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A Guide to What’s Open in County Wexford this Autumn
This Autumn, we want to make sure every visitor to our stunning sunny south-east has the most memorable time. And so, we have compiled a list of County Wexford’s attractions and activities worth visiting this crisp season, with your safety at the forefront of our mind.
Our #TravelTuesday Tip: Look out for the Fáilte Ireland Safety Charter and it’s green tick when you’re visiting any establishment in Co. Wexford this Autumn. While your experience when visiting us is important, your safety is just crucial.
Fáilte Ireland and Wexford County Council have partnered together to produce a full guide of business’, their openings and activities, and their compliance with the Fáilte Ireland Safety Charter. In short, it will confirm to our visitors where the safest places to explore County Wexford are.
Attractions
Historical & Heritage sites
Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience
Sitting on a long past which saw emigrants sailing from Ireland in the nineteenth century, the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience is certainly an eye-opener. Situated where the voyage first set sail off the Quay in New Ross in County Wexford, the experience tells the story of the 1.5 million citizens that emigrated on the head of the Irish Famine in 1845.
Experience on offer: Guided costumed tour
Booking requirements: Advised to book online (also facilitating walk-ins). Booked tours are on the hour, running from 10 am through to 4 pm. Walk-ins on the half-hour. Tour numbers are restricted. Catering for 180 visitors per day
Opening hours: 7 days a week from 9 am – 6 pm. Last tours at 4 pm.
Where: The Quay, New Ross, Co. Wexford
Check out www.dunbrody.com
Hook Lighthouse
On the corner of Ireland’s Ancient East, and voted as one of Ireland’s favourite attractions, Hook Lighthouse is a destination that merits a visit from all those who have yet to see and explore the oldest operating lighthouse in the world. Book a guided tour of the lighthouse and take in a phenomenal panoramic view of the Celtic Sea.
Experience on offer: Guided tour of Hook Lighthouse
Booking requirements: Every person visiting must book a Free Grounds Access Pass, which ensures access to the grounds, cafe, pirate ship and toilets. To book a tour, call in advance on 051 397055 or book upon arrival (subject to availability as group sizes are smaller).
Opening hours: Hook Lighthouse, ‘Lightkeepers Cafe’ and outdoor dining option ‘The Seahorse’ are open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm with last access to the grounds at 4 pm, and dining closing at 5 pm.
Where: Hook Head, Churchtown, Co. Wexford. Y34 KD93
Check out www.hookheritage.ie
Irish National Heritage Park
Interested in getting lost in Ireland’s past? Sitting on a wealth of history, from historic buildings, settlements and woodlands, to the indulgence of the sights, sounds and stories that shaped County Wexford, The Irish National Heritage Park is waiting to be discovered. For a unique insight into the past of the Irish National Heritage Park, guided tours conclude history through Prehistoric Ireland, Early Christian Ireland and the Age of Invasion.
Experience on offer: Guided or self-guided tour of the park
Booking requirements: Online Pre-booking is essential. Your ticket grants you admission to the Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford on the day of your choosing. You CANNOT book a tour, when you buy an admission ticket, it gives you access to all 3 tours on your visit to the park. When buying a ticket online we do need you to choose a time slot for social distancing purposes but this does not represent tour times. The tours run all day on a schedule you will receive on arrival to the park.
Opening hours: Open 7 days a week from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, with the last admission to the park at 4 pm.
Where: Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford
Check out www.irishheritage.ie
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens
The beautiful Johnstown Castle welcomes visitors with open arms to explore, enjoy and feel inspired on their grounds. Among the many trails, woodland walks, gardens and lake laybys, is the spectacular Irish Agricultural Museum, which is home to a display of exhibits that envision farming and rural life in Ireland. Set in the area for over 800 years, the estate is a beautiful wisteria of colourful flora, and as a bonus, it merits beauty in its restored 19th-century castle and servants tunnel which can be pre-booked for tours online.
