While Wexford is #BestForSun #BestForFun, discover the top family attractions our Model County has to offer and #KeepDiscovering
This week’s #TravelTuesday tip: Make sure to check the attraction’s website or social media pages to learn about the extra health and safety measures implemented to keep you safe during your visit. Bear in mind that some activities may require pre-booking a time slot to arrive at to facilitate social distancing regulations. Many of the attractions below welcome picnics, so don’t forget to pack some delicious sandwiches and snacks to keep you going.
You can check out our post on the businesses in Wexford that have complied with the Fáilte Ireland Safety Charter >>here<<
Wexford has reopened for the summer and there are plenty of fantastic attractions suitable for all ages to discover in our beautiful county. Step back in time at the wonderful historical sites, soak up the sunny south east in the glorious gardens and participate in fun activities to keep the little ones entertained throughout your stay.
So, why not #KeepDiscovering this year and #VisitWexford?
The Irish National Heritage Park
Click >>here<< or call (053) 91 20733
Experience 9,000 years of fascinating Irish history at The Irish National Heritage Park. See how some of the earliest settlers in Ireland lived as you explore the huts, towers and monuments around the park. During your visit, visit the incredible birds at the falconry centre or participate in a craft workshop. There is also a restaurant on-site that serves hot food and drinks. The park is open daily from 9:30am until 5:30pm.
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre
Click >>here<< or call (053) 92 37596
Take a tour and learn about the 1798 Rebellion at the fantastic interactive exhibition at The National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Located in Enniscorthy, hear the story of the epic rebellion not far from Vinegar Hill – the site of the historic battle. The centre is open from 9:30am until 5pm during the week, and from 12pm until 5pm at weekends and bank holidays.
© The National 1798 Rebellion Centre
Click >>here<< or call (053) 92 34699
Just a short walk away from the National 1798 Rebellion Centre is Enniscorthy Castle, an impressive Norman castle overlooking the River Slaney. Learn the story of the families who lived in the castle and view the special exhibits, such as the Eileen Grey collection and the movie set from the Oscar-nominated ‘Brooklyn’. The castle is open from 9:30am until 5pm during the week and from 12pm until 5pm at weekends and bank holidays.
© Enniscorthy Castle
Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience
Click >>here<< or call (051) 425 239
Step aboard the magnificent Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience on the quays of New Ross and hear the incredible stories of those who emigrated during the famine. Take a tour with a costumed tour guide and afterwards, grab a bite to eat at the Captain’s Table restaurant with an amazing view of the River Barrow. The ship and the restaurant are both open daily from 9am until 6pm.
Click >>here<< or call (051) 388 264
While in New Ross, why not visit The Kennedy Homestead which features a museum telling the story of US President John F. Kennedy’s family from Dunganstown. Learn about the Kennedy legacy in Ireland through the collection of memorabilia and audio-visual displays. The Kennedy Homestead is open daily from 9:30am until 5:30pm.
© The Kennedy Homestead
Click >>here<< or call (051) 388 171
Visit the JFK Arboretum which boasts over 600 acres of beautiful flora at the foot of Slieve Coillte. Explore the internationally-acclaimed collection of plants as you take a stroll around the gorgeous lake. View the exhibitions and audio-visual show at the visitor centre and the kids can enjoy the playground and treehouses.The arboretum is open daily during the summer from 10am until 8pm.
© JFK Arboretum
Click >>here<< or call (051) 397 055
Make sure to stop by the iconic Hook Lighthouse at the tip of the scenic Hook Peninsula. A recognisable feature of the south eastern coastline, it has been voted the number one lighthouse in the world and is also one of the world’s oldest working lighthouses. Relax and watch the waves from The Lightkeeper’s House cafe and bakery before you visit the gift shop. The lighthouse is open from 9:30am until 7pm during the summer.
Click >>here<< or call (086) 275 9149
Take a stroll around the grounds of the stunning 12th century Dunbrody Abbey. Lose yourself in the beautiful yew hedge maze, visit the museum or play a game of pitch and putt within the grounds of the abbey. You can also visit the craft shop and the tea room on-site. The grounds are open daily from 11am until 5:30pm during the summer.
© Dunbrody Abbey
Click >>here<< or call (051) 562 650
Explore the walking trails around the stunning 13th century Tintern Abbey. The Cistercian abbey on the Hook Peninsula is a beautiful landmark along the many walking trails in the area and you can stop for a cup of tea at the tea rooms to refuel. The grounds of the abbey are open from 9:30am until 5:30pm during the summer. Last admission 17:00pm.
© Tintern Abbey
Click >>here<< or call (083) 306 4159
A stone’s throw away from Tintern Abbey is the fabulous Colclough Walled Garden. The beautiful 19th century Georgian garden spans across 2.5 acres and is divided by a river. See the garden in all of its glory in the sunshine of the Sunny South East. The garden is open daily from 10am until 4pm.
