbellies,” a reference to the color scheme of the GAA team’s uniform. They are also sometimes referred to as “Slaneysiders”, people who live next door to Slaney.
Experience the Irish National Heritage Park
Easily rated Wexford’s top attraction and located just north of the town of Wexford, near an imposing tower house in a splendid location, Ireland’s National Heritage Park aims to present a few thousand years of Irish history.
Unless you are prepared for a lot of travel and conjuring images of the ruins, you won’t get a better comprehensive look at Ireland’s past than here. All this combined with an easy walk through the garden areas of a wide variety and full of Irish history. The story of human settlement in Ireland is told, beginning in the Stone Age and then continuing (by leaps and bounds) to the Anglo-Norman era, through Celts, monks, and Vikings.
Reenactors show off their skills in the summer, at other times the highly informative signs give you enough to ponder. And being able to enter a Celtic farm is an experience of its own. Of special interest is the medieval high cross, authentically colored to bring the biblical scenes to life. The “dark ages” were quite colorful; We tend to forget that.
Learn about history at the 1798 National Rebellion Center
Vying for the title of best historical attraction in County Wexford, the 1798 Center in Enniscorthy retells the story of the united Irish and loyalist repression during the Great Irish Rebellion of 1798. The story is presented in a balanced way and accessible. Set in the shadow of Vinegar Hill, where the Irish rebels made their last unfortunate positions against the Red Coats, the museum places the Wolfe Tone rebellion in the larger European context of revolution and reaction. Innovative features include smart use of multimedia facilities and thought-provoking display arrangements. With all the major players of 1798, rebellious and loyal, essentially smashed to pieces on a chessboard, it brings home the tactical and strategic ‘political game’ that was enacted on Irish soil at that time.
Visit Kennedy’s farm
Irish-American pilgrimage site, Kennedy Homestead, near New Ross, is a tangible connection between JFK and Ireland. There is honestly not much to see here, but the old farm is an evocative part of Irish in-laws history. In the humble former home, you will find some memorabilia, some photos, and a fairly conservative account of the Kennedy family’s history. This is the story of the poor emigrants who come from poverty to riches and maximum political influence in a short time. The legend of the land of unequaled opportunities, of the home of the mighty, of the men who built America.
Dunbrody: Ross’s New Famine Ship
Like many parts of Ireland, County Wexford was hit hard by famine. Impressive and interesting, the Dunbrody tall ship replica offers a reminder of the famine area and a lasting tribute to Irish Americans. Many people boarded these types of ships, also known as “coffin ships” to set sail for a new life. Built just a few years ago, the Dunbrody is a faithful replica of a commercial and passenger ship that traveled the transatlantic route in the mid-19th century. With some modern additions (like an engine and safety gear, but you won’t notice most). It provides a glimpse of the past and what it must have been like to pass through the often rough seas. The adjacent museum provides more details about the immigrant experience aboard similar vessels. A new company is the Irish-American Hall of Fame,
Discover Tintern Abbey and its medieval Irish history
Tucked just offshore (but accessible from the open sea via an estuary), Tintern Abbey is often overlooked but would be a shame to skip on your trip to County Wexford. A former Cistercian abbey, often mistaken for its ‘sister’ in Wales, this partly ruined complex remains impressive and manages to convey an idea of how important religious orders were in medieval times when it was built. The secluded setting in a green hilly landscape allows the modern visitor to enjoy the massive scale of the former monastery, without being distracted by modern developments encroaching on the historic surroundings. No wonder you see a lot of wedding parties taking their official photos here! The backdrop is impressive.
See the Memorial Garden at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum
This is an unusual attraction: trees from around the world, planted in Wexford in memory of US President John F. Kennedy at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum. While JFK might be best known for its role in the space race, this wilderness is a wonderful living monument for everyone to simply enjoy. Serious green thumbs will keep you busy for years to come, while anyone with a nature-loving heart can enjoy long, relaxing walks through enchanting scenery. Often packed with local visitors on weekends and during school holidays, this garden is an oasis of calm in County Wexford.
Stroll through Kilmokea Gardens
Very close to the JFK Arboretum, you will also find Kilmokea Gardens, a recommended stop for gardening enthusiasts and the more serious horticulturist. Established on the grounds of a former church rectory, Wexford Gardens are divided into formal, agricultural and park sections, including lakes, archaeological areas of interest, and even an Italian pavilion. If you wish to stay, Kilmokea House also offers excellent accommodation in a quiet and historic setting next to the beautiful gardens.
See the Hook Head Lighthouse
Take a road trip to the southern tip of County Wexford’s sizable Hook Peninsula for a unique experience. The journey takes a little time and some patience, but the journey is rewarding. Hook’s Head Lighthouse is the oldest still functioning lighthouse in Ireland and is a living part of Irish history that can be visited on a guided tour. The tower was first erected in the Middle Ages and stands proud and robust on a rocky shoreline, which in itself is ideal for long walks in the sea air. You can climb the tower to enjoy the view, but the trip inside is more interesting because of the vision it offers about the operation of a lighthouse. Afterward, enjoy a cup of tea and cake at the café, and then head out for a walk along the shoreline. Feel free to walk as far as you like – you will always find your way back to your car because the lighthouse is visible for miles around.
Stop at Templetown – Named after the Knights Templar
A less obvious attraction to Wexford is really for the history buff or avid reader of Dan Brown. Templetown is an Irish town that will intrigue visitors who are seriously interested in the Knights Templar. The area has some grave slabs and some medieval ruins, which form the main attractions here, apart from the pub.
Traditional music in Wexford
Visiting County Wexford and having something to do at night? Well, you can do what the locals do and plan a night out in the pub (which, by default, will be an ‘original Irish pub’) and then join a traditional Irish session. Ready to listen to some music?
Most sessions start around 9:30 pm or when a few musicians get together.
Carrick in Bannow – “Colfer’s” – Thursday
Duncannon – “Bob Roche’s” – Saturday
Enniscorthy – “Rackard’s” – Wednesday
Gorey – «Arthur Quinn’s» – Lunes
New Ross – “Mannion’s” – Friday
Wexford Town
- «Centennial Shops» – Wednesday and Sunday morning and noon
- “Mooney’s” – Wednesday
- “O’Faolain” – Monday and Sunday afternoon
- «Heaven and earth» – Sunday to Thursday