Experience on offer: Gardens, Agricultural Museum and Castle Tour
Booking requirements: No pre-booking is required for entry to the Gardens or the Irish Agricultural Museum. Castle tours need to be pre-booked online.
Opening hours: 7 days a week, 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
Where: Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford. Y35 HP22
Check out www.johnstowncastle.ie
The Kennedy Homestead
Birthplace to President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy, The Kennedy Homestead in New Ross is a unique part and place of Irish-American history which celebrates five generations of Kennedy’s and the stories that they hold onto. Keeping the Kennedy family legacy in Ireland, and especially in the south-east, is pivotal to all that play a part in ensuring that every piece of history in this visitor centre is preserved. If you’re in the market to learn more from the past that lies on this property, it is certainly a mine that merits a visit on your stay in County Wexford.
Experience on offer: Cultural museum dedicated to the Irish-American Kennedy Family
Booking requirements: Where possible book tour online
Opening hours: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Where: Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford
Check out www.kennedyhomestead.ie
JFK Arboretum
Lying on a bed of Irish history dating back to the life of President John F. Kennedy who’s great-grandad Patrick Kennedy came from the nearby village of Dunganstown, the JFK Arboretum holds onto a comprehensive collection of presidential proportions. Bound across a stunning garden of trees and shrubs, among forests and an additional 252 hectares of land, JFK Arboretum is, as expected, a picturesque sea of greenery which is ready to be admired and explored by many.
Experience on offer: Walking trails and gardens among an extensive plant collection
Booking requirements: Guided tours can be booked in advance (046) 942 6070. Free admission for the rest of 2020.
Opening hours: 10 am to 6.30 pm during September & 10 am to 5 pm from October to March
Where: Ballysop, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Y34 KA48
Check out www.heritageireland.ie
Dunbrody Abbey
From a variety of amenities on-site such as the Abbey itself, a maze with pitch and putt, a craft shop and tea rooms, Dunbrody Abbey is a forceful figure in County Wexford’s history. Make a trip to Dunbrody Abbey’s Visitor Centre and give way to heed of ancient stories through the times.
Experience on offer: Family-friendly attraction which includes: an Abbey, maze with pitch and putt, a tea room and a craft shop
Booking requirements: Guided Tours of Abbey for groups if booked in advance. Special rates available for schools, please contact us to book
Opening hours: Closed from mid-September until 1/5/21. Opening Hours 1st May to Mid September 11:00hrs – 17:30hrs (July-August 11:00hrs – 18:00hrs)
Where: Dunbrody, Campile, Co. Wexford
Check out www.dunbrodyabbey.com
Garden and Trails
All Wexford Walking Trails are open for you to enjoy. If you fancy a trail make sure to check all the Walking Trails in Co. Wexford >>here<<
Kilmokea Gardens & Tea Rooms
Surrounding the stunning Kilmokea Country Manor in the south-west of County Wexford, Kilmokea Gardens & Tea Rooms extend an exceptional experience for those looking to rewind and enjoy a tranquil afternoon in the countryside. Overlooking the River Barrow, the walled gardens set standards straight with their beautiful array of lawns, ornaments, topiary and flora.
Experience on offer: Access to Kilmokea Country Manor’s Gardens & Tea Rooms
Booking requirements: No booking required – just turn up and enjoy your time
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday throughout September & October
Closing 2nd November until 1st April or Good Friday 2021
Where: Great Island, Campile, Co. Wexford. Y34 TH58
Check out www.kilmokea.com
Colclough Walled Garden
Built by the Colclough Family in the 19th-century, the walled gardens complete the Georgian style grounds it lays on. Recent works on the gardens carried out by volunteers portray an idyllic and tranquilising place for one seeking a peaceful and pleasurable afternoon in the fresh air of County Wexford. A bed of colour is painted across the plentiful gardens and it’s the perfect pit-stop to visit while touring the sunny south-east.