Click >>here<< or call (053) 91 86737
The marvellous Wells House & Gardens has reopened for the visitors to enjoy. The Victorian country house offers lush gardens, self-catering cottages and a restaurant. There is a playground and a fairy cottage where the little ones can take home fairy doors or packs for building their very own teddy bear.
Click >>here<< or call (053) 942 5331
For something a bit different, The Glenavon Japanese Garden is a wonderful Japanese-themed garden just outside of Gorey. The garden covers one acre and is inspired by the 4 elements and the 4 seasons. It features a gorgeous Japanese pavilion, as well as a craft shop. The gardens are open from 2pm to 5pm on Fridays and Sundays.
© Wexford Garden Trail
Click >>here<< or call (087) 068 6774
Stop and smell the lavender at the wonderful Wexford Lavender Farm. See the beautiful purple hues of the lavender fields, visit the gift shop and recharge in the cafe. Billy the Bull and the Enchanted Woods will be sure to keep the kids entertained too. The Wexford Lavender Farm has also launched an online shop where you can purchase their handmade lavender products. They are open from 10:30am until 5pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
© Wexford Lavender Farm
Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens
Click >>here<< or call (051) 388 109
Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens have reopened their self-catering accommodation, cafe and gardens to delight visitors. The Georgian country manor is popular for its beautiful gardens and you can enjoy lunch in the cafe from noon. The Georgian Tea Room at Kilmokea Country Manor has been named in the top 5 best tea rooms in the world and boasts views across the gardens and the River Barrow. The main house bed and breakfast and dinner facilities will resume on July 20th. The gardens are open daily from 10am until 5pm.
Click >>here<< or call (053) 91 84671
Johnstown Castle is a spectacular 19th century Gothic revival castle that boasts beautiful gardens spread around the lakes. Tour the opulent castle and the agricultural museum to learn about life in the castle during the 19th century. Enjoy the gardens, lake walks and woodland playground which are now open 7 days a week from 9am until 5:30pm.
Click >>here<< or call (053) 94 25555
Let your hair down and have some fun at Pirates Cove in Courtown. There are plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy from adventure golf, bowling and go karts to bumper boats and arcade games. There is also an on-site cafe where you can take a break and have a snack. Activities are priced individually, so be sure to check the Pirates Cove website for pricing and special offers. Pirates Cove is open daily from 11am until 6pm. Subject to government guidelines, the activities in Pirate’s Cove may vary – keep up to date on Pirate’s Cove’ social media to keep up to date on the reopening of some of the activities.
Click >>here<< or call (053) 94 24980
While in Courtown, pay a visit to the adorable seals at Seal Rescue Ireland. Learn about the seals in care at the centre and the organisation’s fantastic conservation efforts. Participate in the centre’s seal feeding and enrichment activities and stop by the on-site gift shop. You can also adopt a seal and donate to the organisation through their website. The centre is open daily from 10am until 6pm. Keep up to date on Seal Rescue Ireland’s social platforms like Facebook for reopening and tour updates.
© Seal Rescue Ireland
Click >>here<< or call (053) 94 21166
If you can’t get enough of cute animals, Kia Ora Mini Farm has plenty of farm animals to see. There are also other activities for visitors to take part in, such as go-karting, football and a maze. Picnics are welcome but there is an on-site coffee shop as well. The farm is open daily from 10am until 5:30pm. Book online on the website www.kiaoraminifarm.ie to ensure you and your little ones can find availability!
Click >>here<< or call 053 9244023
Secret Valley Wildlife Park in Clonroche houses a wide range of animals from monkeys and lemurs to goats and tortoises across a fantastic 14 acre site. The park has an indoor and outdoor play area, as well as a cafe but picnics are also welcome. You can also donate to the park’s emergency fund through their website. Secret Valley Wildlife Park is open daily from 10am until 6pm.
© Secret Valley Wildlife Park
Click >>here<< or call 087 661 2299
For the adventurers, The Irish Experience hosts a plethora of seaside activities such as sea cave kayaking and family-friendly sea kayaking suitable for kids aged 5 and over. Experience the Sunny South East from the sea as you explore the gorgeous beaches and caves along the coastline. The Irish Experience is open daily from 9:30am until 5:30pm.
Check out The Irish Experience on Facebook and keep up to date on their website to avail of bookings and an adventure of a lifetime!
© The Irish Experience
On top of all that, Wexford presents visitors with 250 kilometres of breath-taking coastline and tons of amazing, sandy beaches. You can check out more about our beautiful beaches in Wexford here.
Experience all of the brilliant attractions and activities that Wexford has to offer and
#KeepDiscovering Ireland this year with family as you fall in love with Wexford
It’s time for an unforgettable staycation, which is the best way to make Wexford memories on our Emerald Isle. Discover Ireland and everything our little island has to offer this year and while Ireland feels bigger, take advantage and jump on board a staycation.
Start your adventure in Wexford and explore the sunny south east this year.