Experience on offer: A sea of beautiful colours across walled gardens
Booking requirements: No pre-booking required
Opening hours: Open year-round. 10 am to 6 pm from April to September. 10 am to 4 pm from October to March. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Where: Tintern Abbey, Castleworkhouse, New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Check out www.colcloughwalledgarden.com
Wexford Lavender Farm
Aiming to give visitors the experience of exploring life in the countryside, Wexford Lavender Farm is set across four acres of lavender and holds a plentiful place on County Wexford’s ‘must-do’ list. While the lavender fields are the main attraction, a visit to the café, visitors centre, gift shop, woodland walk and children’s play area is also endorsed. It’s overall purple hew and farm-like experience is much to be desired during a visit to Wexford Lavender Farm.
Experience on offer: Lavender Farm walks, cáfe, gift shop and more
Booking requirements: Must be pre-booked. Parking is free. From September onwards (our harvesting season, i.e. no lavender to look at).
Opening hours: Weekends Only. Saturdays & Sundays from 10:30am to 5pm. Closes at Halloween until Easter.
Where: Coolnagloose, Inch, Co. Wexford. Y25 NW42
Check out www.wexfordlavenderfarm.ie
Especially for kids
Seal Rescue Ireland
Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of seals that were found to be sick, injured or orphaned, Seal Rescue Ireland situated in Courtown Harbour, is more than an attraction. The rescue centre is an educational and informational site based in the north of County Wexford and home to many seals in need of help.
Experience on offer: Seal Feed & Enrichment Experience – A one hour ‘behind the scenes’ opportunity to help care for rescued seal pups and learn about ocean conservation.
Booking requirements: Must pre-book through the website www.sealrescueireland.org/visit-us/
Opening hours: Open 7 days a week, all year round! Daily time slots (until September 30th): 10am, 12:30pm, 3pm and 5pm
Where: Courtown Harbour, Co. Wexford. Y25 PD92
Check out www.sealrescueireland.org/
Secret Valley Wildlife Park
As the only fully licensed zoo and wildlife park in the sunny south-east, Secret Valley Wildlife Park offers an extensive range of animals, activities and attributes for those that visit to explore and discover nature. From monkeys, raccoons, lemurs, rabbits, goats, donkeys, horses, alpacas and llamas, guinea pigs, and more among 40 different species in the park, there is plenty to see and do! Secret Valley Wildlife Park’s activities are also plentiful, from riding ponies, arts & crafts, riding quad-bikes, feeding kid goats, treasure hunts, and more – there’s something there for all ages.
Experience on offer: Open farm where you can pet and feed lots of wonderful animals, operate real diggers, get lost in our maze, milk a cow, pedal go-karts, play in sandpits etc.
Booking requirements: Booking is available on the website and recommended during peak times to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours: Every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm in September and Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm in October. Closing on the 1st of November in preparation for their ‘Magical Christmas Experience.’ Stay up to date online.
Where: Courteencurragh, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Y25 RX60
Check out www.secretvalley.ie/
Kia Ora Mini Farm
As a family-run open farm based in the north of County Wexford, Kia Ora Mini Farm is undoubtedly a must-do for families visiting the sunny south-east this year. While adults are encouraged to relax and children are abided to roam free, the farm is safe and enjoyable for everyone. From milking cow sheds, pig stys and small animal petting, to an ‘under 4’ play area, go-karting, mazes, sandpits, football pitches and more, there’s no doubt yourself and your little loved ones will have a plentiful and fun-filled day at Kia Ora Mini Farm.
Experience on offer: Open farm where you can pet and feed lots of wonderful animals, operate real diggers, get lost in our maze, milk a cow, pedal go-karts, play in sandpits etc.
Booking requirements: Booking is available on the website and recommended during peak times to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours: Every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm in September and Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm in October. Closing on the 1st of November in preparation for their ‘Magical Christmas Experience.’ Stay up to date online.
Where: Courteencurragh, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Y25 RX60
Check out kiaoraminifarm.ie/
Pirates Cove is undoubtedly a must-do when it comes to fun activities in County Wexford. Travel to the north of the county and book yourself and some friends or family in for a light-hearted game of crazy golf, or get competitive and take a strike in a game of bowling. If you’re not satisfied with that choice, avail of the many amusements on site, as well as Pirates Cove’s indoor playing area.
Experience on offer: Bowling, crazy golf, amusements, indoor play area
Opening hours: Open daily from 11 am. Last round of golf is 7 pm. Outdoor activities close at 6 pm and bowling at 9 pm (Last booking)
Where: Seamount, Courtown, Co. Wexford. Y25 WD85
Check out www.piratescove.ie
Endeavour in a world of fun and adventure at Leisure Max in the South of County Wexford. From play centres, bowling, go-karting and much more, this fun pit in the sunny south-east caters for anyone, from any age. As County Wexford’s No.1 family entertainment zone, Leisure Max offers optimum safety for those looking for an afternoon or evening of plentiful enjoyment.
Experience on offer: Outdoor activities. Check out their Facebook page for experiences
Booking requirements: Book online or ring at 053 9122900
Opening hours: Open 10 am – 7 pm daily
Where: Sinnottstown Lane, Blackhorse, Drinagh, Co. Wexford
Check out www.leisuremax.ie
Activities
The Irish Experience
Take off on an adventure with The Irish Experience and entail on a 3-hour escape experience through the caves and arches of the Hook Peninsula. Listen to, and enjoy a string of stories that come from the past of Norman battles and invasions in the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East. Stop on a hidden beach off the coast of County Wexford and re-energise for another trip through marine life in which you may possibly endeavour on County Wexford’s resident seals. Without a doubt, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Experience on offer: Sea cave kayaking
Booking requirements: Book online
Opening hours: Open 7 days a week. Visit the website for slots. Seasonal.
Where: Hook Peninsula, Co. Wexford
Check out www.theirishexperience.com
International Outdoor Activity Centre
For those who crave adventure, the IOAC is one of County Wexford’s greatest multi-activity outdoor experiences. From camping or glamping to the variety of outdoor activities like archery, kayaking, crate stacking, team challenges and so much more, the IOAC is the south-east’s ultimate adventure centre waiting to be discovered.
Experience on offer: Outdoor activities
Booking requirements: Pre-booking is essential for all activities. Please call 0539189022 or email info@ioac.ie for more information and enquiries.
Opening hours: Activities – Open weekends during September. Saturdays & Sundays 9am – 5pm. Closing for this season on Sunday 27th September 2020. Reopen on Friday 19th March 2021.
Where: Sixacre, Tagoat, Co. Wexford. Y35 RH76
Check out www.ioac.ie
Wexford Swimming Pool & Leisure
Interested in keeping fit and enjoying a leisurely time during your stay in the sunny south-east? Then Wexford Swimming Pool & Leisure is the perfect place to bask in all your fitness needs. As a ‘pay-as-you-go’ 25m long swimming pool in Wexford Town, you’ll undoubtedly fill a wellness void, as well as taking advantage of the sauna and steam room on site.
Experience on offer: Pool & Gym
Booking requirements: Pool & gym timetables available on the website
Opening hours: Open all year round. First come, first served. Numbers Limited
Where: Tincone, Ferrybank, Co. Wexford. Y35 Y184
Check out www.wexfordswimmingpool.ie
And that’s a wrap on this weeks #TravelTuesday blog post. What tickles your fancy in terms of activity and adventure in County Wexford this autumn? Are you willing to step outside your comfort zone and try something new?
It’s the right time to let loose and enjoy yourself for the remainder of 2020, but also keeping in mind the importance of looking out for places with the Fáilte Ireland Safety Charter in check!
#MakeABreakForIt this Autumn and plan your adventure at VisitWexford.ie